A Design Lover’s Guide To Nantucket

On Wednesday I took a day trip to Nantucket – and I didn’t want to leave! You guys, this island is like a little slice of heaven on earth. I expected pretty ocean views and cobblestone streets, but what I didn’t expect was the attention to design and visual aesthetics that pervaded practically every inch of every store. I spent almost as much time ogling the light fixtures and wall treatments as I did shopping and eating. So today I thought I’d share a list of must-see spots in Nantucket.  Keep reading to check ’em out.

Monelle

This is one of those “I need everything in here” kinds of shops. The store is organized into neat little color schemes, making it a pleasure to look through racks for that perfect top or pair of pants. They also have a fabulous selection of accessories… I’m *almost* looking forward to cold weather so I can wear my new pom pom hat! 
Zero Main Street  |  www.monelle.com
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Met On Main

As I noted in my Instagram photo, Met On Main is a feast for both the eyes and the stomach. The interior is filled with nautical paintings, thick leather upholstery and reclaimed wood walls. The patio is just as pretty with its living plant wall and blue bistro lights. Oh yeah, and the food’s amazing too 🙂
38 Main Street  |  www.metonmain.com
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Ice

If you’re in the mood for Italian ice, be sure to stop by Ice. Actually, you should stop by even if you aren’t. This family-owned store just opened this summer, and it is owned by go-getter Jack who hasn’t even finished his degree in entrepreneurship yet. He took a carpentry class before they opened, and proceeded to make the reclaimed wood sign wall and countertop with his brother. I tried the cherry Italian ice and it was incredible. Although water based, the flavor tasted creamy – a treat for the lactose intolerant!
21 Old South Wharf  |  www.facebook.com/IceNantucket
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Shift

Shift is another adorable women’s clothing boutique with a healthy dose of Kate Spade and other colorful brands. Of course I had to take a photo of the furniture though! I was especially in love with all of their fun jewelry and clutches. 
34 Main Street  |  www.inthepinkonline.com
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Beautycounter

Beautycounter has been growing quickly, so much so that they decided to create a pop up shop in Nantucket. But this place is legit, folks – stunning whitewashed walls and striped floors give it that island feel, letting the products take center stage. And ooh those lotions and potions… I’m thoroughly enjoying my citrus mimosa hand cream. 
1 Old South Wharf  |  www.beautycounter.com
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Freedman’s of Nantucket

This is one of those unique stores that feels like it is something straight out of your dreams. Freedman’s is filled with wall-to-wall clocks that are handmade in a nautical style but made for the home. And to make it even more drool-worthy, Mr. Freedman used to design beautiful tapestries which he displays as well. 
14 Center Street  |  www.freedmansofnantucket.com
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G.S. Hill Gallery

G.S. Hill is a quaint little shop right near the ferry, and it’s filled with beautiful original paintings by Gregory Hill, handmade baskets and even a lovely collection of freshwater pearl jewelry. It’s worth a stop if you’re into traditional nautical décor.
40 Straight Wharf  |  www.gshill.com
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Aunt Leah’s Fudge

If you enjoy fudge, this is a must-see. Although there’s nothing particularly “design-y” about this one, it’s just too damn delicious not to include. The chocolate peanut butter is to die for, and they have tons of other super unique combinations to choose from as well. 
16 Straight Wharf  |  www.auntleahs.com
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Sara Campbell

Women’s clothing boutique Sara Campbell is filled with beautiful colors and textures, along with lovely one-of-a-kind jewelry. This is the place to go if you’re on the hunt for that perfect gift, or a little treat for yourself. 
5 South Beach  |  www.saracampbellwebsite.com
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Ellie Kai

Ellie Kai is resort-wear at its best, in my opinion. The materials they use resist wrinkles, making them ideal for travel… and the colors and patterns are just fantastic. They also have plenty of cute accessories to tempt you. 
5 Old South Wharf  |  www.elliekai.com
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Remy Creations

The owner of Remy Creations started out by creating handmade wool shawls for trunk shows, but quickly realized that a brick and mortar store would be ideal for her business. She now fills Remy with a mix of her own handmade pieces along with items designed by her but produced offsite. Definitely worth a stop!
 16 Old South Wharf  |  www.remycreations.com
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Best of the Beach

Best of the Beach is a great stop on the way to the ferry if you’re looking to stock up on some summery goods for your home or your wardrobe. Plus, they have an adorable shop dog who loves to do tricks! That’s worth a stop in and of itself, in my opinion.
2 Straight Wharf  |  www.facebook.com/bestofthebeach
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Oath Pizza

Oath Pizza makes artisan pizza custom created just for you – they have gluten free crust and a whole slew of unique toppings like potato, sriracha chicken and truffle sauce. Not to mention they have some seriously great typography going on. And here’s the best part – it’s located right next to the Hy-Line ferry, so take a cue from us and grab a pie for the boat ride home!
44 Straight Wharf  |  www.oathpizza.com
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And a special shout out to the nice people over at Hy-Line Cruises who transported us from Hyannis to Nantucket in under an hour. Gotta love a fast ferry!
All images by Faith Towers of Design Fixation

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