Penhollows, a gift and home accessories boutique that opened in October 2007, has added furniture to its offerings. The owners of the
Shadyside shop took over the next-door storefront, which was vacant after being occupied for 30 years by a florist, and turned it into what they're branding a "Design Center."
The Design Center, which opened mid-September at 244a S. Highland Ave., has a small but chic selection of sofas, chairs, tables, rugs, lighting and more from vendors including Lee Industries, Duralee Fabrics & Furniture, Dash & Albert, Merida Meridian and Visual Comfort. The shop, which offers individualized consultations, features new merchandise, as well as vintage pieces from estate sales and auctions. Coming soon is a second-floor area with antiquarian books, rare prints and collectable china. The feel of the Design Center and the original Penhollows location next-door is "very New England with a bold stroke of New York," according to its owners.
The Design Center is operated by Anna Klahr, a Pittsburgh native who's back after 12 years of interior design experience in New York City.
"This part of Shadyside is shockingly different than when I left," says Klahr, who now resides in the neighborhood. "If feels more like Brooklyn or Manhattan. You can park your car once, and walk everywhere you'd want or need to be."
Klahr and Penhollows owner Roger Guzik say Highland Avenue could be considered Shadyside's home furnishing district, where Walnut Street's focus is fashion. Penhollows' neighbors include Weisshouse, which has long offered contemporary interiors; River House Antiques for eclectic finds; Arhaus for a variety of classic furniture and accessories; Shaherazad for antique and old oriental rugs and textiles; and, just down the street and around the corner on Penn Circle, Le Tapisseur for designer fabrics and trims.
Writer: Caralyn Green
Sources: Anna Klahr and Roger Guzik, Penhollows
Photograph courtesy of Penhollows