ON THE HOMEFRONT: A New Rittenhouse Design Boutique

Those of us who spend, perhaps, a little too much time patronizing Adolf Biecker in The Rittenhouse Hotel have recently been ogling the spa-salon’s stylish new neighbor. A few weeks ago, early modern design expert John Levitties (owner of Chestnut Hill’s John Alexander Ltd) and residential and hospitality interior designer Michael Gruber (whose clients include Osteria and Amis) opened JAGR (pronounced: “yay-grr”), a shelter-art studio and gallery where the pair can collaborate on interiors, collections and design.

The gorgeous space itself is worth peering into. And among the things you’ll find inside are any of JAGR’s new line of furnishings, including horsehair-padded sofas and brass-legged hand wrought, glass-topped coffee tables and sublimely transitional side tables that, unlike most investment-worthy antiques you’ll find, actually come in pristine pairs. Visit them — or try to score an invite to next week’s opening party, which will feature a just-finished gallery of works by British photog Michael Collins.
210 West Rittenhouse Square, Rittenhouse Hotel, Third Floor, 215-735-6930, jagrprojects.com