A 12 months in the past, Alexander Widener stop his job to maneuver to Maine and observe an unlikely dream: to open an antiques store.
And it labored: Alexander’s store and visitor cottage, Widener Firm, is the discuss of New England and past, thanks partially to Alexander’s wild Instagram following. (Maybe you caught his “Tremendous Bowl” video final weekend—on, sure, bowls.)
Earlier than shopkeeper life within the small village of Wiscasset, Alexander labored within the textile world for the likes of Matouk, Sister Parish textiles, and Samuel & Sons—however he says his penchant for gathering and love of interiors goes again even additional, to his childhood in Pennsylvania, At the moment he writes in from Maine, the place he lives together with his husband, Bradly, and canine, Rudy, to share the sheets he harbors a “deep obsession” for, the film condo he desires to maneuver into, and extra:
Pictures by Ari Kellerman, courtesy of Alexander Widener.
What’s in your bedside desk?
A classic Laura Ashley lamp with a silk pleated lampshade, a glass of water I forgot to drink, my crimson gentle remedy masks, kindle, and a silver-framed image of my canine.
What’s a movie or TV present whose aesthetic has caught with you?
If I may stay inside Kathleen Kelly’s Higher West Aspect condo from You’ve Acquired Mail, I might do it right away. In a single scene, you’ll be able to see some octagonal John Derian plates, and I don’t know if I ought to be embarrassed to say this, however I tracked down comparable ones from the ’90s on eBay and have them right here at residence.
My favourite sheets are…
I’ve a deep obsession with the French model D. Porthault. Clearly, they’re out of finances, however I’ve been fortunate to search out some classic items, and I treasure them like nothing else. They’re so smooth and are available so many cheerful prints. The previous ones had been fully stitched by hand and final eternally.
My favourite paint colour for the bed room is…
The decorator Sister Parish at all times lined her lampshades in pink silk as a result of she thought the sunshine was extra flattering that approach. Ever since I heard that, I’ve wished to have a pink bed room (perhaps sometime I’ll… ). I believe Pink Floor by Farrow & Ball can be the proper shade.
My unpopular design opinion is…
…that second-hand furnishings is at all times higher. The development, supplies, and high quality are ten instances greater than what you will get right this moment for a fraction of the worth.
Your design pet peeve?
Whereas I actually suppose individuals ought to enhance their areas in a approach that makes them really feel blissful, for me, I’ll by no means get behind artificial supplies. My worst nightmare is a polyester curtain, a laminate wooden ground, or a faux-brass faucet. I’m drawn to supplies that present the hand of the one who made them and indicators of age over time. I’d a lot quite have an previous, soiled wool rug with holes in it than a plastic rug that may go within the washer.
My go-to kitchen utensil is…
My good friend and neighbor, Eric of Village Handcraft, makes probably the most stunning hand-carved spoons. I by no means cook dinner dinner with out one!
Favourite design store to go to (on-line or in particular person)?
I stop my job final 12 months and moved to Maine to open my very own interiors store, so I really feel like I’ve to say Widener Firm. We have now a mixture of antiques and new handmade objects for the house. It’s been my greatest pleasure bringing it to life. It’s the sort of retailer I at all times dreamed of purchasing at.
Thanks a lot, Alexander! You may observe his work @alexander_widener and widenercompany.com—or cease in when you’re passing via Wiscasset.
(Visited 11 instances, 11 visits right this moment)
