What Female Entrepreneurs on the Connecticut Shoreline Love About Their Homes

Some houses have many, but all houses have at least one favorite aspect, element, vignette, or piece that its inhabitant falls in love with.

We love hearing and seeing what makes someone’s home special and personal to them, so we asked some of our community’s local founders, chefs, shopkeepers, creatives, and business owners to share what they love about theirs. From a specific room or piece, to the way that afternoon light trickles into a space, and even that nearly unarticulated way their home makes them feel, find dwelling inspiration from a collection of inspiring local entrepreneurs below.

My home is a vessel for all the things we love. An eclectic mix of furniture and objects spanning decades—mid-20th century thru today, collected over time, all feeling at home in our c.1825 Colonial. Every piece is part of our family’s story.

Jennie Maneri, Founder & Owner of Deep River Home | Deep River

I love that my home instills the feelings of comfort, calm and coziness at the beginnings and ends of my days. The treasures inside are a thoughtful collection – from travels and loved ones, serving as a constant reminder of these special moments and memories. Holidays and celebrations have and will continue to take place here, which is obviously so meaningful, but it’s also the perfect backdrop to have a simple cup of coffee on a Tuesday morning, bake a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies just because, or enjoy a long summer night sitting out on the porch.

Abby Mattern, Founder & Owner of Lille Shoppe | Guilford

I love my home because it’s a collection of all my favorite things. It’s taking out my favorite thrifted mugs to have coffee with my husband, curling up on the couch with our dogs under a handmade vintage quilt, and having family and friends around our century-old antique farmhouse table for dinner. It’s where past meets present and new memories get to be made.

Taylor Lussier, Founder & Owner of The Little Thrift Co.

I love my home because it’s constantly evolving and lends itself to all our needs in different ways. Not every room is photo-worthy with a 14 month old running around, but there are little corners where I’m able to create a space that feels in line with my curated, timeless aesthetic. 

Lexi Lemire, Founder & Owner of Azalea | Niantic

I love having a FUN office! Being surrounded by pieces that reflect my true self unlocks my creativity as a writer. This space is still WIP, but it’s been a blast hunting for things that inspire me. [and] This dining area is one of my favorite spots in the house. There’s just something about plants and the warmth of natural light that makes you happy, especially when sharing a meal with family and friends.

Annie Maguire, Founder & Owner of Annie Maguire | Old Lyme

What I love most about my home is the heirlooms of family art that have been passed down from my childhood home.  These items are invaluable, something that is personal and can never be replaced. Having artists in the family, I feel excited to show guests what beautiful creations my sisters, mother and uncles have created. This photo features a painting done by my Godfather Chris Capezzone. It was hanging  in my childhood home right above the couch as well. Having it in the  same place  in my home now is very special to me.

Liz Wood, Chef & Owner of Edd’s Place | Westbrook

I love the comfort my home provides. It mirrors my life; although toddler mess can be found in every corner, it is full of love and life.

Chelbi Wade, Founder & Owner of ShellBee Studio and SoMa | Deep River

My living room's a year-round haven; mismatched textures and earthy tones create a warm, organic embrace. The soft glow of vintage lamps and a well-loved rug make it a constant comfort, no matter the season. Many of its pieces are sourced from A Good Home’s seasonal markets, including our rug and pillows. I look forward to adding more of Chelsea’s finds every year.  Just beyond, our dining room holds cherished heirloom pieces, a testament to generations of family gatherings, adding layers of history and love to our home.

Chelsea McNamara, Founder & Owner of Everthine Bridal & Covet Bridal | Madison and Essex

I'm lucky enough to live in the beach community I spent all my childhood summers in.  So the seaside beauty and all the sweet memories that surround my home are truly my favorite things.

Kate Bartlett, Co-Founder & Co-Owner of Homeward Collective | Old Lyme & Madison

I love so many things about my home, but maybe my favorite thing is the light! There's just something so joyful about the way it pours through the windows and reflects on the white walls. It feels bright and open and full of possibility.

Chrissy Carter, Founder & Owner of H(OM)E | Lyme

One of my favorite things about are our home are all the hidden details that were discovered during the renovation process of our 1820's home. In this little corner of our kitchen, we kept the dutch door to our patio and revealed the original beams and shiplap ceilings. It always has the best light and views to our garden.

Rachel Rinoski, Co-Founder & Co-Owner of Homeward Collective | Old Lyme & Madison

Being in the business of home and taking pride in the thoughtful consideration of every inch in every space, it’s hard to narrow in a favorite aspect, element, or piece. I have several favorite vignettes in our current home that mostly involve our British country-inspired kitchen and certain views through the doorways from room-to-room. I also have a deep admiration of the romantic antique architectural details that are nearly impossible to re-create. But now having lived in multiple houses, home for me really is about a feeling that something only its inhabitant(s), can create over time— it comes from making your home deeply personal, filling it with happy people and memories, setting it up in a way where it supports you daily, and being a loving steward of it.

Chelsea Wade, Founder & Owner of A Good Home | Lyme