Shop Visit: Florijn Home

Shopping—perhaps with a stop for lunch—in tony Wellesley, Massachusetts, has long been a favorite pastime. The charming downtown is chock-full of interesting stores. For design aficionados, the first stop is always Florijn Home, right in the middle of the action on Central Street.

The artfully arranged shop has the air of a contemporary European boutique with its chic mix of materials in wood, glass, and pewter all displayed against an appealing neutral palette. It comes as a surprise that this worldly shop has a local bent, featuring area artists and craftspeople. Currently, Wellesley potter Elizabeth Cohen, Rhode Island artist Robert Pillsbury, and Wellesley floral designer Carol Hudson all have work on display.

Undoubtedly, locals pop into the shop for the requisite hostess gift, since there is a wide range of stylish finds priced just right. Hundreds of candles in a variety of colors and sizes, charming wooden serving pieces, and whimsical decorative objects all make for perfect presents.

Of course, without extreme restraint, you will walk out of the shop with more for yourself than for gifting—and who can blame you?