Butterfield [Providence]
Over the weekend, we visited historical downtown Providence, RI and bumped into "Butterfield, a beautiful design store blending vintage reproductions with modern furnishings. It's an eclectic, tasteful arrangement of all things beautiful.
Snobs? Not here. Two bright + friendly associates assisted us, sharing the story of Butterfield, raving over their products, showing us the John Derian collection, talking about Mitchell Gold furnishings with such enthusiasm that you felt inclined to purchase a sofa whether you needed one or not. It was great meeting a sales team that didn't display attitude - but a friendly energy with an eagerness to please instead. What a refreshing change from the usual snobs you meet in upscale retail stores.
Butterfield is a design haven; it boasts lovely home decor items and furnishings amidst soaring ceilings, wood floors, brick exposure, and great music. The Burgess building, where they're located, is the oldest surviving building on Westminster Street and was constructed in 1870, designed by architect George Waterman Cady. Butterfield is newly hatched, it opened in December '05, so you can't shop on their website yet, but if you plan to visit Providence, visit them -- you won't be able to restrain yourself from purchasing something lovely. My husband picked up a product from their men's line, "Anthony Logistics ", and I grabbed some pretty matches with red coral on them from Homart ($3.50) and a package of file folders from Cavallini + Co ($13.50).
From now until 2/14, they're having a delightful sale. Take 20% off all in-stock Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams furniture. Assorted gifts are also 10-20% off, like their John Derien collection (-10%). If you like the Cavallini + Co. folders, I'm sure you can contact the store directly to purchase. If not, check out Cavallini + Co. online for retail locations in your area.
Great store, exceptionally nice staff, and beautiful items. Shopping is like Butter....at Butterfields.
(Photos: TOP: Butterfield logo. Below: Cavallini + Co. birds with blue background (the folders I purchased.) + the Butterfield retail store interior.)
