Home Appétit
Sick of having to plan, shop for and cook freaking dinner? Also sick of takeout? Home Appétit delivers enough precooked meals to your doorstep at the start of the week to feed your family through the weekend. No meal kits with shrink-wrapped garlic and complicated instructions, no pizza boxes — just a fridge full of food that actually tastes good. homeappetitphilly.com.
The Cone Rangers
Last winter, despite police warnings of potential violence, fed-up Philadelphians formed a rogue collective named after the fictional Western lawman to snatch traffic cones holding down neighbors’ parking spots on snowy days. Yeah, yeah, savesies are illegal. “So what?” as they say in South Philly. Vivid pro-and-con discussions on Reddit and other online outlets ensued.
UpHome
This breezy store feels like it could be in Provence: Pillows printed with the names of Shore towns are piled on weathered chairs the owner brings back from France; china plates are painted with watercolor crustaceans. It's a happy mash-up, filled with enough reclaimed furniture, quirky wall hangings and cool accessories to make any home feel like a vacation retreat. 233 East King Street, Suite 105, Malvern, PA 19355, uphomeltd.com.
The Home Hero
Don't listen to your mother-in-law -- that gorgeous floating staircase, small balcony and Noguchi table can be kid-friendly. Just ask the legions of Center City moms who swear by Home Hero owner Peter Rose's bevy of inventive, non-permanent tricks. thehomehero.com.
Home Appétit
True, you can get most anything couriered to your doorstep in 2016, but meal-delivery service Home Appétit is one of the real stars of Philly's convenience economy, both because the heat-and-eat meals are unusually fresh-tasting and delicious and because ordering is so gloriously flexible. From the city and select suburbs, you can order a week's meals whenever you want (no plan required), and food arrives after work hours, when you're actually home to collect it. homeappetitphilly.com.
Yoga Home
Readers' Choice winner. 424 East Elm Street, Conshohocken, PA 19428, ouryogahome.com.
Holistic Home
In 2010, Ginger Kuczowicz, an accountant by trade, and Mark Swoboda, her bioengineer business partner, decided to make their own cleaning supplies, eschewing harsh chemicals for effective non-toxics like baking soda, vinegar, salt, grated soap and essential oils and then started offering housecleaning services with their products. You can also check out their new store, Soap Box, stocked with their products. 616 South 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, myholistichome.com.
Reconsidered Home
Natalie Rettinger scours flea markets and estate sales to keep her shop flush with low-slung couches, teak consoles, oversize lamps and anything else Mad Men-worthy. And for a $50 fee, she'll deliver to almost anywhere in the region. 29 West Jasper Street, Media, PA 19063, reconsideredhome.com.
The Home Hero
Pete Rose (not that Pete Rose) started his business as a second career, because he really loves the work. So you get reliability, fair prices, expert craftsmanship, and a contractor whos actually responsive, even via email. Hes built his rep on things like creative baby-proofing, home theater installation, and the prettier parts of remodeling tile, lighting, fixtures and paint. Perfect for the jobs too big for you, but too small for impossible-to-nail-down G.C.s. Call or see website for consultation, 00000, thehomehero.com.
TownHome
Men: Go here, tell gift-whisperer/owner Dana Bank what you did, and she'll find you the perfect thing to make it all better. Women: Go here, tell Dana all about your fabulous girlfriend, and she'll find you the perfect thing your fabulous girlfriend didn't even know she wanted. 1616 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, townhomeonline.com.
Arcadia Boutique
Owner Ali McCloud knows green and really knows gorgeous, as witnessed by her organic, recycled and otherwise sustainably made dresses, skirts, jeans and accessories from coveted labels like Otto Defey, Kelly Lane and Prairie Underground. 819 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, arcadiaboutique.com.
<em>Heart of a Champion</em>
Heart of a Champion mural by artist Ernel Martinez. Photograph by Jeff Fusco Yes, we do love the new Lil Nas X mural that popped up in the Gayborhood just in time for Pride this year, but we have to give this one to the late-2020 mural by artist Ernel Martinez recognizing Philly’s true champ, Smokin’ Joe Frazier. From his wall at 13th and Allegheny in North Philadelphia, the first boxer to beat Muhammad Ali proclaims, “There is no right way to do wrong and no wrong way to do right.” 1302 West Allegheny Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132, .
The Ivory Concept
For those having their own modern Regency Era romances, this appointment-only boutique from Ali Campbell is filled with all the puffed sleeves and squared necks you could desire. Most of the designers are local exclusives (this is one of only two Marquise Bridal stockists in the whole country), and you’ll have the space to yourself when you visit. 2 East King Street, Malvern, PA 19355, instagram.com/ticbridal.
Charming Garlands
In 2022, balloon installations are just as ubiquitous as floral arrangements. Demand for these larger-than-life creations has been so keen in the region that Ali Kahan was able to turn her pandemic side hustle into a successful business. Her two-year-old company uses biodegradable organic balloons for Insta-worthy garland installations that float like colorful clouds around chuppahs. Charminggarlands.com.
The Greek Tofu Scramble at the Tasty
Spinach, tomatoes, tofu feta for some salt — it comes with home fries, but spend the extra buck for the tots upgrade. 1401 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, thetastyphilly.com.