When it comes to the big boys of retail, there's something so ingenious about the styling at Urban Outfitters (and its kid sister Anthroplogie). Maybe it's the mix they do so well: old/new, street/chic, raw/refined. The materials are humble, simple and economic: plywood, tin, plaster, pegboard and steel. Now, pair that sensibility with an assortment of products ranging from statuaries to stationery, exotic plants to pendant lamps. House it all in a century-old greenhouse, and it's the kind of place I'd wander through for hours, gathering inspiration for how to garden—and live—more beautifully. Terrain is the name, and in a quiet town just outside of Philadelphia, it's breaking new ground.
On the approach, meandering the aisles of the nursery, I fell in love with this unusual double clematis. A loose arrangement on the mantle, wispy and a little unruly, would be beautiful.
Genius at work: Wood and clay strike a circular balance in a layered vignette as pretty as it is practical.
Inside, the magic grows, deepens, recalling the jewel box shop of another master gardener in Chicago. (We'll be seeing her soon, and all of you, I hope, in June.) The greenhouse of old has been updated and shaded, like a beautifully tented event on a floor of timeworn slate.
In another carefully orchestrated vignette, bottles abound, stacked one upon the other. Galvanized steel racks on a slatted wood wall hold stationery and cards.
This fountain I loved for its stately shape, dreaming of its place on a porch or a sunroom perhaps, planted with ferns.
Running water and a living wall can inspire even the least green-thumbed among us.
Take root, inside and out. Surround it with modern chrome chairs, made new again.
My obsession of the day: a faux bois pitcher with a grey-over-white glaze and a handmade feel I love. Can't live without, really.
Pack you up, take you home. A pretty little package, all its own. I think I'll fill you with lilacs, their purply hue a vivid companion to your muted grey. If you're anywhere near Terrain, go, I tell you.
Now to the garden I go, for flowers…
Rustic, sophisticated at the same time. Makes overly fussy and pristine look like yesterday’s news. Great pictures, thanks!
That place looks fantastic.
fantastic….
Would LOVE to visit this store… thanks for sharing.
xo,
cristin
Wow – what an amazing shop! Those clay pots are my favorite! Wish we had them here……….KG
What a fabulous shop! Hopefully it will master the photographic treats that Anthro provides us…I am calling first thing Monday about that root-based table. It is just perfect. Happy Weekend!
Everything looked special, especially their green ‘terrain’ sign!
If I had a shop, it would look like that – I am missing a local garden shop that closed. Maybe I will be lucky and a terrain will open here!
pve
Looks like the kind of place that might help me get over the grief I suffered at the loss of Smith & Hawken. Lilacs. Bring on the lilacs!
I have been loving their online store, but it is so great to see the pics of the actual shop.
It is a venture from Anthropologie, right? Do you know if they are planning to open other shops?
Thanks for giving us a glimpse of it all!
Looks amazing Eddie – wish I could pop over for a visit. Very insprirational.
This is just up my alley…. love those stores, love the philosophy and styling! Gorgeous place above!
Happy weekend, boys!
XX
V.
what an enchanted place! i love it when retail returns back to the basics. thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Eddie! Wow this is an awesome post. Terrain is fantastic. And I love Philadelphia I feel a kinship with Pennsylvania since my ancestors’ migrated from there in 1789. I think Anthropologies is awesome as well. Your designs are beautiful. The daffodils arrangements are so attractive and very creative. Daffodils are my favorite spring flower. Thanks sharing! Ciao.
well guys….what a lovely surprise! thank you xoxo
we cannot wait to welcome you to chicago, you have a legion of fans here waiting anxiously to see you eddie.
a perfect weekend of E+J; an entertaining event and a tour with both of you at the chicago flea market.
we are so lucky here in the midwest!
debra
scentimental gardens
Love the root table , it looks fabulous
It looks amazing. I am in love.
Oh wow, this place looks incredible. Thank you for sharing.
I am spoiled – I live close by. And I have a space in an antiques store about 5 minutes from Terrain…I always recommend that customers visit Terrain on the way to my shop for a little inspiration (and lunch). And there’s an Anthropologie right across the street from Terrain, which is another plus!
Great discovery! Looks like a mini road trip is in order for my upcoming b-day!
~Tracy
ugh – i am DYING to go!!! i must make the trip out there. their online shop simply doesn’t do it all justice (and love the lilacs in your pretty little vase!) xo
love it all… what talent… xx
I couldn’t WAIT to see the lilacs in that pitcher! It’s FABULOUS and lovely! My sister (who lives in Chesapeak City) and I live in north eastern MD are definately going to have to mapquest it to see how far. Sounds and looks like the perfect summer day trip of retail therapy!
I love Terrain, but haven’t been there yet. Thanks so much for this post. I can’t wait to visit Terrain.
Holly J
http://www.anobsessionwithstyle.blogspot.com
I did a post about Terrain a while back, and still can’t get enough. So wonderful to see real photos, you do such a good job of wrapping everything up in a nice neat package. thank you for sharing!
I’ve been admiring Terrain from afar for a long time…can’t wait to make the pilgrimage one of these days. Thanks for the virtual tour!
Fab shop, the clay pots along with your pitcher are perfect for the upcoming season.
Hi, Eddie and Jaithan! TERRAIN is just about ten minutes from Calico Corners headquarters in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania or their store in Wilmington, Delaware. It’s a prototype store for Urban Anthropology that may grow to additional locations if they decide to roll it out.
Here it’s called TERRAIN AT STYER’s because they purchased a very successful nursery (STYER’S) that took major prizes for landscape design every year at the Philadelphia Flower Show. Styer’s was a 115-year-old business, beloved in this region and founded by Franklin Styer who was a famous horticulturist. Styer’s was more plant focused and not as chi-chi as Terrain, but both are/were great retailers.
Best, Jan
I can’t resist a sophisticated garden store-we need a Terrain in NY ASAP! Love the lilacs in the faux-bois pitcher E and J, purple + gray= lovely!
And…. I understand the Cafe is very good! What a way to spend a summer day…