Lest anyone think that New England style is stuffy and conservative, Rhode Island designer and shop owner Tyler Doran turns that idea on its head, creating spaces that smack of a quirky gentleman's club and beg us to plop down with a fat cigar and start planning a round-the-world expedition (or at least a really good party).
Both Doran's shop, Heir, and his Providence home mix sophistication with a sense of humor by pairing high-end antiques with one-of-a-kind folk objects, contemporary art and other well-selected "covetable goods." Though his style is far from minimal his collections of museum quality oddities are carefully curated and displayed sparsely to make a big impact without overwhelming their surroundings.
If you can't make it to Heir in person — though it's more than worth a day trip to Providence — check out the storefront on First Dibs and the online shop (Tyler suggests playing the Pixies in the background and it's practically the same as being there).
Images: 1,6-7: Sarah Rainwater; 2-5, 8-9: Heir Antiques
MORE TYLER DORAN:
• Heir Antiques
• Sneak Peek: Tyler Doran on design*sponge
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Comments (5)
Dear Sarah,
I mostly like your posts- you always pick interesting things. But as a native RI resident, I'm getting tired of the odd tone in every post which is like, "did you think that New England sucks? Well guess again!" "Here is an idea from CA, do you think we New Englanders could handle this?!"
New England isn't some provincial backwater dude. We don't all weave Shaker baskets by hand and live in a cabin in Vermont with no running water. Some relatively progressive stuff goes down in lil' Rhody (and some less so, I know).
Living far from home I'm on board with your post content, completely and utterly and I always want to see what's new at home, but....could you please stop sticking up for New England by bashing it it first, or implying that other people think it sucks?
Sincerely,
A Rhode Islander in exile
What, specifically, is the paint color of the gray beadboard in the first picture? I love, love, LOVE it!
This shop is one of my favorite places to just go walk around in. It always is so interesting and eclectic but cohesive! Also - Providence especially is progressive with a capitol P. Here here RIer in exile!
@e6 If you read through my posts, you'll see that I give LOTS of love to Rhode Island and its amazing designers, artists, craftspeople, businesses and history. Having lived in the smallest state for most of my life though, I think it's safe to say that we Rhode Islanders are actually somewhat proud of our inferiority complex (check out this RI commercial from 1982 if you don't believe me). It's just part of who we are, and deep down we know, just like you, that bigger isn't necessarily better.
Aw, back when Mark Patinkin was relevant.