DEEP ROOTS
One of Philadelphia’s quaintest destinations, Chestnut Hill is a mélange of homey boutiques, hip toy stores and funky little stationery shops. But the recently opened Roots Inc. Urban Nesting has upped the style quotient with a big dose of modernity, carrying everything from trendy home accessories and eco-friendly furniture to handmade jewelry and candles that make for perfect housewarming gifts. On a recent trip we scored a totally comfy and mod Fatboy beanbag chair, a oneof- a-kind piece of jewelry made by celeb favorite Melissa Joy Manning (PICTURED) and a framed picture of South American bugs that’s far cooler than it sounds. 7946 Germantown Ave., Chestnut Hill, 267-385-5753—MARNI PRICHARD MANKO
LIGHT BRIGHT
Reconsidering the lighting logistics of your home? Call the experts at Bulb, a retail shop for contemporary lighting solutions. “Lighting is a key element that gets overlooked,” says Bulb’s Kazan Spratt. Most of the lines found here are imports—Spratt favors Arturo Alvarez’s custom glass works made in Spain and French designer Objet Insolite’s bronze chandeliers and wall sconces (PICTURED)—and Bulb is slowly expanding to include furniture, though Spratt’s carried those Harry Allen piggy banks ever since Bulb’s opening. “They’re my good-luck charm,” he says. 2056 Locust St., 215-732-2224—KRISTIN DETTERLINE-MUNRO
WHAT’S OLD IS NEW
Midcentury modern furniture and housewares are the focus at Shag, the Antique Row shop that specializes in distinctive Brady Bunch-style décor from the ’50s and ’60s. Jennifer Miller, who owns the shop with her husband, Matthew, says entertaining pieces—nesting tables, chipsand- dip trays and cocktail sets—have been the most popular items among her crossgenerational clientele. Vintage cookware is also a favorite, as it’s especially evocative of the times. “People just love Pyrex,” Miller says. 1118 Pine St., 215-627-7424—K.D.M.
MATERIAL GIRL
Former second-grade teacher Carli Orth has turned her passion for sewing—“My grandmother sewed, my mother sewed… it’s in my blood”—into a full-time pursuit with Lyla Designs, a custom handmade accessories shop in Northern Liberties named after her lovable Labrador. Head here to snag made-to-order pillows (PICTURED), wall hangings and even dual-print throws. Just pick a pattern from the rows of fabric for your project, and in about a month you’ll have a cool home accent that you helped create. 1050 N. Hancock St., Suite 90, 267-455-0438—K.D.M.
