Fortunoff is back. Well, sort of. The Fortunoff Backyard Store was launched by execs who had previously overseen the outdoor-furnishings department for the now-defunct retailer. (Though the store bears the Fortunoff name, it is under a new licensing agreement.) And while there are no sapphire stunners or sterling-silver serving pieces to be found this time around, the extensive selection of wicker, cast-aluminum, and teak outdoor tables, chairs, and chaise lounges, plus umbrellas and accessories, is its own thing of beauty.
Fortunoff Backyard Store
2450 Central Ave
Yonkers
(914) 361-1570
fortunoffbys.com
Christie Robb of Bronxville loves beautiful things. And as a talented artist—her multimedia works have been exhibited in galleries and displayed in private homes—she knows them when she sees them. Fortunately for us, after stints curating a privately held collection of Old Master drawings, working for a prominent Manhattan architectural firm, and founding her own successful interior-design firm, she’s launched this lovely shop. There are high-quality collectibles and antique furnishings from the early 20th century and funky, often whimsical contemporary pieces. Artfully displayed on dressed tables and bookcases arranged on the large black-and-white check tile floor are timeless Simon Pearce glassware, distinctive paperweights, sumptuous throws, hand-blown vases and lamps, and versatile metalware pieces. Also offered: residential space-planning as well as color and design consulting.
Urban cottage design
112 Kraft Ave
Bronxville
(914) 337 0077
www.urbancottagedesign.net
Co-owners Dennis Anderson and Lesa Vogliano were still unpacking boxes and hanging art on the walls when we visited their charming new shop, just before we went to press. Bedford House offers new items including furniture designed by Anderson (we covet his supremely comfortable leather sofa, $3,000); antiques, including lovely German leaded water glasses once owned by Vogliano’s aunt ($85); and an interesting mix of consignment items. We loved the shadow box filled with mounted butterflies ($2,485), horse weather vane ($265), and a cowhide ‘chillin’ chair ($925). Most prices range from $5 (for a set of three Champagne glasses on the bargain table) to $3,000; an Indonesian teak dining table is the priciest piece at $8,500. The space itself is as inviting as the merchandise with its original tin ceiling and sky light casting natural light from above.
Bedford House
17 Depot Plz
Bedford Hills
(914) 241-0415
bedfordhouse.com
Necessity really was the mother of invention for a pair of Scarsdale moms, Michele Brettschneider and Alyson Lane. While they were renovating and decorating their own abodes, they discovered a need in the local modern home décor market that they decided to fill with this fresh, new tabletop boutique. “Our focus is on bringing a modern take to anything you need for serving or entertaining,” says Lane. The carefully edited offerings include indoor and outdoor dinnerware and glassware in punchy, sun-soaked hues, plus barware, napkins and napkin rings, placemats, and serving trays by such well-regarded designers as Jars dinnerware, Juliska, and Mary Jurek. Particularly eye-catching is Jonathan Adler’s outdoor dinnerware in a turquoise-blue and chartreuse-green zebra print and the real gold and platinum porcelain serving pieces ($75-$250) by Michael Wainwright. Prices start at $15 for salad servers and currently top out at $400 for a veneered horn serving bowl from Colombia.
A&M Table
1495 Weaver St
Scarsdale
(914) 723-2462
Just in time for BBQ weather—check out this 4,000-square-foot shop that specializes in its own brand of outdoor patio sets in both teak and cast-aluminum. “We are essentially a wholesaler that is going directly to the customer,” says owner Tim Mallon, who also owns a home-goods store in Mohegan Lake. Mallon, who’s been selling outdoor furniture for more than 25 years, calls his grade-A teak patio set (a seven-foot-long table with six chairs) the best deal in the store ($1,695). Also notable: the store’s selection of extension tables ($1,695- $3,000). And though we don’t even want to think about the summer’s end, when the weather does turn cooler come fall, stop in again when the shop’s merchandise features gas fireplaces, pellet stoves, and the like.
THE VILLAGE SHOP
91 E Main Street
Mount Kisco
(914) 864-1998
The brainchild of downsized Wall Streeter Pam Stone of Bedford, this home-goods thrift shop, the proceeds of which go to a host of local charities, including the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester and Neighbors Link, is full of fabulous finds from nearby homes and estates (although they’re expanding). “My philosophy is ‘to benefit,’” says Stone. “We benefit the people who donate, we benefit the people who shop, and we benefit the community.” Of course, you never quite know what you’ll discover here—and that’s a big part of the shop’s charm. We spotted sets of china and gilt wall sconces, a glass-and-wood octagonal coffee table, antique brass lanterns, and a Ralph Lauren club chair.
Prices are very reasonable and currently max out at $6,000 for a six-foot square oil painting by a contemporary Russian artist. Want to make room in your own home for some new treasures? The shop offers free pickups for donated items, including boxes, packing material, and manpower, and tax-deductible receipts are provided.
The Benefit Shop
720 Bedford Rd
Bedford Hills
(914) 864-1919
thebenefitshop.org