Observatory boutique an ode to lovely design

Vintage décor, jewelry, and flowers mingle at a neighborhood boutique

By Marni Katz, Boston Globe

TWO GORGEOUSLY artistic women — jewelry designer Nicole Rueda-Watts and floral designer Laura Jean — have come together to create an ode to all that is beautiful at Observatory. Nestled among a handful of other retail gems, the boutique opened quietly last year and is flourishing. Offerings include locally designed, handmade jewelry, including pieces by Rueda-Watts, fresh flowers and plants hand-picked by Jean, and vintage home furnishings, like this exotic, circa 1940s green glass lantern with cast metal details. Observatory, 270 Concord Ave., Cambridge, 617-645-0648. www.facebook.com/observatorylifestyleboutique

The 270 Concord Avenue storefront remains unmarked but planters and mannequin-adorned windows are a clear sign you’ve arrived at the greenery-meets-jewelry shop. Entering the long and narrow space, visitors are greeted by a slew of found objects (particularly vintage glassware), small terrariums, a centerpiece flower display, and jewelry spread among various antique furniture pieces from Reside next door (all available for sale). Ebonized wood floors, a deep hued ceiling, and crisp white walls are quite the contrast, with large paper lanterns—hand painted with gold by Rueda-Watts herself—lighting the space.

…A noteworthy decor element is an enormous wood and metal bookshelf, custom made by Rueda-Watts’s brother, and filled with necklaces, beaded bracelets, and feathered leather accessories—all made downstairs in the basement studio. As the space is developed further, Pecci will occupy a back corner of the store to consult on custom arrangements, while a rear patio will serve to merchandise garden items. Like the vegetation within the boutique, Observatory is a living, breathing entity with everything for sale and guaranteed to change every visit.

 

Natural Beauty

By Austyn Ellese Mayfield, Boston Magazine, June 2011

Nyx Jewelry Studio, features a “Parisian voodoo” motif that combines slices of tribal mystique (read: primal) and Franco-modern elegance (i.e., the socially learned elements). >>full article