Shopping Living Swell in Marblehead

Palecek’s Weston Outdoor Hassocks flank an étagère from Worlds Away.

A pile of plush velvet pillows from Piper Collection is spotted in Living Swell’s front window.

The Napa Lamp by Port 68 and the Kara Vase from Currey & Company adorn Classic Home’s Larson Reclaimed Pine Cabinet.

Glossy trim painted Benjamin Moore Newburyport Blue welcomes passersby to Living Swell at 154 Washington Street in Marblehead.

Palecek’s Eucalyptus Leaf linear brass chandelier and a vintage circa-1920 smoked mirror lend drama to a room staged as a dining space.

Living Swell owner and interior designer Diana James.

In the heart of Old Town Marblehead, Massachusetts, where buildings date back to the 1800s and charming brick sidewalks are the norm, Living Swell welcomes shoppers with cheerful striped awnings and enticing window displays.

What began as a small design studio has evolved over the past ten years into a full-blown decorating resource. The boutique has everything a design-obsessed customer could want, from grab-and-go hostess gifts and tabletop pieces to custom furnishings and wall decor. The vibe is decidedly coastal chic, and owner Diana James stocks her shop with treasures she’s sourced near and far. But there’s a common theme: “The Living Swell brand reflects an easygoing elegance,” says James. “It’s thought-out to the point that it feels very naturalyet well-considered.”

James’s foray into design began in the hospitality industry, where the former restaurateur collaborated with renowned restaurant designer Peter Niemitz. Niemitz recognized her passion for interiors and encouraged James to launch her own business. Initially, James opened a studio in Boston but soon realized she should focus her efforts on Marblehead to be closer to her family.

Though passionate about all things design, James has a special place in her heart for lighting. “I think lighting is so underrated and unrecognized for its importance in a space,” she says. “You can change a whole room with the lighting. I don’t even mean just the quality of that light, but the finishes, the style.” At Living Swell, homeowners can shop fixtures from brands like Currey & Company, Hudson Valley Lighting, and Jamie Young Co.

As the shop toasts ten years, James is expanding her educational programming and product offerings this spring. She wants to inspire homeowners to get creative and have fun decorating their homes. With wallpapers, fabrics, and furnishings all under one roof, customers can make selections while getting tips from the team. Workshops on floral design, entertaining, and decorating are also in the works.

This multidisciplinary approach speaks to the laid-back refinement James hopes will spill over from her boutique to her clients’ homes. “When things are beautiful, well-made, and elegant, they work together,” she says. “You don’t even have to think about it because it just feels right.” And who wouldn’t want that in their home?

Living Swell, Marblehead, Mass., livingswell.com