White Home Collections is a heavenly mix of old and new. With the collections of 40 dealers represented, the range of offerings is wide. But this shop is not simply an emporium of the elegantly weathered or shabby chic. Some sellers are high-end seamstresses, talented do-it-yourselfers, and painters. The shop's biggest sellers are hand-painted furniture of every shape, size, and color.
Goods are organized by season and trend, rotating on a weekly basis, keeping the shop's appearance fresh and current.
"I have surrounded myself with dealers who constantly inspire me. Their creativity is contagious and great for our customers," Diffley says.
Unique to White Home Collections is a space Diffley stocks herself. An entire bedroom upstairs hosts racks of Eileen-Fisher-esque clothing for women, all made in California. The room is complemented by French soaps, luxurious lotions and candles, and of course, plenty of vintage and antiquated accessories true to the shop's mix.
You can spot White Home Collections from Route 101A, New Hampshire's Antique Alley, which runs from Amherst to Peterborough.
From the street, the shop's garden decor beckons, and the well-kept house with olive green porch columns is inviting.
The busiest times of year are during its Garden Extravaganza in May and Holiday Open House the weekend after Thanksgiving. The events are so popular that many dealers remain on site to restock their spaces.
White Home Collections delivers a comforting space to browse, be inspired, and shop. House cats Charlie and Morgan make you want to cuddle under a hand-sewn quilt on the nearest chaise. This would only be encouraged by Diffley.
"I love to hear a customer come in the shop and say that this is their favorite place," she says.
Kimberly Sherman can be reached at ksherman@freshfigdesign.com.
