boston shopping guide
Grand
Occupying a palatial former auto garage in up-and-coming Somerville, this newcomer is owned by three record-label veterans who were all born within four days of each other. Maybe this bit of fortuitousness explains why their tastes are so uncannily similar: Cleverly designed finds abound, like doorstops cast after roller skates, molded plastic lamps, and Tobias Wong's sun jars.
374 Somerville Ave., Somerville, 617‑623-2429, grandthestore.com
374 Somerville Ave., Somerville, 617‑623-2429, grandthestore.com
Gray Mist
This Cambridge jewel box of a shop—owned by Japanese couple Ken Kimura and Etsuko Yashiro—specializes in beautifully contemporary iterations of Nantucket baskets, which you can learn how to make yourself in one of their in-store classes. There are also tiny carved-ivory whales, rust red rain boots, and striped hand towels, which all look like they'd belong in the most elegant seaside cottage on the planet.
360 Huron Ave. Huron Village, 617-868-8868
360 Huron Ave. Huron Village, 617-868-8868
