SIX PICKS: Brooks William of Artisans &
After over a decade in luxury interior design, Brooks William is channeling his curatorial talents and appreciation for intentionally-crafted home goods into a new retail destination, co-founded with his mother, Lisa Barger.
Artisans & inhabits a historic art deco building in downtown Columbus, Ohio, which the duo sensitively restored to its 1920s glory before opening. This respect for history is emblematic of Artisans &’s approach — celebrating “craftsmanship and artistic excellence” and goods that last. Their curation is truly one-of-a-kind, and we were delighted to talk shoppe with Brooks!
What kind of products or objects are you most drawn to right now?
I gravitate toward thoughtfully crafted items that endure beyond passing trends. Items with soul!
What is the best purchase you’ve made for yourself this year?
My wine bag is a standout piece—woven from recycled nylon with elegant, rounded oakwood handles. The simplicity of its design offers a refined alternative to those standard paper bags from wine shops. Crafted in Singapore, I loved it so much that I decided to include it in my store's collection.
Name an item that you can’t seem to keep in stock!
Our custom Splatterware Dinner Collection. They're all hand-thrown by a Brooklyn-based ceramicist and are exclusive to Artisans &. We have two classic color offerings: cobalt blue and jade. Daisy’s pieces have a great weight in hand, and they're all slightly unique in shape and vary in size. We first met while I was living in Brooklyn Heights, became close friends, and designed these pieces together.
What’s your personal go to for retail therapy?
Lost Horizon Bookstore in Montecito. It’s exactly what you want in a bookstore. They have a fabulous selection of fine art and rare books, and smells exactly like every bookstore should. Similarly to my store’s ethos, in a world where the internet has made it easy to find what you are looking for, Lost Horizon Bookstore is a place to find the unexpected. They’re family-owned and you should definitely stop in if ever in the area.
Favorite Shoppe Online brand discovery?
Cambridge Imprint. I love a patterned paper! They have exquisite color offerings, and their patterns are perfectly English. I know where we’re getting our gift wrap from!
BROOKS’ PICKS
No. 1
THE FACIAL MIST
SOMERSET MOSS
“I first discovered this brand while living in LA and bought their Facial Mist last summer. I love it so much that I carry it everywhere! The dual-action formula combines the concentrated benefits of a serum with the convenience of a mist, leaving your skin feeling both revitalized and hydrated. Plus, the scent is both calming and grounding.”
No. 2
THE AVANT GARDENS
GESTALTEN
“I’m of the belief that one can never have too many books. Books bring warmth to the home and never go out of style. A good majority of the things I have in my store are artisanal and handmade, thus they tend to be on the pricey side. For contrast, I like to mix in a few inspiring books of various price points, and this is one we just got in.
I could live on every page and in every garden they feature.”
No. 3
THE EL SOL BASKET
INTIEARTH
“Baskets are perfectly functional, beautifully designed, and handmade. These are made in Peru and can offer an array of uses.”
No. 4
MAD ET LEN
MON OEIL
“While their entire candle collection offers exceptional fragrances, I particularly favor their Graphite scent. This distinctive combination of graphite and wood notes creates a sophisticated and sexy aroma. Plus, the candles are housed in elegantly crafted Moroccan vessels.”
No. 5
ASH WOOD GARDEN SECATEURS
EARTH & NEST
“Well-made and functional. They’re great to have, beautiful to look at, and easy to use.”
No. 6
DOU DOU TEA TOWELS
CHARVET EDITIONS
“Similar to my sentiment on books, one can never have too many linens. These are French linen and they've been making them for over 80 years. They’re well-made, come in great colors, and are better than buying paper towels.”