Q. I want to buy the best... just so I can look down on it. Any suggestions?
A. It’s important that your tootsies walk on surfaces of only the highest
quality. Best Tile Wexford (11040 Perry Highway, Wexford, 724/935-6965, www.besttile.com)
is part of the national Best Tile company, the largest importer of tile in the
eastern United States. Tiles with natural colors and finishes are most popular
now, and Best Tile’s website allows visitors to see how a particular tile
might look in various settings.
O’Bannon Oriental Carpets (5666 Northumberland St., Squirrel Hill, 412/422-0300,
www.obannonrugs.com) features one-of-a-kind carpets handmade in Turkey using
brightly colored vegetable dyes. O’Bannon also does cleaning, repairing
and appraising.
Q. I’ve heard that nothing’s better
than glass when you want
to add
class. Any ideas?
A. Williams Stained Glass Studio (1115 Castle Shannon Blvd., Castle Shannon,
412/344-0220, www.williamsstainedglass.com) has creates custom stained-, beveled-
and etched-glass creations. The showroom displays many examples, including works
for windows, doors and cabinets, and gift items such as lamps and accessories.
Its artisans can replicate existing stained-glass windows, and can repair and
restore existing pieces.
Q. Where can I find design help, and stylish pieces to sit in, lie on and put
my drawers into?
A. We are fortunate to live in an area that provides us with several sources
for outstanding goods and services. Truth be told, there is nothing but a bunch
of weissguys at Weisshouse (5511 Walnut St., 324 S. Highland Ave., both in Shadyside,
877/934-7746, www.weisshouse.com). Weisshouse is a family operation that sells
top-quality furniture that is classic, cozy and funky, and is the area’s
exclusive dealer for several famous lines. The unique pieces range from clean
and modern to exotic and ornamental, and the store also features rugs, carpets
and flooring, window treatments, fabric, wallpaper, tableware and an eclectic
variety of accessories.
Arthur Moser (5853 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill, 412/421-2800, www.arthurmoser.com)
has been decorating some of the area’s finest homes and apartments
since 1939. The “Moser look” includes design services to create custom
carpets, wall coverings, window treatments, upholstery, bedspreads and slipcovers
for a sophisticated look. Moser carries many of the nation’s top manufacturers,
purchasing directly to avoid middleman costs.
Levin Furniture (800/826-6001, www.levinfurniture.com) has several locations
throughout the region. Customers who haven’t visited Levin recently will
be surprised at the greatly increased selection, including accessories and art,
and designer lines including Chris Madden and Alexander Julian. The stores are
shopper-friendly, with room settings that help customers see how all the elements
work together. Don’t miss the entertainment, home-office and youth-furniture
departments. The bedding department features Swedish foam mattresses.
Artistry (2613 Smallman St., Strip District, 412/765-2522) features old mesquite-door
tables (dining, coffee and sofa); upholstered furniture; iron beds, tables and
baker’s racks; Southwestern furnishings and accessories; wall decor; lamps,
rugs and decorative accessories; and gifts and accent furniture.
Walk into the new location of Bella Casa Interior Design Studio (2526 Mosside
Blvd., Monroeville, 412/823-6330) and an interior designer will help you choose
furniture, accessories, wall coverings, window treatments, lighting, bed coverings
and more, all to fit the look you’re trying to achieve. Bella Casa offers
a complete design service, and works with painters, muralists and other professionals
to ensure quality and a cohesive style.
Cheers Antiques and Interiors (436 Beaver St., Sewickley, 412/741-9530, www.cheersgifts.com)
offers unique gifts, home accessories, antiques and painted furniture. Tabletop
collections are from such designers as Portmeiron, Julia Junkin, Vietri and Bionda
Bruna (both handmade in Italy), Lace In Stone, Peggy Karr Glass, Bridgewater
and Nicholas Mosse Pottery. It also features bedding and linens from Pine Cone
Hill, St. Remy and Traditions by Pamela Kline, as well as rugs by Claire Murray
and Peel & Co.
Contemporary Concepts (Duncan Manor Shopping Center, Allison Park, 800/785-4438;
634 Beulah Road, Churchill, 800/285-8594, www.contemporaryconcepts.com) is known
for style and fun in gifts, gourmet kitchenware, accessories and tableware including
china, crystal, metalware and flatware. The names range from classics like Lenox
and Waterford to ultracontemporary lines like Lindt Stymeist and Riverside Design.
The store also boasts the largest independent bridal registry in the area.
Decorating Details (412/661-1504, www.decoratingdetails.com) provides on-site
(in your home or office) design of custom draperies and sheers, all sorts of
blinds, shades and top treatments, and accessories like bedspreads, pillows,
headboards, table coverings and window-seat and bolster cushions.
Meadeworth Interiors (11 Penn Circle West, East Liberty, 412/441-2484) is just
across from Whole Foods and part of the burgeoning arts and design district that
surrounds Penn Circle near Highland Avenue as well as part of Highland Avenue
itself. Meadeworth carries moderate- to high-priced lighting (including chandeliers),
accessories and furniture. The store features traditional styles from England,
France, Italy and America, and has a huge selection of fabrics.
Q. Can I walk through one door and find all I need, including the kitchen sink?
A. Many of the places listed above have items for almost every room. But to include
that sink, visit Maggie’s Showroom (3328 Washington Road/Route 19, McMurray,
724/969-0380, www.maggiesshowroom.com). Maggie’s has kitchens, baths, floors,
doors and windows, interior design, lighting and accessories. Each division is
staffed by experts in that particular area, and the on-staff interior designers
help pull it all together. Maggie’s uses its own in-house installers, painters
and electricians. The Finishing Touches Boutique has accents for every room in
the home.
Q. How can I relax after a long day of making my home beautiful?
A. Improving your home is always fun and never, ever stressful. Sure. The Sewickley
Spa (412/741-4240, www.sewickleyspa.com) has three stress-squelching locations:
Sewickley, 337 Beaver St.; Ligonier, 112 N. Market St.; and Wisp Resort in Deep
Creek, Md. Another one is coming soon to the South Hills. Each is known for its
tranquil ambience and its wide variety of offerings, including Swedish massage,
hot stone massage, hot stone pedicures and aromatherapy facials.
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