Ambra Medda, founder, L’ArcoBaleno
All sorts of experiments—with wood carving, masonry, welding, and jewelry-making—are happening at the Chen Chen & Kai Williams studio in Greenpoint. The work is raw and exudes confidence. Chen-williams.com.
The paint color Lamp Room Gray from Farrow & Ball could be used on just about any surface, in any part of the world, and look spectacular. Blackened is a wonderful neutral, as is Elephant’s Breath. 112 Mercer St., nr. Spring St.; 212-334-8330.
1950 Gallery specializes in rare pieces by George Nakashima, Charlotte Perriand, and Jean Prouvé. Owner and space director Alberto Aquilino has a story to tell about each object and is happy to discuss the make and provenance of his pieces. 631 W. 27th St., nr. Twelfth Ave.; 212-995-1950.
Housed in a forties cinema in Queens, Johnson Trading Gallery showcases collectible pieces from young and emerging designers, including Rafael de Cárdenas, Max Lamb, and Kwangho Lee. Don’t forget to secure an appointment before making the trek. 47-42 43rd St., Woodside; 212-925-1110.
The Cristina Grajales Gallery exudes charisma. Cristina shows a nice mix of international designers, both emerging and more established, such as Sam Baron, Christophe Côme, Michele Oka Doner, and Hechizoo Textiles.10 Greene St., nr. Canal St., fourth fl.; 212-219-9941.
Kim Hostler and Juliet Burrows have been presenting the best Nordic design since the late nineties and consistently promote work from pioneering Scandinavian designers. I especially love Hostler Burrows’s furniture pieces by Josef Frank and Finn Juhl, and their Berndt Friberg ceramics. 51 E. 10th St., nr. Broadway; 212-343-0471.
Stephen Burks, founder, Readymade Projects
Sherry Jo Williams is an old-school New Yorker who relocated to Hudson to co-found Culture + Commerce Project. She curates a mixed bag of artists, woodworkers, and designers. 428 Warren St., nr. N. 4th St., Hudson, N.Y.; 518-828-9219.
I’m not a chef, but I find Joanne Hendricks, Cookbooks extremely intriguing. The tiny one-room shop is stocked with rare menus. She has food-related limited editions by artists like Roy Lichtenstein, and I once found a Chanterelle menu designed by Matthew Barney. 488 Greenwich St., nr. Canal St.; 212-226-5731.
The always-inspiring artist-in-residence program at the Studio Museum in Harlem is a must-see. The bookstore has a fantastic assortment of books on African-American artists, plus great gift items. 144 W. 125th St., nr. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.; 212-864-4500.
I’m a huge fan of Jack Shainman Gallery in Chelsea for its consistent representation of some of my favorite artists, including Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, Zwelethu Mthethwa, and El Anatsui. 513 W. 20th St., nr. Tenth Ave.; 212-645-1701.
Nuthouse Hardware is open 24 hours a day, which is rare. It’s saved our studio during all-nighters when there was something we just had to have. 202 E. 29th St., nr. Third Ave.; 212-545-1447.
Chris Pellettieri, the artist-in-residence at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine, is the best stone artisan in New York. He’s worked wonders for me. The man can make anything in stone by hand. 114 Morningside Dr., nr. 121st St.; 646-229-6418.
When I visited Shibui with a friend, we were in awe of the proprietor’s encyclopedic knowledge of collectibles. He has the largest selection of Japanese antiques I have encountered outside of Japan. 306 Water St., nr. Hudson Ave., Vinegar Hill; 718-875-1119.
Grace Bonney, founder, Design Sponge
I recently splurged on bedding from ABC Carpet & Home and haven’t regretted it once. The selection is pretty high end, but it’s exceptionally curated and everything is so well made. 888 Broadway, at 19th St.; 212-473-3000.
When I have overnight guests, I usually stop by Brook Farm General Store for storage baskets and to grab an extra throw to make friends feel at home. 75 S. 6th St., nr. Berry St., Williamsburg; 718-388-8642.
Canvas has simple tabletop goods—like the porcelain bowls I just bought—that I know will be in style for years to come. 123 W. 17th St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-372-7706.
I’m obsessed with West Elm Market. It’s such a great spin on West Elm’s existing brand, and it has a good selection of household cleaners. If you need an affordable gift for tough-to-shop-for friends, go there. 50 Washington St., nr. Water St., Dumbo; 718-522-3498.
All my basics come from Moon River Chattel: towels, bedding, soap, whatever. When I walk into the shop, I feel like I’m entering the country home of my dreams. 62 Grand St., nr. Wythe Ave., Williamsburg; 718-388-1121.
Fishs Eddy’s mix-and-match vintage selection recently expanded, and it’s absolute perfection. I love experimenting with an assortment of dishes, so this shop is right up my alley. 889 Broadway, at 19th; 212-420-9020.
I’ve used Lore Decorators for years for all my upholstery projects. They do rush work, which I love, and they pick up and drop off in Brooklyn. 204 E. 120th St., nr. Third Ave.; 212-534-1025.
Meg Sharpe, principal, Meg Sharpe Interiors
Flair is one of the only vintage shops where I inevitably buy pieces for myself when I should be shopping for clients. I’ve found a pair of thirties bronze cobra lamps from Paris and a beautiful, polished-nickel, open-slatted console table. 88 Grand St., nr. Greene St.; 212-274-1750.
The collections of drawings and engravings at Bonhams make it one of the more unexpected auction houses I’ve stumbled upon. 580 Madison Ave., nr. 56th St.; 212-644-9001.
The inventory at Sacco Carpet includes hand-knotted wool rugs, the finest silk carpets, kilims, and sisals. The artisans’ skills really come through in the highly detailed work. 520 Broadway., nr. Spring St., sixth fl.; 212-226-4344.
ABC Stone is a terrific resource for everything from dramatic marble to travertine to veined onyx. Looking at the stone slabs here is like going to a museum. 234 Banker St., at Meserole Ave., Greenpoint; 718-389-8360.
Aside from its iconic Lumiere chandelier, Jean de Merry produces the most beautiful mirrors I have ever seen. They truly make a statement. 979 Third Ave., nr. 58th St., No. 818; 212-715-0646 (to the trade only).
Exquisite Surfaces stocks beautiful aged wood from around the world. The antique planks are magical, but everything the shop produces in-house is noteworthy. 150 E. 58th St., nr. Third Ave., ninth fl.; 212-355-7990.
Antony Todd offers a refined assortment of pieces from around the world that blend seamlessly into any space. When I purchase something from him, I know I won’t find anything similar in anyone else’s collection. 44 E. 11th St., nr. University Pl.; 212-529-3252.
Frederick Bouchardy, founder, Joya; co-founder, Elements
Inventory, a shop affiliated with the magazine of the same name, is tucked away on Extra Place, just north of Houston. The boutique is a refreshing exercise in minimalism. 12 Extra Pl., nr. 1st St.; 212-420-8900.
When I visit my folks uptown, I hit the Store at Museum of Arts and Design (2 Columbus Cir., nr. Broadway; 212-299-7700), then, on my way home, the New Museum Store (235 Bowery, nr. Prince St.; 212-343-0460). These shops are as inspiring as the museums themselves.
For floral design, check out Brooklyn-based Fox Fodder Farm. The owner, Taylor Patterson, is delightful, and the style is easy and slightly imperfect, with a lot of character. Foxfodderfarm.com.
Every once in a while, I book a Zipcar and drive a few hours upstate to Bottle Shop Antiques. It carries vintage perfume bottles, milk jugs, and old talc tins, not to mention tools, doorknobs, and hooks. 2552 Rte. 44, Millbrook, N.Y.; 845-677-3638.
Joe Masibay, the proprietor of Breadbox Studio, is a genius when it comes to 3-D printing and toy development. His work is on display in the studio so visitors can get a taste of both product and process. 1844 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., nr. 112th St.; 917-698-7807.
For plates, bowls, and mugs, I turn to my longtime friend and collaborator Sarah Cihat. You really have to touch her work with your own hands to understand how magical it is. This fall she launches a new collection of porcelain dinnerware. Sarahcihat.com.
For interior design and architecture, I’m loyal to Alex Miller of Taylor and Miller. His work is clean, practical, and never overdesigned. It doesn’t scream to get your attention. 233 Franklin St., nr. Eagle St., Apt. 205, Greenpoint; 617-966-8540.