I love Reside. Walking around the Huron Ave/Concord Ave/Fresh Pond triangle, Reside is a standout in an already outstanding area. Which is why my initial reaction to the news of their new location on Washington St in the South End was a mix of excitement and apprehension.
How would the cutest, nicest store with the most fantastic furniture in the prettiest part of Cambridge do in a new neighborhood, let alone the South End?
Not that I have anything against the South End. It’s one of the most vibrant design neighborhoods in the city, and I often spend time there. But it’s a bit… fancy compared to Fresh Pond. How will Reside hold up?
I headed out to Washington St to find out.
All in all, Reside holds up well in well in the South End. The space on Washington St feels like a perfect fit for all of the twentieth century modern furniture and accessories.
Yes, I said “twentieth century” and not “mid-century.” The range of options at the new store expands beyond the mid-century focus of the Cambridge store. The space is packed with furniture, yet not so much that you can’t browse. I think this is one of owner Pamela Watt’s special abilities — filling a space without overfilling it — and it’s something that not every vintage retailer grasps.
Aside from the furniture, Reside South End seemed like it has more accessories than the original store. There were vases, a bunch of glasses on a shelf unit when I visited, as well as a case of jewelry handmade by Pamela’s daughter Nicole.
Every time I walk into Reside Cambridge, I fall in love with a different piece of furniture, and this was no different in the new space. This time, it was this Scandinavian teak dining table. Utterly gorgeous, and it would look great in our new dining room (more on that later.)
All in all, Reside holds up well in the South End. It’s different than the space on Concord Ave, as it should be. Now the only problem is deciding which one I want to visit more.
Reside South End
1409 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
857-350-3594
