It was always a part of Michelle Holland's long-term plan for her interior design business to someday open a gallery/studio. However, that day came along sooner than she anticipated when the Patina storefront (on the corner of Rte. 7 and Harbor Road) became available last month.

The name "Patina" is staying, along with the addition of "Michelle Holland Interiors." She began that company with former business partner Mackie Sterrett in 2005. Holland feels that having a retail location will help to fortify the company's client base and add convenience for existing and new customers.

"I'm offering a wide range of furniture and accessories at Patina," Holland explained. That range includes refurbished and handmade wood pieces from Patina's original owner, Allen Simon. "People are mixing antiques and contemporary pieces in exciting ways. I'm keeping Allen's designs along with higher end furniture; they can all work together. What's most important is that customers have a true attachment to the pieces they want to purchase and work with." That, according to Holland is what she loves most about her profession - working with clients' pieces that hold a personal connection.

What's different
Holland's new store has a bright, inviting feel. She has an eclectic assortment of country-inspired furniture and accessories from around the world on display; eastern European furnishings, pieces from Quebec, and English designs are artfully arranged in a manner that highlights each piece's distinctive design and workmanship. Amidst the antique tables, chairs, hutches, and smalls can be found another element that reflects Holland's sensibilities: local artisans' work is prominently displayed. Decoupage plates by Suzy Barbor are featured alongside period accessories. "It's the mixing of old and new that I most enjoy from an interior design perspective," Holland shared.

Location, location
From Holland's perspective, the shop is ideally situated for visitors from Shelburne Museum and Shelburne Farms to discover and is one of the reasons she leapt to take advantage of this opportunity. A Shelburne location was a paramount consideration. "I love the village, and the support I've received from other retailers in Town," she explained. Her husband, Tucker Holland, serves on the Town's Planning Commission and added his agreement regarding the importance that Shelburne plays as home to the new shop. Holland's husband was also instrumental in her decision to open a retail location. "Tucker's mother has owned a very successful shop in Nantucket, ‘Nantucket House Antiques,' and both she and Tucker (who worked at the shop as he was growing up) have been able to steer me through the details of opening my first retail store," Holland said.

The new shop will be open Weds.-Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and by appointment on Mondays and Tuesdays throughout the summer.