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Mini adirondack chairs enliven the grounds outside Julie Fergus’ American Home Gallery in Wolfboro, N.H. Black awnings keep out the sun to protect the colorful treasures found within. A lively selection of custom, painted, and vintage furniture are the foundation of the collection. Also available are fabrics by the yard and custom order, including Laura Ashley, Mitchell Gold, Robert Allen & more. A detail of one of the the handmade folk-art birdhouses by artist Beth Crawford. This one was inspired by Times Square ($295). The collection varies widely as each birdhouse is unique.

Once again, I find myself in Central New Hampshire for another edition of Browse—but that’s no surprise. The fabulous finds in the beautiful Lakes Region keep drawing me back.


This time I stumbled upon the design offices and retail showroom of Julie Fergus’ American Home Gallery just off Center Street in Wolfeboro. With its selection of cozy furniture and accessories to match, the gallery is as welcoming as a visit to your grandmother’s house and truly lives up to the friendly tagline, “Designs for Everyday Living.” Country chic abounds in several display rooms that wind throughout this Georgian-style brick townhouse. Reasonable prices equate to regular turnover, so return visits mean something new every time.

Though Julie’s showroom collection includes some unique antique finds in her selection of custom, vintage and hand-painted furniture, the gallery’s updated art pieces are perfect for any transitional home as well.  The must-see items are the fascinating folk-art birdhouses by artist Beth Crawford. Each one is a unique piece of art built of found and recycled materials, and painted with a rustic motif, making them perfect for a garden or porch-side accent. They’re durable enough to endure the New England weather, but I’d be tempted to display one in my home as a work of fine art.

A chestnut-haired firecracker, Julie is an ASID-accredited interior designer who can whip out a floor plan in the time it takes that same grandmother to put on her apron. But don’t be fooled by Julie’s unassuming manner; her work has appeared in several prestigious national publications. Half of the downstairs showroom is brimming with custom fabric swatches within the new display showroom and work area for Julie to sit down with her designing clients.

Looking for a place to stay during your own Central New Hampshire browsings? I encourage you to check out the Inn at Mill Falls in Meredith. Located along Lake Winnepesaukee’s northern shores on Route 25, the inn has spectacular views, and its proximity to lake-area shopping can’t be beat. Enjoy an evening’s stay, and walk out your door to explore several country craft and antique shops just a few steps away.