Teroforma

May 25, 2009

Profiles // Lekker Home, South Boston

Great stores are the result of great people. This is the first Profile in what will be an ongoing series of interviews with our extraordinary retailers. First up? Dutch-born Natalie Carpenter, owner of Lekker Home, is a big reason that South Boston has emerged as one of the most exciting contemporary design scenes on the East Coast.

There’s a lot in a name. What does Lekker mean?
LEKKER was the first word my husband picked up when we traveled back to Amsterdam to see my family. We use it to describe just about anything. Like the English say “brilliant”, or Americans say “great”. The official meaning is “tasty, enticing, alluring, attractive, nice”. All “great” words to describe a home design store!

Great stores always seem to be a careful balance of inspiration and reassurance. To what extent do you see Lekker as a way to educate and inspire? To reassure?
It’s a balance indeed. We definitely educate our customers on the product, tell the story behind it, where it’s made, who the designer is etc. Our goal is to present the product in the most appealing, but also in the most logical way, so people can picture it in their own home. I could personally love the most outrageous setting that pushes the limits, but in the end, our goal is to sell product, so it’s got to make sense.

What prompted you to open Lekker in Boston? What do you think has fueled the growing preference for contemporary design in Boston and how has Lekker been able to play a role?
We are based in Boston, so it was pure convenience. The area we’re in was getting a lot of attention from the local government, lots of buildings being developed. We wanted to be in that area. I think that part of all this development, contemporary buildings prompted people to look for more “fitting” home products.

How does the American perspective on contemporary design compare to the European perspective and what changes have you seen since opening Lekker?
It has been an interesting experience. I think the US has some great contemporary designers at the moment. Boston as a market is generally speaking more conservative, so I have had to adjust to that a little bit, but I think if you help people see how they can mix their family heirloom pieces with more contemporary pieces, they usually get it. In the 6 years we’ve been in business I’ve noticed that more and more people want a modern feel, so my European designed products work for them.

What makes great design? And who are your current favorite designers?
For me, great design is the synergy that happens when you combine good quality/craftsmanship, originality and function. I like products that are use-able. Some of my favorite designers at the moment are: Piet Boon, Piet Hein Eek and Hella Jongerius.

What tips do you have for people who want to create that sense of effortless style when they entertain at home?
Splurge on a few pieces you know you’ll bust out every time you have people over. Like a good platter that can be used for cheese, salad, or a piece of grilled fish. ALWAYS use cloth napkins, no matter what (preferably linen ones, and Yes, you’ll have to iron them). It adds immediate class and luxury, even if you’re serving grilled cheese sandwiches. I love to cook and entertain, but I don’t have time to whip up 5 course meals so stick to simple dishes and good ingredients.

Shopping is hungry work, where do you send your best customers for a great local bite to eat?
The South End feeds just about any craving. We have great spots, from Italian to Indian, to Pizza and sandwiches. Here is my top 10: Butcher Shop & B&G Oysters for antipasti or oysters, you can’t go wrong / Meyers & Chang is a great contemporary Chinese “Snack bar” / Sage has simply delicious Italian / Flour Bakery makes the best sandwiches and sweet treats / Mela for fab Indian / Toro and Estragon for Tapas / Picco & Upper Crust for pizza. Enjoy :)

Lekker Home
1317 Washington St
Boston, MA‎
T. (617) 542-6464‎
Monday: Closed
Tu-Sa: 10AM to 7PM (EST)
Su: 12 Noon to 6PM (EST)