We’re open in the city of brotherly love! What’s the Philadelphia design scene like? We reached out to local designer Carrie Leskowitz of Carrie Leskowitz Interiors. She gives us a glimpse into the city’s design scene, her favorite places to shop and a few good places to grab lunch.
Recent work by Carrie Leskowitz Interiors
Living room by Carrie Leskowitz Interiors.
“Design in Philadelphia is in transition,” shares Leskowitz. While the city’s design Marketplace is closing and certain showrooms have either left or are moving to temporary spaces, other brands, like The Shade Store and Kravet, are expanding their influence in the city, and new products and inspirations are on the rise in the region. “I have no doubt showrooms will come back together bigger and stronger than ever,” explains Leskowitz. “We are the fifth largest city, and building, especially in the city, is booming!”
Where do you shop and source products?
Philadelphia is replete with new and established design shops, if one knows where to look. Leskowitz shares her recommendations for the city’s top spots: “I have a few go-to stores that I love depending on the project I am working on. Cella Luxuria runs the gamut from industrial to modern. Usona has gorgeous contemporary styling and beautiful glass. Mid Century Furniture Warehouse can be a hit-or-miss treasure hunt. Dwelling has a great selection of well-priced furniture in all categories. Moderne Gallery has the most extensive selection of Nakashima and Minima carries some of the top contemporary designs of today, both located in historic Old City,” says the designer.
Cella Luxuria
A trip to John Pomp Studios, a glass-maker and artisan located in the city’s hip Fishtown neighborhood, is also high on her list. And with Philadelphia’s recently opened Shade Store showroom, the offerings for window treatments, shades, blinds and drapery in the area have certainly improved. “I have used The Shade Store’s products, most recently in a New Jersey beach home, which is not quite done: I did all the downstairs windows in woven wood shades, Duneville, color 1,” recommends Leskowitz.
The Shade Store Philadelphia
Inside The Shade Store Philadelphia
“Outside the city, Eddie from Best of France has the most exciting, constantly changing inventory of European antique furniture and lighting on a fabulous piece of property in Doylestown,” she says.
How do clients find you?
“Philly, like any place,” says the designer, “has its fair share of those who appreciate good design and are willing to pay the professionals to capture their design voice, avoid costly mistakes or learn about the new bells and whistles in the marketplace. Word of mouth is the only advertising that really seems to make an impact.”
Where do you take clients out to lunch in Philadelphia?
Beyond its design scene, Philadelphia is renowned for its culinary prowess. “Philly does have a great dining scene. There always seems to be another superb restaurant opening. My go-to’s with clients in the city are Parc Restaurant Bistro & Cafe and Rouge on Rittenhouse Square, and my absolute favorite is Talula’s Garden.”
Parc Restaurant Bistro & Cafe
What regional magazines do you read?
“What don’t I read?” jokes the designer. “My monthly national musts: Elle Decor, AD, Veranda, New York Spaces, Luxe (any city), Interiors. I have taken up reading Florida Design because I am working there as well. I love Mountain Living because I have been going out West my whole life, and the look resonates with me. Any of Niche Media‘s magazines pique my interest: Philly Style, ASPEN Peak, Hamptons, Ocean Drive. I never met a design magazine I didn’t like!”
Carrie Leskowitz
The Shade Store’s new showroom in Philadelphia is located at 1725 Chestnut Street and is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Sundays from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
The Shade Store is hosting a grand opening for its Philadelphia location on October 1. All are welcome to attend. Please RSVP to rsvp@theshadestore.com.