Best of Boston Home 2026
Boston Home
Cue the applause—this year’s Best of Boston Home honorees represent the pinnacle of creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation in our region’s design community.
Hacin, Best Architect, General Excellence / Photo by Chris Cooper
This article is from the winter 2026 issue of Boston Home.
From visionary architects to meticulous builders, inspired designers, and standout shops, these are the names shaping how Boston lives beautifully. Each year, our team dives deep—researching, visiting, and debating every detail—to uncover the very best. It’s a monumental effort, and one we take immense pride in, because the results are nothing short of extraordinary.
Daher Interior Design, Best Interior Designer, Traditional / Photo by Michael J. Lee
Architects & Designers
Architect, General Excellence
Hacin
Founded by David Hacin, this award-winning Boston firm has become synonymous with contemporary design that balances innovation with timelessness. With a multidisciplinary team handling everything from ground-up residences to interiors, Hacin’s projects reflect both a deep understanding of context and a strong narrative thread. From sleek Back Bay townhouses to modern coastal retreats to well-preserved historic icons, each home elevates everyday living into something extraordinary.
hacin.com.
Architect, Traditional
Meyer & Meyer Architects
For more than three decades, John Meyer and Laura Meyer have set the standard for timeless residential architecture in New England. As coprincipals of Meyer & Meyer, they balance restoration and new construction with equal finesse. The firm is known for its classical proportions, craftsmanship, and enduring elegance. Whether revitalizing a historic estate or designing a new home rooted in tradition, its work blends respect for history with comfort and livability.
meyerandmeyerarchitects.com.
Stern McCafferty Architecture + Interiors, Best Architect, Contemporary / Photo by Nat Rea
Architect, Contemporary
Stern McCafferty Architecture + Interiors
Led by David Stern, this Boston-based firm is known for its bold yet restrained modernism—clean lines, sculptural volumes, and masterful use of light and shadow. Each residence is carefully attuned to its site, unfolding with quiet drama in spaces that balance rigor with warmth. From oceanfront retreats to wooded enclaves, Stern McCafferty’s architecture embodies clarity and refinement. Diane McCafferty, meanwhile, extends the vision indoors, heading up the firm’s interiors practice.
sternmccafferty.com.
Architect, Transitional
Blue Hour Design
Founded by RISD-trained principals John Day and Kyle Sheffield, close friends who’ve worked together for decades, Blue Hour Design lives up to its name—the magical moment at dawn or dusk when architecture and interiors coalesce into clarity. Rooted in richly collaborative design, the Boston studio integrates both disciplines in-house, resulting in homes that feel sculpted and soulful. From unexpected additions to thoughtful whole-home projects, the firm creates spaces that are equally grounded and poetic.
bluehourdesign.com.
Architect, New England Vernacular
Patrick Ahearn Architect
Over the course of four decades, Patrick Ahearn has defined the very language of New England vernacular design. His portfolio ranges from shingle-style retreats on Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod to clapboard Colonials in Boston’s most distinguished suburbs, each one rooted in proportion, craftsmanship, and a sense of place. Just as adept at transformative renovations as he is at ground-up design, Ahearn’s signature has become so sought-after that his work now extends well beyond the region.
patrickahearn.com.
Dan Gordon Landscape Architects, Best Landscape Architect / Photo by Chris Ruckinski
Landscape Architect
Dan Gordon Landscape Architects
Dan Gordon and his team don’t just design landscapes—they compose living environments. Their designs range from sprawling seaside properties and rustic, tucked-away residences to intimate city courtyards and rooftop sanctuaries overlooking the Boston Public Garden. Hallmarks of the firm’s work include finely detailed stonework, inventive planting schemes, and a knack for making outdoor spaces feel like natural extensions of the home. Each project reflects a studied balance of beauty and function, offering homeowners places to gather, retreat, and savor the seasons.
dangordon.com.
Interior Designer, General Excellence
Elms Interior Design
With an eye that spans continents and a taste for the unexpected, Dee Elms transforms homes into deeply personal statements of style. She and her team take a bespoke approach to every commission, casting a wide net to source distinctive furnishings, finishes, and art to craft spaces that are as personal as they are polished. Clients seek her out for her ability to balance bold statements with refined restraint—whether that means pairing custom upholstery with vintage finds or commissioning site-specific artwork. In demand for projects ranging from sleek city residences to sprawling suburban homes, Elms delivers interiors that exude sophistication while remaining deeply livable.
elmsid.com.
Interior Designer, Transitional
LeBlanc Design
Tiffany LeBlanc has mastered the delicate art of transitional design—spaces that bridge the warmth of tradition with the clarity of contemporary living. At her Boston-based studio, every project begins with a focus on proportion and flow, then builds toward rooms that feel serene yet richly layered. Clean-lined furnishings mingle with classic detailing, soft palettes are enlivened by texture, and subtle moments of color provide lift. The effect is homes that feel timeless and composed, tailored to clients’ lifestyles while remaining gracefully adaptable to the future.
leblancdesign.com.
Interior Designer, Traditional
Daher Interior Design
Paula Daher has long been admired for interiors that marry classic elegance with thoughtful detail. At her namesake firm, she crafts spaces rooted in tradition yet refreshed with a worldly eye—whether restoring the grace of a historic estate, refining a city high rise, or creating a coastal retreat. Signature touches might include finely proportioned millwork, tailored furnishings, and distinctive pieces sourced from artisans around the globe. Her son Clayton now works alongside her, as the firm expands its reach with a new studio and shop in Kennebunkport, Maine. The result: enduring interiors with refinement and soul.
daherinteriordesign.com.
Reider + Co., Best Interior Designer, Contemporary / Photo by Sean Litchfield
Interior Designer, Contemporary
Reider + Co.
Founded by Rachel Reider, Reider + Co. approaches contemporary design with clarity and confidence, producing interiors that are sleek yet layered with personality. Reider is known for her fearless use of color and texture—vivid hues, tactile textiles, and unexpected finishes infuse warmth and individuality into otherwise crisp spaces. While her residential projects range from historic homes to modern new builds, she is equally acclaimed for her boutique hotel designs, where she applies the same balance of boldness and comfort on a larger scale. Custom pieces and art are integrated with precision, ensuring each project feels distinctive and expressive.
reiderandco.com.
Interior Designer to Watch
Oliver James Interiors
Whitney Talsma may be a relative newcomer to Boston’s design scene, but her work already signals a singular talent. Through Oliver James Interiors, she brings a refined sensitivity to color, pattern, and texture, weaving them together in ways that feel both timeless and quietly fresh. Her rooms carry a sense of intimacy and ease yet reveal thoughtful layers on closer inspection. With a keen eye and an assured hand, Talsma is just getting started—but it’s clear she is destined to shape some of the region’s most memorable interiors in the years ahead.
oliverjamesinteriors.com.
Lighting Designer
Light Insight Design Studio
Light can shape the mood of a space as profoundly as architecture or furnishings, and founder Lana Nathe of Light Insight Design Studio has made that her art form. With a practiced eye for how illumination defines texture, scale, and flow, she creates lighting schemes that enhance architecture and elevate interiors. From layered, atmospheric glows in private residences to striking, statement-making installations, her work feels effortless yet deeply intentional—ensuring every room shines in its best light.
light-insightdesign.com.
Woodmeister Master Builders, Best Custom Home Builder, General Excellence / Photo by Florian Holzherr
Builders & Craftspeople
Builder, General Excellence
Woodmeister Master Builders
Woodmeister Master Builders began in 1980 as a small cabinet shop, and that foundation in craftsmanship still defines the firm today. Now led by the second generation of the Goodnow family, Woodmeister has become synonymous with extraordinary custom homes across New England and beyond. Whether building from the ground up or undertaking a transformative renovation, the team is known for tackling highly complex projects with artistry and precision. With every detail overseen in-house—from bespoke millwork to final construction—the firm delivers homes that embody both beauty and longevity, tailored entirely to each client’s vision.
woodmeister.com.
Custom Home Builder, Boston
KVC Builders
KVC Builders approaches custom home construction with equal parts artistry and precision. The firm excels at projects that demand both creative problem-solving and meticulous execution—whether reimagining a historic townhouse with thoughtful updates or creating a new residence that blends seamlessly into its neighborhood. What distinguishes the firm is its nimble size: The team brings the resources to manage ambitious builds while offering the close attention of a boutique practice. Each home they complete feels carefully tailored, enduring,
and unmistakably personal.
kvcbuilders.com.
Custom Home Builder, North
Adams + Beasley Associates
Adams + Beasley has built its reputation on collaboration as much as craftsmanship. The firm takes a holistic, hands-on approach, guiding clients seamlessly through design, construction, and custom finish work. Known for tackling renovations with ingenuity and new builds with efficiency, its team excels at tailoring homes to the way families really live. Cabinetry and millwork are handled in-house, ensuring precision and consistency, while a culture of close communication keeps the process transparent. Ultimately, an Adams + Beasley home balances character, comfort, and quality—delivered with a level of trust that brings clients back for second and third projects.
adamsandbeasley.com.
C.H. Newton Builders, Best Custom Home Builder, South / Photo by Vanden Brink
Custom Home Builder, South
C.H. Newton Builders
Founded in 1958, this family-run business is synonymous with building exceptional custom residences along the South Shore and Cape. Based in Falmouth, the firm’s expertise shines in new construction, from expansive seaside compounds to artfully crafted Cape cottages. Known for their ability to manage highly complex builds with discretion and precision, the team collaborates seamlessly with architects and designers to realize ambitious visions. Every home reflects an uncompromising commitment to quality and longevity, ensuring they are built to endure for generations.
chnewton.com.
Copper Leaf Development, Best Custom Home Builder, West / Photo by Tamara Flanigan
Custom Home Builder, West
Copper Leaf Development
Copper Leaf Development has quickly earned recognition for new homes that combine architectural presence with modern livability. The firm specializes in ground-up construction, producing residences that feel both luxurious and tailored to the rhythms of everyday life. Collaboration is central to its approach: Working closely with architects and clients, the team ensures that every element—from floor plans to finishes—supports how families truly want to live. With an eye for contemporary design and a focus on craftsmanship, Copper Leaf delivers new builds that invite gathering, entertaining, and a lasting sense of home.
copperleafdevelopment.com.
High-End Home Remodeling, General Excellence
FBN Construction Co.
For more than 40 years, FBN Construction has set the bar for remodeling at the highest level. The firm’s strength lies in its process: an open, collaborative approach that puts clients at the center of even the most complex projects. Whether reconfiguring layouts, expanding footprints, or delivering impeccable finishes, FBN combines precision with a rare ability to listen and adapt. The result is work that not only honors a home’s architecture but also reflects the way its owners truly want to live.
fbnconstruction.net.
High-End Home Remodeling, Boston
Sea-Dar Construction
Sea-Dar Construction is renowned for its ability to reimagine homes with artistry and precision, particularly within Boston’s most storied neighborhoods. The firm’s mastery of historical architecture—brownstones, townhouses, and landmark residences—allows them to honor a building’s legacy while seamlessly weaving in contemporary luxury. Beyond its historic projects, Sea-Dar brings the same finesse to modern renovations, integrating bold materials, custom millwork, and cutting-edge systems. Each project reflects a deep respect for craft and context, resulting in homes that feel at once timeless and entirely of today.
seadar.com.
High-End Home Remodeling, North
Highline Construction
Highline Construction brings more than 25 years of expertise to renovating homes across Greater Boston. Led by master carpenter and LEED-AP-certified founder Nick Vercollone, the team specializes in historic restorations and custom carpentry, alongside additions and complete remodels. Its boutique-style process emphasizes energy efficiency, mindful materials, and precision with architectural detail. Whether restoring structural integrity in an old home or redesigning interiors for modern living, Highline delivers craftsmanship that’s both elevated and sustainable, marrying timeless character with today’s needs.
highlineconstruction.com.
High-End Home Remodeling, South
Longfellow Design Build
Longfellow Design Build, founded by Mark Bogosian, excels at remodeling and designing homes that feel custom from foundation to finish. With more than 100 staff across Cape Cod and South Shore showrooms, its team includes architects, master builders, kitchen and bath specialists, and craftsmen who handle every phase of renovation in-house. Facing coastal conditions, flood-zone regulations, and seasonal climates, they deliver high-end workmanship with thoughtful solutions. The team’s remodeled homes balance luxury, practicality, and regional sensibility—residences built to stand up to New England’s demands.
longfellowdb.com.
High-End Home Remodeling, West
Benchmark Builders
Benchmark remodels are recognized for their combined craftsmanship with innovation. Founded two decades ago, Matt Harkins and his team are known for taking on technically demanding projects—expanding footprints, reimagining layouts, and integrating modern systems into traditional structures—all while keeping a refined eye on detail. With a hands-on approach and a trusted network of artisans, each renovation is carefully orchestrated to feel cohesive and enduring. The work speaks for itself: residences that retain architectural integrity yet emerge with fresh presence, functionality, and a quiet sense of luxury.
benchmark-builds.com.
Design Build Firm
Carpenter & MacNeille
On the North Shore, Carpenter & MacNeille has become synonymous with homes that feel deeply tied to their surroundings. Founded in Essex, the firm brings together architecture, construction, and Old World craftsmanship under one roof, allowing every project to unfold with fluidity and precision. The firm’s houses often channel New England vernacular traditions—shingle-clad forms, finely proportioned millwork—while quietly introducing modern comforts and light. The result is residences that feel timeless yet fresh, built with a reverence for history and a sensitivity to place.
carpentermacneille.com.
Makkas Workroom, Best Window Treatment Workroom / Photo by Matt Kisiday
Specialty
Upholsterer
McLaughlin Upholstering
For more than a century, this Everett-based operation has elevated upholstery to an art form. The workroom’s team are masters at handwork, adept at using century-old techniques, natural materials like horsehair, goose down, and solid hardwood, and a historical archive of thousands of fabric and leather options to bring each vision to life. Whether restoring a wingback heirloom or building a custom sectional, McLaughlin ensures that every detail is executed with precision. This is upholstery built to last, blending artistry and durability in every stitch.
mclaughlinupholstering.com.
Window Treatment Workroom
Makkas Workroom
Trust Makkas Workroom to ensure your windows are dressed in style and precision. Now led by Manny Makkas, whose hands-on approach and warm demeanor have earned him a loyal following among Boston’s top designers, the Sudbury-based atelier is a study in craft. Billowing drapery, tailored Roman shades, and intricate custom details are all executed with finesse, framing light and view in ways that feel as artful as they are functional. With Manny at the helm, every project becomes a collaboration, and every window a canvas for beauty.
makkasdrapery.com.
Framing
A Street Frames
The right frame doesn’t just protect—it transforms. At A Street Frames, every piece of art is treated as singular, worthy of a setting that enhances its presence. Since 1981, its Cambridge workshop has been crafting museum-quality frames that range from handgilded gold leaf to sleek steel, each one designed to complement the work it surrounds. Collectors, designers, and galleries alike turn to A Street for its discerning eye and impeccable craftsmanship. The frames the team creates don’t compete with the art but elevate it, making every piece feel timeless.
astreetframes.com.
Home Automation
TSP Smart Spaces
The most luxurious technology is the kind you never notice. At TSP Smart Spaces, every system—lighting, shades, climate control, AV, and security—is designed to disappear into the fabric of a home, supporting the architecture and interiors without distraction. Collaborating closely with architects and designers, founder Michael Oh and his team create environments where mood and comfort shift at the touch of a button, yet the underlying complexity remains invisible. From historic brownstones to glass-walled modern retreats, TSP makes homes feel effortless, intuitive, and alive with possibility.
tsp.space.
Window Showroom
Marvin Windows at 7 Tide
Marvin at 7 Tide redefines the idea of a windows-and-doors showroom by making customization and scale central to the experience. Located in Boston’s 7 Tide brand-experience center, its seasoned staff guide clients through full-size product mockups, immersive displays, virtual visualizers, and finish options in wood, aluminum, and fiberglass. It’s a place where light becomes design—windows and doors are elevated into statements, not afterthoughts. Whether you’re choosing a dramatic grid detail, selecting custom color finishes, or exploring sensor-enabled skylights, Marvin at 7 Tide helps you see what your home could be.
marvin.com/marvin-at-7-tide.
Upholstery and Rug Maintenance
MWI Fiber-Shield
Michelle and Wayne Southworth of MWI Fiber-Shield understand that life happens—wine spills, dogs find their way up onto sofas, kids race across rugs with muddy sneakers. Their expertise lies in making sure those beloved pieces remain as beautiful as the day they arrived in your home. With advanced treatments that guard against stains and fading, the couple helps clients live freely with the things they love, without fear of wear. From heirloom rugs to plush sectionals, the team’s care preserves both beauty and comfort, ensuring that homes remain gracious, welcoming, and ready for real life.
mwifibershield.com.
Painting Company
ZK Painting
ZK Painting turns walls, ceilings, and cabinetry into canvases of light and texture. Under the eye of owner Zach Kenney, a Fine Paints of Europe master, the team is celebrated for its transformative finishes—mirror-like glosses that capture reflections, velvety matte surfaces that absorb them, and layers of color that add richness and depth. Every stroke is rooted in meticulous preparation and a devotion to detail. The result is more than paint: It’s atmosphere, elegance, and enduring craft.
zkpainting.com.
Decorative Finishes
Arteriors
This custom plastering studio and mural workshop is masterful at transforming surfaces into canvases. With artisan techniques like Venetian plaster, gilding, metallics, and faux finishes, the firm collaborates with designers and architects to infuse walls, ceilings, and floors with texture, depth, and surprise. Its practice blends craftsmanship with sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and a reverence for traditional methods. Whether layering paint into a ceiling mural, applying artisanal plaster, or crafting decorative floors and furniture, Arteriors creates finishes that enrich spaces and linger in memory.
arteriors.net.
Closets
Molteni&C
Under the broad umbrella of Casa Design Group helmed by Zhanna Drogobetsky, Molteni&C closets become more than places to store belongings—they are immersive studies in Italian elegance and order. Impeccable materials, seamless engineering, and subtle layers of light turn wardrobes into curated environments where clothing feels displayed as much as kept. Every finish, hinge, and surface is chosen to balance beauty with daily ease, and each design integrates effortlessly into the flow of the home. The result is serenity, sophistication, and a touch of indulgence in everyday life.
casadesigngroup.com.
Elizabeth Home Decor & Design, Best Home Accents, West / Photo by Sarah Winchester
Retail
Rugs
Landry & Arcari Rugs and Carpeting
A great rug doesn’t just ground a room—it transforms it. At Landry & Arcari, each piece is chosen for its ability to tell a story in color, texture, and pattern. Its showrooms in Boston, Framingham, and Salem are filled with treasures, from handknotted Persian heirlooms to luminous Tibetan silks and bold contemporary designs, all sourced with an eye for artistry and integrity. Whether layered into a minimalist loft or lending character to a historic brownstone, the rugs you’ll encounter here layer color, texture, and history underfoot. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, bring your inspiration to the team, and they’ll bring your vision to life in a handwoven rug.
landryandarcari.com.
Contemporary Furniture
Lazzoni
Lazzoni brings modern European design to Boston with sleek furnishings that balance sculptural form and everyday comfort. Known for clean lines, modular flexibility, and meticulous craftsmanship, the brand offers everything from statement-making sofas and dining tables to storage solutions that feel effortlessly integrated. Many pieces can be customized in size, finish, or fabric, making it easy to tailor the look to any space. Head here if you’re looking to give your décor a contemporary vibe that feels polished yet livable with a distinctly cosmopolitan edge.
lazzoni.us.
Ligne Roset, Best European Furniture / Photo courtesy of Thieves Next Door
European Furniture
Ligne Roset
Few names capture the spirit of modern French design quite like Ligne Roset. In its Back Bay showroom, clean-lined sofas, sculptural dining tables, and statement-making chairs are presented with the elegance of an art gallery. Collaborations with some of Europe’s most celebrated designers ensure every piece feels both timeless and daring, sophisticated yet inviting. For those looking to infuse their homes with a touch of Parisian flair, Ligne Roset offers furniture that embodies bold beauty and effortless modernity.
ligne-roset.com.
American-Made Furniture
Room & Board
Room & Board proves that American craftsmanship can be modern, sustainable, and accessible. With a commitment to partnering with family-owned workshops across the country, the brand offers furniture that blends clean-lined design with heirloom quality. Its collections span sofas, dining tables, storage solutions, and outdoor pieces—all customizable in size, finish, and material. In the brand’s Back Bay showroom, the emphasis is on livable style: pieces that are thoughtfully designed, responsibly made, and built to last. It’s American design at its most enduring.
roomandboard.com.
Outdoor Furniture
Seasons Four
For more than 50 years, Seasons Four has helped New Englanders shape their outdoor sanctuaries with style and substance. At its Lexington showroom, sunlight filters through displays of teak dining sets, deep loungers, fire pits, and wind-friendly umbrellas. The knowledgeable team helps visitors imagine dining under sky and shade, lounging by water or garden, every detail considered—materials, durability, feel. These are pieces made to endure summer storms and autumn chill yet styled to delight: outdoor rooms that extend warmth, invite lingering, and celebrate every season.
seasonsfour.com.
Appliances
Yale Appliance
Yale has been a trusted name in New England kitchens for more than a century, offering one of the most comprehensive selections of appliances anywhere. With six showrooms, including Framingham, Norton, and one just opened on Nantucket, the retailer is known not just for breadth—think Sub-Zero refrigerators, Wolf ranges, Miele dishwashers—but for service that feels as curated as the products themselves. Its experts demystify the often overwhelming world of appliances, guiding clients through features, performance, and finishes to find the perfect fit. Yale makes the process seamless, so every kitchen feels like it was designed to perform.
yaleappliance.com.
Art Gallery
Galerie d’Orsay
Step inside Galerie d’Orsay and the bustle of Newbury Street falls away, replaced by quiet rooms filled with beauty and light. The gallery curates an extraordinary range—from Old Masters to Impressionists to modern and contemporary works—each piece selected for its power to inspire. Masterworks by Picasso, Chagall, and Renoir share the walls with rising voices, creating an experience that feels both timeless and alive. Knowledgeable staff guide visitors not just through art but through discovery, ensuring every collector finds something meaningful.
galeriedorsay.com.
Lighting
Visual Comfort & Co.
Visual Comfort brings light to life with fixtures that are as sculptural as they are functional. The expansive collection spans chandeliers, sconces, pendants, and lamps designed in collaboration with icons like Kelly Wearstler, Thomas O’Brien, and Suzanne Kasler. At the Boston Design Center showroom, fixtures are displayed like jewelry—gleaming finishes, graceful lines, and luminous glass inviting you to imagine how each piece might transform a space. Knowledgeable staff complete the experience, guiding clients and designers alike toward lighting that feels as considered as the interiors it illuminates.
visualcomfort.com.
Home Accents, Boston
Monroe
Monroe in Charlestown is where home accents become little stories of beauty. Owner Donna Garlough—former Boston magazine editor, stylist, and author—curates vintage rugs, artisan ceramics, handblown glass, and beautifully useful objects with an editor’s eye for elegance. Rooting the shop’s atmosphere in warmth, Monroe feels more like a lovingly styled home than a retail store. Garlough’s collection leans traditional, coastal, and bohemian, reimagined for modern life—every piece selected to bring texture, charm, and personality into every room.
monroeboston.com.
Home Accents, North
Gray House Art & Antiques
Gray House Art & Antiques blends the romance of discovery with the polish of curation. The shop’s ever-evolving mix of antiques, fine art, and decorative pieces invites exploration—each object, from vintage portraits to sculptural lighting and rare furniture, feels like a find. The shop has become a favorite of designers who prize the unexpected: a trove where past and present meet in striking harmony. With an eye for both provenance and personality, Gray House ensures that every piece brought home tells a story worth keeping.
grayhouseantiques.com.
Home Accents, South
Thacher & Spring
At Thacher & Spring, owner Stephanie Greenstein curates a mix of décor, textiles, lighting, and gifts that bring an easy coastal spirit to the home. The shop’s shelves are filled with thoughtful pieces—artisan ceramics, soft pillows, flickering candles—that feel inviting rather than overly styled. Natural textures meet playful details in vignettes that spark inspiration without overwhelming. With its approachable elegance and Greenstein’s eye for what feels both fresh and lasting, Thacher & Spring has become a go-to for accents that make a house feel like home.
thacherandspring.com.
Home Accents, West
Elizabeth Home Decor & Design
Celebrating 20 years in business, interior designer Elizabeth Benedict has built her Chestnut Hill showroom into a beloved design destination. Elizabeth Home Decor & Design reflects her signature approach—spaces layered with color, texture, and personality, where furniture mingles effortlessly with art, accessories, and unexpected finds. The shop feels part gallery, part boutique, part living room—curated with a designer’s eye but never contrived.
elizabethhomedecor.com.
Plant Shop
Emerald City Plant Shop
Emerald City Plant Shop is more than a place to buy greenery—it’s a destination for cultivating joy. Founded with the mission of making plants accessible and approachable, the shop brims with everything from lush fiddle-leaf figs to petite succulents, all displayed with a stylist’s eye. Knowledgeable staff help both seasoned plant parents and nervous first-timers find just the right addition for their spaces, offering care tips along the way. The shop also hosts creative workshops and events, turning plant shopping into a lively community experience.
emeraldcityplantshop.com.
Paint Retailer
Farrow & Ball
At the Farrow & Ball showroom in Boston’s Design Center, every hue feels like a story in waiting. With more than 130 rich paint shades plus wallpapers and finishes, the space invites you to see color differently—how it shifts with light, texture, and space. Its staff are true color experts, helping clients untangle daunting palettes and guiding decisions on trim, woodwork, or even painting ceilings. For those who believe paint is more than backdrop—that it shapes mood, highlights architecture, and animates daily life—Farrow & Ball delivers more than product: it inspires.
farrow-ball.com.
Cumar, Best Stone Fabrication / Photo by Sarah M. Winchester
Kitchen & Bath
Kitchen Design
Venegas and Company
Founder Donna Venegas has built her reputation on designing kitchens that are as elegant as they are functional. At Venegas & Co., every project begins with a study of materials—stone, wood, and finishes chosen for their beauty, durability, and ability to transform a space. Working closely with her clients, Donna and her team create rooms that balance sophistication with ease, pairing striking details with thoughtful layouts that encourage both cooking and connection. Venegas kitchens feel elevated yet inviting—the kind of spaces where exquisite materials meet everyday life.
venegascompany.com.
Cabinetry
Kochman Reidt + Haigh Cabinetmakers
For more than four decades, Kochman Reidt + Haigh has been shaping wood into works of art. The firm’s cabinetry, handcrafted in its Stoughton workshop, is celebrated for its architectural integrity and timeless design. Whether concealing modern technology in paneled elegance or creating a one-of-a-kind built-in for a historic home, the team approaches each project with meticulous attention to detail. Its pieces are both finely wrought and deeply functional, designed to enrich spaces and stand the test of time.
cabinetmakers.com.
Stone Fabrication
Cumar
Step inside Cumar’s Woburn showroom, and you’ll find a veritable gallery of stone—marble, granite, quartzite, and even luminous semi-precious slabs, all sourced from quarries around the globe. Each piece is chosen for its drama and distinction, whether destined to become a waterfall island, a sculptural fireplace surround, or walls that shimmer floor-to-ceiling in a spa-like bath. Guided by a team that understands both artistry and engineering, Cumar transforms raw stone into architectural poetry, elevating everyday surfaces into lasting works of design.
cumar.com.
Tile
DiscoverTile
DiscoverTile, celebrating 25 years in the Boston Design Center, is a showroom where tiles become works of art. Its space features artisan mosaics, porcelain tiles, glass and metal inlays, dimensional natural stone, and concrete pieces from world-renowned cooperatives. Clients—from designers to homeowners—are guided by a staff celebrated for creativity and deep product knowledge. Whether crafting a dramatic backsplash, designing a luxurious shower enclosure, or reviving a vintage powder room, DiscoverTile offers inspiration, innovation, and a truly personal touch.
discovertile.com.
Kitchen & Bath Fixtures, Boston
Waterworks
Stepping into Waterworks is like entering a sanctuary of design. The brand has long set the standard for luxury kitchens and baths, with collections that blend impeccable craftsmanship, architectural detail, and an unmistakable sense of refinement. In its Boston Design Center showroom, every fixture—from handfinished faucets to sculptural tubs and luminous tile—feels curated as though for a gallery. Designers and homeowners come here not simply to source products but to experience the artistry and heritage that have made Waterworks an international design icon. It’s where utility becomes beauty, and everyday rituals are elevated to the sublime.
waterworks.com.
Kitchen & Bath Fixtures, North
Designer Bath
The right faucet, tub, or sink can change the way a space feels—and for generations, homeowners and designers alike have turned to Designer Bath to get it right. The family-run company offers an unmatched selection of sinks, faucets, tubs, and hardware from the most trusted brands in the industry. Its showrooms are part design library, part laboratory—where clients can see, touch, and imagine how fixtures will live in their own homes. But it’s the team’s service and expertise that sets the business apart, guiding homeowners and designers alike toward stylish, durable, and deeply personal solutions. Along with its Beverly flagship, they also maintain a vibrant showroom in Watertown.
designerbath.com.
Kitchen & Bath Fixtures, South
Snow and Jones
Snow and Jones sets the stage for inspired kitchens and baths at its two luxury showrooms in Norwell and South Yarmouth. Each space is thoughtfully designed to spark ideas, with displays that showcase the latest in faucets, tubs, sinks, and hardware—from sleek contemporary forms to classics reimagined. What makes the experience special is the guidance: Its team pairs deep product knowledge with an approachable, hands-on style that makes choosing fixtures enjoyable.
snowandjones.com.
Kitchen & Bath Fixtures, West
Monique’s Bath Showroom
Monique’s is a place where exploration meets inspiration. Step into its expansive Watertown showroom, and you’ll find an array of fixtures that range from sleek, modern faucets to sculptural tubs and statement lighting that feels like jewelry for the bath. The displays encourage discovery, offering homeowners and designers a chance to test ideas, mix styles, and imagine new possibilities. The staff is known for creativity and guidance, helping clients navigate a vast selection with confidence. At Monique’s, every visit feels like a design adventure waiting to unfold.
moniquesbathshowroom.com.
R.P. Marzilli & Company, Best Landscape Design/Build, South / Photo by Anthony Crisafulli
Outdoor Living
Plunge Pools
Soake Pools
Soake Pools has transformed the plunge pool into the ultimate backyard indulgence, proving that you don’t need acres of land to live like you’re at a boutique resort. Precast and perfectly proportioned, its pools slip effortlessly into the landscape. Think cocktail in hand, feet dangling in cool water, or a late-night soak under the stars. And now, with the debut of its new Experience Center, clients can immerse themselves in the dream before bringing it home—choosing finishes, textures, and details that make every pool as personal as it is luxurious.
soakepools.com.
Pool Construction & Design
Environmental Pools
Environmental Pools approaches pool building as both art and engineering, crafting aquatic environments that transform the way people live outdoors. Sleek infinity edges, resort-worthy spas, and playful family pools are all within its repertoire, each one tailored to its site with exacting precision. Its work often extends beyond the waterline, weaving in stone terraces, fire features, and lush landscaping for a seamless flow between house and horizon. Known for collaboration and meticulous detail, Environmental Pools delivers outdoor spaces that are as breathtaking as they are enduring.
environmentalpools.com.
Fencing
Perfection Fence
Perfection Fence has mastered the art of turning boundaries into design statements. Its custom creations—ranging from classic white pickets to stately estate gates and intricate pergolas—are crafted with precision and built to endure New England’s toughest seasons. Each design is tailored to elevate a property’s architecture while providing privacy, security, and charm. Whether framing a garden, encircling a pool, or defining a grand entrance, Perfection Fence brings both elegance and durability to the outdoors.
perfectionfence.com.
Landscape Design/Build, General Excellence
The MacDowell Company
The MacDowell Company approaches each project with a designer’s eye and a naturalist’s touch, crafting landscapes that feel both artful and deeply rooted in place. The firm’s portfolio ranges from rolling meadows punctuated by stone walls to intimate courtyards and sculptural terraces. Known for seamlessly integrating hardscape and planting, the team excels at creating outdoor environments that evolve beautifully through the seasons. Every project balances structure with softness, sophistication with ease—transforming properties into living, breathing extensions of the home.
themacdowellcompany.com.
Landscape Design/Build, Boston
Wisteria & Rose
Wisteria & Rose is known for infusing gardens with romance and poetry. The team’s designers and certified horticulturalists devise landscapes that balance structure with softness, weaving together flowering perennials, ornamental grasses, and sculptural trees to create lush, layered compositions. Each project feels deeply personal, whether it’s a jewel-box courtyard or a sweeping city garden. With a painterly approach to color and texture and a stellar installation team, Wisteria & Rose brings a sense of timeless elegance to Boston’s urban fabric, crafting outdoor spaces that invite lingering.
wisteriaandrose.com.
Landscape Design/Build, North
Zen Associates
True to its name, Zen Associates creates landscapes that cultivate harmony. Drawing inspiration from Japanese design traditions while embracing New England’s natural beauty, its work is defined by tranquility, balance, and flow. Stone, water, and plantings are orchestrated with precision, resulting in outdoor environments that encourage contemplation as much as gathering. From meditative gardens to immersive residential landscapes, Zen Associates crafts spaces that soothe the spirit while seamlessly connecting indoors and out.
zenassociates.com.
Soake Pools, Best Plunge Pools / Photo by Stoffer Photography
Landscape Design/Build, South
R.P. Marzilli & Company
Founded in 1985 by Bob Marzilli, whose childhood working alongside family in the landscape-maintenance business instilled in him a deep respect for craftsmanship, R.P. Marzilli & Company has grown from one truck and a trailer into one of New England’s premier landscape builders. Known for its mastery of large-scale stonework, gardens, and water features, the firm handles projects from oceanfront estates to country retreats with the same attention to detail. Whether designing poolside patios and walkways, integrating lighting, or crafting full outdoor living environments, R.P. Marzilli delivers luxury that feels rooted in experience and integrity—you can count on this crew to get the job done on time and precisely on point.
rpmarzilli.com.
Landscape Design/Build, West
Sudbury Design Group
With a reputation for blending architecture, nature, and genuine client collaboration, Sudbury Design Group turns ordinary landscapes into personalized retreats. Working with both residential and commercial clients across Greater Boston, they begin each project by listening carefully: understanding site topography, architectural cues, and your vision, the design team then crafts proposals that balance structure and softness—stone terraces and lighting, lush plantings that breathe with the seasons, and outdoor rooms that invite lingering. From first consultation to final installation, they guide every detail with clarity and care.
landscapearchitectureboston.com.
First published in the print edition of Boston Home’s Winter 2026 issue, with the headline “Best of Boston Home.”
The Boston Home team has curated a list of the best home design and home remodeling professionals in Boston, including home builders and contractors, interior designers, home accent décor, and more. Get the help you need with FindIt/Boston’s guide to home renovation pros.
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