Tiberi Studios
Photograph by Jeff Fusco Jen Tiberi (pictured) can take your old accent chair (or that one you scored on Delancey Street on trash day) and turn it into the chicest item in your home. The keen-eyed artisan once did home textiles R&D for Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters, and now breathes new life into Eero Saarinen tulip chairs and whips up plush velvet ottomans, custom draperies, and a single throw pillow capable of transforming the entire vibe of your living room — all made to order in her Old City studio. 227 New Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Good Grounds Design
There’s something very noticeable when you find yourself in a Connor McInerney–designed space: light. Whether it’s down the Shore or on the Main Line, all his work invites in the brightness of its surroundings, each element receiving its own space to just … be. It makes sense when you learn he cut his teeth as a landscape architect out in the Hamptons before moving back to the Philly area, where he grew up.
Jillian Moskovitz
No matter how grand (or petite) your dwelling is, there will come a time when you need a small-space solution. Squeeze every square inch out of a powder room, say, or find a place to tuck away five humans’ shoes when you don’t have a mudroom, or much of an entryway at all. Moskovitz, design consultant for the low-maintenance, high-style Down2Earth Interior Design, thrives on creative problem solving, helping to maximize your space by making it functional — and full of personality too. As Moskovitz will show you, just because it’s small doesn’t mean it has to be boring.
King Swings
The swing sets and playhouses by this Chester County–based company rival anything at your local playground. We’re talking cute cottages, rustic A-frames, and palatial playhouses attached to countless configurations of twisty and straight slides, climbing walls, swings, wobbly bridges, monkey bars, and built-in lemonade stands. (Check out the limited-edition sets co-designed with the Phillies; one model features a sportscasting window.) They’re as cool-looking as they are durable, each handmade by Amish craftspeople with top-grade, built-to-last materials.
Mr. Tee’s
We’re big fans of this mainstay for the usual reasons — they make high-quality custom shirts, and they do it quickly and at a great price. (You’ll see some of their handiwork on shirts for Mummers clubs, South Philly high schools, and the Penn Relays.) And there’s another reason too: They turn out some of the best Eagles, Phillies, and Sixers gear in town. Is it totally legit? We’ll let them answer that. But if you’re heading to the stadiums for a game and need some new duds, you know where to go. 1607 West Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Sermania Jewelry
This family-run gem in the heart of East Passyunk has been crafting exquisite jewelry and restoring family heirlooms since 1981. Beyond polishing up a neglected vintage treasure or working with you to design the bespoke engagement ring of your dreams, though, they sell a line of Philly-themed baubles, because there’s no classier way to say “Go Birds” than dangly sterling-silver Eagles earrings glimmering with green Swarovski crystals. 1719 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Citrine
Photograph by Jeff Fusco Alex Cahanap doesn’t just set a table — she creates a whole vibe by layering distinctive dishes, glasses, and flatware with textures and colors that will stun your guests the second they walk into the room. The creative director has an incredible eye and an impressive collection of tabletop rentals that she’ll bring to home parties, venues, and even private rooms at restaurants. She’ll also work with florists and caterers to make the look seamless.
Iffy Books
Solder your own guitar cable. Build a solar-powered synth. Make weird little circuits that do strange little things. Iffy Books isn’t just a bookstore — it’s a portal to odd, brilliant skills you didn’t know you needed. Their DIY workshops are part science fair, part zine fest, part beautiful chaos. Show up curious; leave with a new obsession. 404 South 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Alexander Horn & Co.
Maybe you cracked your Rolex’s crystal face. Or perhaps Great-Uncle Albert’s watch, which survived two tours in Korea, finally surrendered, or your cuckoo clock’s lost its cuckoo. Whatever your timepiece trauma, the meticulous family behind this Main Line institution will fix it expertly, just like they’ve done since 1984. Sure, they take their time, but perfection’s worth the wait. (And yes, they replace watch batteries too.) 38 Cricket Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003
Philadelphia Drum Company
Photograph by Jeff Fusco Our neighbors have started taking their five-year-old to drum lessons. Good for them, we say as we install sound-deadening panels on all of our walls. If you’re like our neighbors, though, Philadelphia Drum Company is the place for you. Since 2018 they’ve been churning out custom snares, bass drums, and floor toms. You can spot their drums under the sticks of Snacktime drummer Austin Marlow, as well as some major international acts. (Psst, it’s Lady Gaga.)
The Organized Home Co.
Life’s busy — your home doesn’t have to be. The Organized Home Co. helps you clear the clutter and create simplified spaces that are user-friendly enough to maintain in your day-to-day. Whether it’s a chaotic closet or an overflowing playroom, Samantha Falzone blends style with strategy, creating serene, clean environments that feel tailored, intentional, and effortlessly polished.
Frame Fatale
It’s so easy to spot the dreaded IKEA frame. We get it: They’re cheap; they’re easy; they get the job done. But if you want a frame that will not only get the job done but will honor and enhance whatever’s behind that glass, head to Frame Fatale. They’ve got hundreds of colors, styles, and finishes, with an artist’s eye for finding just the right one for your project. We recently spotted a custom shadowbox they did for a client’s vintage Ozzy Osbourne leather jacket — try that at IKEA. 1813 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Comfy Heating & Cooling
The women who founded and run this Manayunk-based full-service company are on a dual mission: to change the face of the HVAC industry and to provide you with everything you need to make and keep your home comfortable year-round without upselling you on what you don’t. Friendly, reliable, transparent — finally, a breath of fresh air.
Diamond Tooth Taxidermy
Photograph by Linette Messina Beth Beverly, a Cheltenham-based taxidermist and founder of Diamond Tooth Taxidermy, specializes in memorializing beloved pets — a highly detailed and emotionally sensitive practice that sets her apart in her field. Rejecting standard foam forms, she lovingly re-creates each pet’s structure and essence from scratch using cotton batting and wire armature, often guided by client photos and sketches. Attuned to her clients’ grief, she’s even trained as an end-of-life doula — turning an unusual skill set into a deeply meaningful craft. Read more in our Best of Philly spotlight.
CarVault Main Line
Love cars? Join the club, literally. This social club for auto enthusiasts offers more than secure storage for your ride — the staff will wash and detail your car, schedule maintenance, and take delivery of a new vehicle and have it transported to your chosen destination. There’s also a stocked members lounge with a racing simulator, co-working space, and a calendar of events. You don’t even need a car to join. 1340 West Swedesford Road, Berwyn, PA 19312
Mono Mono Studio
If you’ve avoided sitting for a family photo session because your adorable kids immediately freeze up in front of a photographer, book a session with Mono Mono. Photographer Alice Liang’s relaxed DIY studio in Queen Village lets you control the shutter, so little ones can let loose while you snap away in front of the simple white backdrop — adorned with Liang’s props or BYO anything else you dream up — and you get natural images of your beautiful family.