Lifestyle_NovDec2023_Final _Online

Not home alone
“It’s an experience to come in here.
It’s charming, elegant and friendly.”
An international touch
“People love these products and
come in for their favourites.”
When Lisa Barron welcomes you through the front door,
it’s like entering her home. Oak & Linen Home, located in
Arva, is set up in a coach house built in the 1890s. “When
you walk in here, you walk into a different world,” she
says. “It’s like walking into my house. It’s so personal; I
choose everything here. It’s a boutique where you can find
just about everything you need for your home.”
Barron builds on the charm of the old house by displaying
furniture, linens, lighting, art, kitchenware, accessories
and clothing against the original wood floors and exposed
brick. “People can wander through the house and get ideas
for their own home. They can see and touch things. It’s a
different way of having a store. It’s different each time you
come in. It’s like a home you can shop. If you see something
in a setting, it’s easier to visualize in your own house.”
The French Country Collection furniture (the ‘Oak’ in
the name) has an Old-World feel. Barron lived in Belgium
and wanted to offer the timeless elegance she saw there.
She sources unusual items from Belgium, Holland, France,
Germany, Italy, Denmark and Finland.
The ‘Linen’ part of the name also reflects the European
use of the fabric for table and bed linens, as well as clothing.
Almost 400 items are offered online.
For the holidays, the house will be decorated with ornaments
sold there, as well as wreaths and plaques. “And lots
of things that make good gifts – from soaps to mystery gift
boxes filled with ‘something personal, something delicious,
something festive and something for the home.’” Subscription
boxes are also available.
“It’s a small store, but we can get you just about everything,”
says Barron. “It’s an experience to come in here.
It’s charming, elegant and friendly.”
OAK & LINEN HOME
21556 Richmond Street, Arva
www.oakandlinenhome.com • 519-672-9514
Bettina Weber credits her mother for giving her an
Italian name and a love of gloves. “My mother always
wore gloves. I love gloves – the craftsmanship, the skill
needed to make them, the feel of a good leather glove is a
beautiful thing.”
She shares her passion by offering the largest selection
of Italian gloves in Ontario. “It’s all about the fit,” says
Weber. “It’s not just small, medium and large.” She helps
customers find the right size and style. “It’s all about the
customer experience. We help you make a good choice.”
Weber calls gloves a practical luxury, and she adds more
options for elegance: Italian silk scarves and soaps, stationery,
Murano glass and jewellery. Canadian content includes
Newfoundland knit mittens and hats, Montreal scarves,
linen from British Columbia and jewellery by a local artist.
Indigenous artists are represented with leather, pewter and
jewellery. “These are real artisan gifts,” says Weber. “People
love these products and come in for their favourites.”
Holiday shopping offers gifts from $10, items Weber
says you won’t find anywhere else. “There is so much to
look at. It’s pretty and charming because it should be a
pleasure to shop. Touch the silk scarves. Try on the gloves.
It’s nice to have products that make people happy even in
a small way,” she says.
“We offer a traditional boutique shopping experience.
You can take your time and browse. We’re catering to the
person who loves Italian fashion and Italian travel. Come
and chat.”
BOUTIQUE FIRENZE
189 Adelaide Street South
www.boutiquefirenze.ca • 519-649-4122