Welcome to the city of brotherly love! In a new series, sponsored by The Shade Store, which recently opened its latest showroom at 1725 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, EAL is pulling back the curtain on design in markets across the country. Designer Carrie Leskowitz of Carrie Leskowitz Interiors kicks it off, sharing a glimpse into the city's design scene.
Leskowitz's interior work
Describe Philadelphia’s design scene.
Design in Philadelphia is in transition. Our marketplace is closing and showrooms have left the city or are moving to temporary spaces in order to regroup. With Kravet leading the way, I have no doubt showrooms will come back together; bigger and stronger than ever. We are the fifth largest city. And building, especially in the city, is booming! We don't have the unity that New York has in terms of coming together for events and fundraisers, which is why I love coming to New York so much.
Where do you shop and source products?
I have a few go-to stores that I love depending on the project I am working in. 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.
Cella Luxuria
A trip to John Pomp Studios, a glass-maker and artisan, is high on my list too. 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.
The new Shade Store outpost in 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.
How do clients find you?
Philly, like any place, 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?
The one thing Philly does have is 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? 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 loveMountain 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