Bridge Street, Phoenixville
Noon: Start with Swedish potato pancakes or omelets at local fave Black Lab Bistro (248 Bridge Street, 610-935-5988, blacklabbistro.net). 2 p.m.: Take in a classic movie at the Colonial Theatre (227 Bridge Street, 610-917-0223, thecolonialtheatre.com). This month, look for a Harlow-and-Gable screening series; coming in September: the "Better on the Big Screen" series, including The Searchers (9/6), Lawrence of Arabia (9/13), and the supremely confounding 2001: A Space Odyssey (9/20). 4 p.m. (or later, depending on length of said movie): Roam the antique (and junk) shops on Bridge Street. Buy things you don't need. 6 p.m.: It's Sunday, so it's an early dinner. For burgers and beer, the call is Iron Hill (130 East Bridge Street, 610-983-9333, ironhillbrewery.com); for something a tad more refined, BYO Majolica (258 Bridge Street, 610-917-0962, majolicarestaurant.com). 8 p.m.: Remember that tomorrow is a workday, and make the long, sad journey home. 00000,
Baked Sunless Tanning
They confirm your appointments by email, mix your perfect (read: non-orange and organic) shade, and give detailed maintenance instructions. Prefer to get naked at home? Their mobile service comes to you. In-store spray tans start at $35; at-home treatments start at $55. 815 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, bakedtanning.com.
Occasionette
Sara Selepouchins brand-new shop has all those handcrafted party goods (charming banners, stripy paper straws) that make any party look pulled-together. Her great gift-y items like pretty greeting cards and housewares (napkins, dishtowels, totes, etc.), which feature her own darling illustrations, are only a bonus. 1825 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148, occasionette.com.
Fast Local Locksmith
There are home services where response times don’t especially matter, like furniture assembly or hanging pictures. (Come on, they’ve been leaning against the wall since the day you moved in.) And then there are times when you’re locked out of your home with three whining kids. And it’s snowing. Fast Local is professional, clear at communicating, and, most importantly, super-speedy. 1526 Catharine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, fast-locallocksmith.com.
Quail Store
This upscale boutique, showcasing a highly curated selection of pieces that inspire reflection and calm by both local artists and global makers, promises pretty things only. We’re particularly awestruck by the Louis XV pitcher by Carron, a gleaming white vessel with a dramatic handle and bow detail, handmade in the south of France with black terracotta clay. 1218 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, shopquailstore.com.
Knobs 'N Knockers
Look past the hilariously X-rated-sounding name, and you’ll find a treasure trove of high-end hardware for interior and exterior doors, cabinets, drawers, and, well, anything else that you might need to open in your house. You can also find gorgeous mailboxes, along with house address plaques, pretty switch plates, and all the other little details that’ll make your house feel way more luxe. Shop 22, Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA 18931, knobsnknockers.com.
Harth Builders
Want to grow old in the house you’re already in? Or would you prefer to have a new one built for you, no matter how old you are? Lower Gwynedd’s Harth Builders can make your existing home work better for you as you age, or custom-build a home that can grow with you. (They also do repairs.) 812 North Bethlehem Pike, Lower Gwynedd, PA 19002, harthbuilders.com.
Bodie
Photograph by Nell Hoving Dixon If your space bends more toward the colorful and kitschy, this modern general store has what you need, from candles shaped like pretzels and tinned fish to stunning Parisian flatware in pastel shades to branded tote bags to take it all home in. But don’t leave without a produce pillow. Who’s to say the pièce de résistance of your living room can’t be a giant fleece strawberry? Locations in Queen Village and Fairmount, Philadelphia, PA shoppebodie.com.
Philadelphia Community Corps
Instead of filling a dumpster with all your demo refuse, hire this nonprofit org to help you “deconstruct.” They’ll identify any building materials that can be reused by others — and help you get a tax break while they’re at it. philadelphiacommunitycorps.org.
Peco Energy
Yes, you read that right. For a modest fee, their experts will examine your at-home energy use, recommend ways you can reduce it, and even toss in free LED lights. If your income falls below their thresholds, you can get your checkup for free. peco.com/WaysToSave/ForYourHome/Pages/Assessment.aspx.
Bright Common
Architect Jeremy Avellino will use “passive house” technology to yield aggressive savings on energy bills — a recent retrofit saved up to 85 percent — without sacrificing comfort, in part by sealing your home so it’s as airtight and insulated as a refrigerator. brightcommon.com.
Remix Living Showroom
Dominique Calhoun of Remix Living Showroom. Photograph by Jonathan Pushnik Prolific interior decorator Dominique Calhoun and her team are busy for a reason: They absolutely nail the mix of glam and function, fun and form. Every item they put into a home has something special, whether it’s the sexy curve of a powder pink settee, leopard-print club chairs, or a side table made up of gold and cream spheres and cones. And a whole lot of it is for sale at Calhoun’s Northeast showroom and on her Instagram feed. Look for the items that were used to stage homes — they’re sold at a nice discount. Globe Dye Works, 4500 Worth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124, remixliving.com.
Shoppe Marché
Deanna Johnson threw out the rule book when she opened her Kennett Square spot. She filled the place with a bunch of random things she likes — original oil paintings, linen tunics, handcrafted cocktail bitters, leather throw pillows … and that’s really just the beginning. It’s all slightly French, slightly bohemian, slightly eccentric and slightly familiar. 123 East State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348, shoppemarche.com.
Ssssnake Blanket by Jarmel Reitz
A throw blanket by local artist Jarmel Reitz. Photograph courtesy Urban Outfitters Say goodbye to cold, stark spaces and start layering your room with warmth and fun. Deck out your couch or bed with an extra-colorful throw blanket by local artist Jarmel Reitz. Your space will look ssspectacular. Jarmelbyjarmel.com.
Casa del Gatto Door Knockers
Nothing says “Welcome to my idiosyncratic house of delights” like a bronze door knocker shaped like a cat or mouse. Casa del Gatto’s additions to the genre of quirky door decor will lend your entryway the personality you didn’t know it was missing. etsy.com/shop/casadelgatto.