I had the pleasure of first meeting Dabney McAvoy in 2004 when we were both appointed design leads for Target’s launch of the Vintage Modern Thomas O’Brien collection. Our first conversation began over lunch following the kick-off meeting in New York, and despite being the target of Dabney’s sharp wit and playful banter that day, we have remained close friends ever since.
McAvoy‘s desire to open her own shop was born from years designing for large brand-names. She began her career with Tommy Hilfiger, and evolved to include Esprit, Eddie Bauer, Macy’s and Target. Free from the limitations of mass retail, she can now, “Show things in a natural setting more like the way people really live, instead of lined up on shelves in planagrams.”
McAvoy opened her shop in an old home in Great Barrington, Massachusetts last November, saying, “The space helps interpret how to make a house a home.” There she offers old and new, interesting and unusual, giving inspiring direction on how they can work in one’s home. Her goal is to provide a destination for unique bed and bath, tabletop, furniture and lighting, with future plans for additional textiles for lampshades, upholstery and pillows.
Her self-described “curation” of the shop is really about story telling. Mixing modern and traditional styles, she considers the design and quality of each individual item. “The real work happens in the shop when things get moved around.”
Inspiration for McAvoy comes in part from her european travels, vintage textiles and furniture. She also cites designer Axel Vervoordt as an, “Expert at mixing old and new.” (www.axel-vervoordt.com)
I must confess, her last apartment in Minneapolis has been my inspiration for many elements of my own home. She has graciously allowed me to post a few photos (above).
Dabney McAvoy Home
635 South Main Street, Great Barrington; 413.528.3600
Winter Hours: Friday - Sunday noon - 5 p.m.
Alan Pepin / Creative Director
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