Shopping Spree

Furniture
Center Stage:? Don’t be fooled by the apparent underwhelming size of this 2,000-square-foot Atlantic Beach store. Just follow the yellow brick road to find the 5,000-square-foot Back Stage space, which is brimming with eclectic, interesting pieces at reasonable prices.
Owners Gary and Linda Gennerich were previously set designers for movies, and the merchandise in their store certainly reflects a dramatic flair. Everything from more than 300 vendors is personally selected by the owners and imported.?
Upholstery, chandeliers, lamps, accessories and artwork can all be found here, along with French soaps, a huge assortment of? Votivo candles and Archipelago diffusers.
Make sure you get an invitation to one of the Gennerich Christmas parties—last year they had over 600 guests—or other events throughout the year.? And don’t miss the store’s spectacular jewelry case.? 242-4232
The French Market:? This charming shop in downtown Fernandina Beach reflects owner Judy Nelson’s three decades of experience and features French country-style antiques and accents.
Everything from rooster-themed accessories to Herbes de Proven?, desk jars and French toile fabric is available.
And if you can’t find just the antique you’re seeking, The French Market also carries imported reproductions.?
Indulgences include gourmet salts and preserves, beauty products, candles and soaps directly from France.? (904) 491-0707 or (800) 635-6918
Mrs. Howard:? Walking into this Avondale shop feels like visiting the home of a well-to-do aunt, with its formal ambience, exquisite furnishings and gorgeous antiques.
Owners Phoebe and Jim Howard also operate the adjoining Max & Company, featuring more casual options for their younger clientele.
The success of Mrs. Howard’s local stores has led to the addition of two in Atlanta and a possible location in Palm Beach.? 387-1202 (Avondale); 241-1980 (Jacksonville Beach)
Hugo’s:? This 1921-vintage Jack-sonville institution is still operated by Richard Hugo and son Mathew, who personally serve many of the customers who visit their signature showroom near downtown.
Hugo’s, which boasts a staff of design professionals, also makes custom window treatments, hand-stitches its own upholstery and provides flooring, lamps, art and floral arrangements to complement its lines of fine furnishings.
New this year is the Althorp Collection, based on pieces found in Princess Diana’s ancestral home. Prices for this line are surprisingly affordable. 396-2233
The Iron Gate: Take a little vacation in this store’s new 10,000-square-foot addition, which is filled with outdoor furniture and fountains.?
The Iron Gate, operated by Fred Farah and son Fred Jr., includes an impressive collection of Asian antiques and reproductions as well as furniture lines including Bernhardt, Henredon, Maitland-Smith, Hickory White, Theodore Alexander and Barbara Barry.
And you’ll find accessories of all types: clocks, original oil paintings, ceramics and statues.
The store’s Martha Stewart Signature Gallery, designed by Martha herself, is also a big draw. The Iron Gate is the line’s only authorized dealer in North Florida.
Upholstery and custom-made furniture services are available; just ask any member of the refreshingly knowledgeable staff.? 306-9898
Liberty Furniture: A family-owned Jacksonville business founded in 1924, Liberty Furniture’s University Boulevard location has been open since 1987.?
Current owners Marvin and Beatrice Sherman have the largest Thomasville Gallery in the region. But the store also has something for everyone, with a mix of traditional and contemporary pieces from fine furniture makers such as Drexel Heritage, American Leather and Henredon.?
In addition, Liberty is Jamison’s headquarters for better mattresses such as Talalay latex and Visco memory foam.
Don’t miss the store’s huge assortment of entertainment centers, leather chairs and the wide variety of accessories. 737-3700
Norwalk The Furniture Idea:? This store prides itself on offering a full-service design studio for every budget. In fact, everything offered through Norwalk—furniture, flooring and window treatments—is custom ordered.
Knowledgeable staffers work with each customer to assess dozens of options available through the store’s factory, based in Norwalk, Ohio.
In addition, Norwalk offers furnishings from Sherrill, Hickory White and Hooker and has a nice assortment of rugs, greenery and lamps.? 880-7632
Pottery Barn:? Yes, this is a San Francisco-based national chain. But there are few better spots to find the basics for outfitting a casual Florida home.
Stylish, well-made furniture is the order of the day here. Fabrics and accessories such as window treatments and bedding are constantly updated with the season and year.?
The company’s Chesapeake line of furnishings, perfect for that coastal retreat, is in the store now.
If you don’t find what you want on display, it can always be ordered from Pottery Barn’s Web site or catalog, where you’ll also find an exclusive line of children’s furniture.? 519-0953
R.C. Jones Distinctive Furniture:? Sixty-five years, ago, R.C. Jones’ father started this store downtown. Today, after several moves, it’s settled into a comfy Jacksonville Beach location.?
The store prides itself, as the name suggests, on being distinctive and offering unique pieces that are “not your standard stuff.”
R.C. Jones’ in-house designers can help you choose from lines such as Swaim, Bernhardt, Maitland-Smith, Lexington, Ello, Italmond and Padma’s Plantation. Tons of accessories are also available from such companies as Sedgfield and Two’s Company.? 249-1889.
Woodchuck’s Furniture & Clock Gallery:? A Mandarin mainstay for 25 years, Woodchuck’s Furniture & Clock Gallery is a second-generation, family-owned operation with a reputation for quality, affordable furniture.
Owner Doug Correia turned his father’s furniture restoration business into a full-service furniture center with a wide selection from top manufacturers such as Bernhardt, Flexsteel, Hooker, Kathy Ireland, Universal and Aspen Home. Woodchuck's can order customized wall systems, office and dining sets.?
A second location will open this summer in the Prime Outlets in St. Augustine.? 880-0090

Accessories
Cottage by the Sea:? Just steps from the ocean, Cottage by the Sea is filled with exactly what you’d expect—a charming collection of beach-themed accessories and furniture.
Owners Dale Gray and Joy Hollingsworth lovingly transformed an old house into this quaint shop 11 years ago and have offered a wide selection of home accessories for the beach lifestyle ever since.
Rooms are replete with work from local artists and classic beach cottage items are everywhere. But the real standouts are the funky wall hangings and metal sculptures. Dinnerware and platters by Mud Pie are must-sees, too.
Cottage by the Sea also has a nice collection of distressed furniture and holds a big yard sale every eight to ten weeks on items that have just arrived.? 246-8411
Front & Centre: The original Fernandina Beach location and its newer Ponte Vedra sister carry classic home-furnishing staples, some with a maritime theme.
Traditionally-styled accent furniture from Bailey Street and other lines are featured in both stores, topped with figurines and knick-knacks.?
Decorative shelves, lamps, pillows and accessories, many with beach and sea themes, can also be found. Both in-store and in-home design consultations are available.
New to the stores is original artwork from Fernandina Beach artist Milt Shirley and Spain’s Eustaquio Segrelles. (904) 277-2660 (Fernandina); 285-7045 (Ponte Vedra)
Haven:? You’ll think you’re in a New York boutique when you step inside this Jacksonville Beach store owned by Annie Berlin, Teri Bennett and Leslie Fine.?
This funky, chic boutique carries a constantly-changing assortment of home d?or and accessories.
American crafts, artwork from local artists and gicl?s, Tea Fort? Fortunata pottery, Lolita martini and wine glasses and Ann Nichols’ hand-painted pencil boxes are among the special finds here. 246-1922
Home Goods: Part of the TJ Maxx/Marshall’s family, this Southside store was completely remodeled in March of this year.?
Merchandise changes daily, with an array of wall d?or, tableware, bedding, kitchen accessories, accent furniture, lamps and outdoor decorative pieces.
The children’s department has been expanded, and the store’s center features home decorating items based on theme, including nautical, Asian, African, country and shabby chic.
Other departments in this intriguing superstore include frames, stationery, candles, knick-knacks and wire and wicker accessories. Whatever designer or name-brand product you’re looking for, you’re likely to find it at Home Goods, where affordability and diversity are the themes.? 519-8363
MJ Coleman: Owners Mark and Janet Coleman gave up their retail shop so they could spend more time with their customers and keep their prices affordable.?
They still offer the same handmade metal furniture, artwork and sculpture, Portugal pottery and unique accessories from Virginia-based companies such as Twist & Turn and Renaissance.
But with the retail operation closed, the Colemans are now able to emphasize on custom orders. Working with a stone fabricator, they are particularly skilled at creating customized marble table tops.? 928-9299
Mineral City: Owner Laura West Howson offers an opulent mix of Versace dinnerware, hand-colored sea-life artwork, Frederick Cooper lamps, sea-glass chandeliers, mosaic accent furniture, locally-made oyster candle holders, mirrored shell boxes and Kenneth Jay Lane jewelery.
At this Ponte Vedra landmark you’ll also find the area’s largest selection of table linens, placemats, napkins and napkin rings.?
Bridal and gift registries are available, as well as in-home design consultations and party planning.? 285-4784
Pine Cottage:? This Avondale shop builds custom-designed pine French reproduction furniture, cabinets and upholstered items using traditional techniques.?
If you visit, you’re likely to meet owners Paul and Nancy Clements, who join their small sales staff in assisting customers.
While traditional bedding by Pine Cone Hill and Jane Wilner are customer favorites, the real finds here are accessories. Spode plates, hand-stitched pillows, lamps, framed art and a delightful collection of knick-knacks fill the store.?
The look is reminiscent of a home in the French countryside. 381-9148
T. Gregory Imports: As you approach this Jacksonville Beach store, owners Tod Whitten and Jerome Maloy offer a taste of what’s inside with a display of outdoor teak furniture.
Then, after a friendly greeting from Boone and Lucy, the owners’ dogs, step inside and enjoy the store’s exotic Asian furniture, figurines, colorful wall hangings and beautiful room dividers.?
Chinese antiques and art from Vietnam, Niven Morgan candles and a diverse selection of seashells are among the treasures to be found.
Custom silk floral arrangements and wreaths, along with the affordable prices and wide selection, make this store a popular spot for decorators. 247-4555 (Jacksonville Beach); 810-0785 (St. Augustine)
Villa Vita:? If you’re seeking authentic Italian style, visit Stephanie Edwards’ store at St. Johns Town Center North. There you’ll find a celebration of Edwards’ Italian heritage.?
Just opened in October, Villa Vita features casually elegant Italian artisan home furnishings and accessories that Edwards discovered on trips to her grandparents’ homeland.
A Vietri Store of Distinction, Villa Vita also carries Match pewter, Salviati glass and Roma artwork. Marvel at the authentic blown Venetian glass, dinnerware, hand-stitched Florentine linens, lighting, planters and urns.
Custom design services are available, including furniture orders, artwork and tapestries, along with bridal registration.? 396-2800
A World Away:? This Atlantic Beach store sells handmade items from around the world, at reasonable prices.
And you can feel good about your purchases, knowing that the artisans in developing nations receive a fair price for their wares, and that no items made with child or slave labor are accepted.
Owner Lori Armstrong also features Chulucanas pottery from Peru, hand-carved kisii stone art sculptures from Kenya, onyx from Pakistan, bamboo tables and chairs from Vietnam, silk Thai lamps and baskets from all over the world.? 247-4411?