By Shayna Mace | Photography by Shanna Wolf
The history of The Century House dates back to 1948. Once a private residence, tavern and ceramic studio, this gift boutique has a wonderful patina of old mixed with new.
If The Century House feels extra homey when you’re perusing the wares, it’s because part of the gift shop was indeed a home at one time. This is especially felt on the second floor, complete with a kitchen, fireplace room, bedroom and dining area — now repurposed into cozy vignettes masterfully merchandised with Scandinavian housewares. Back in the late 1940s and early 1950s, owners Jane Scalbom and Max Howell lived upstairs and operated their business downstairs.
The Century House has since expanded in scope — they also sell home and office furnishings at two other locations. Today, the brand is well-known for its Scandinavian, modern and contemporary home décor, housewares and furnishings, explains manager Kris Schoenbrunn.
“[The gift shop] started out [carrying] Scandinavian gifts years ago after the ceramics studio ceased, because [that was] popular at the time, and we’ve continued that,” says Schoenbrunn. “That aesthetic does well for us.”
Shoppers will find Marimekko’s joyfully-printed textiles and dinnerware; Dale of Norway’s knitwear; Iittala’s glass items and tableware; and Arabia’s uber-popular Moomin pieces. Schoenbrunn notes the store also has some Italian and Japanese vendors, and there’s even a smattering of Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation decor items as well. Schoenbrunn says the staff enjoys sharing the history behind the brands The Century House carries with customers.
“Quite often there’s a story about a pattern you might see on a dish towel or dinnerware … We receive a historical account of the symbolism of the pattern, why the designer created it and how they were influenced,” she says.
She credits The Century House’s longevity to the business’ unique point of view and emphasis on design.
“The design element is important in the pieces we sell … Most of the items are decorative, but they also serve a function and a purpose,” she says.
The Century House, 3029 University Ave., centuryhouseinc.com