My wife and I are visiting Boston and Cape Cod from Scotland at the end of August and would be grateful for any information on the best furniture and fabric shops in the area. We are particularly interested in traditional reproduction furniture to suit a Victorian house in Scotland , lamps by companies such as Maitland and Smith, Fine Art Lamps and John Richard and designer fabrics to cover sofas. We will be based in Boston for 5 days then Chatham for 4 days and will have a hire car so out of town locations would not be a problem

The problem with the sorts of things you are asking about is they are sold almost entirely to the Trade. High quality fabrics and lighting will almost certainly require you to use a decorator, unless you are looking for antiques, and even then. Really good or unusual case goods and soft furnishings are not sold retail.

If you are interested in pursuing this, I can put you in touch with a decorator who is married to a Scot and who has lived in your country. I think she can be of assistance.

Post here again publicly if you are interested, and I will give you a one-time email to make direct contact.

I just wanted to mention that traveling on and off the Cape in August to visit furniture stores could be quite a challenge. Driving in Boston proper isn't easy either, even for those who live in the area.

Just wanted to make sure you were prepared! Best of luck in your search.

You might have some luck at the Boston Design Center. The BDC used to be available only to those in the trade but it is now open to the public. http://www.bostondesign.com/AboutUs.cfm

Thanks for info. Will certainly check out Boston Design Centre. Shopping is not a big priority for me on holiday but cant say the same for my wife !

Definitely contact the Design Center - also check out Zimmans - zimmans.com - it is a drive to Lynn, but if you are adventurous you can do it after rush hour in about say 40 minutes - I often find the same fabrics there that were at the Design Ctr last showing - for excellent prices.

Other than that, check out Chimera and Neena's for lighting, the galleries along Newbury Street for art - and your wife might enjoy a walk through Mohr and McPherson on Boylston Street

mohr-mcpherson.com

Also, take your time driving to Chatham and stop at all the little antique stores along the way - maybe take 6A instead of the highway and snake your way in the Cape along the back roads and you'll find lots of treasures !

If you go to the Boston Design Center, plan to be there for at least half a day - it's about 6 floors with loads of individual shops on each floor. Lots to look at.

Bring photos of rooms and furniture you're looking to compliment with new purchases and any relevant room, window, etc. measurements.

Check their website regarding their policy for the public to go there. You can, you just may need to call in advance.

Also look into antique places between the Cape and Boston. Talk to the locals when you arrive for recommendations.