Casual Elegance

By ELLEN KOLMAN - Staff Writer - ekolman@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

March 03, 2008 07:29 pm

— ASHTABULA — While Michael Bublé croons in the background, shoppers revel in the charm and casual elegance of Carlisle’s Home In The Harbor, located at 1005 Bridge Street.
Owned by Toni and Ren Carlisle, this unique shop opened in October of 2002.
“Toni and I worked together in the old Carlisle’s department store over on Main Avenue,” Ren Carlisle said. “In 1996 when we closed the big store we had small children and decided to take a hiatus. We have always loved the Harbor and when we saw this building, it was just a shell, but Toni could visualize what it could look like.”
“We have been very pleased with how well the store has done,” agreed Toni. “Everything we sell here is for the home, either as a gift or an accessory.”
The items in this store are certain to please those with the most discriminate tastes, as well as practical folks on a tight budget. Some of these items are:
n Fine wines and gourmet foods;
n Specialty appetizer plates and unique table ware, like olive wood condiment spoons;
n Apparel with Ashtabula logo which includes the lift bridge and lighthouse;
n Candles and soaps, including “Root” candles made in Medina, and hurricane table top candles which can be easily decorated in the bottom with the change of the seasons;
n Coffee table and gift books;
n Lots of decorative greenery including topiary and lemon trees;
n Assortment of napkins and glassware;
n Artwork to hang on the wall;
n Pottery including “Vietri” from Italy and “Bennington” made in Vermont.
“Regardless of your personal style, there is something here for everyone — we cover the range,” Ren said.
“We only buy things that we like; what we would want to put in our own house. This way we can sell with conviction,” Toni said.
Brides-to-be take note, Carlisle’s Home In The Harbor offers a bridle registry; and Toni does interior design work in case someone is in need of a little creative assistance in home decorating.
“Our customers are our focus. We beautifully gift wrap everything for you,” she said.
Custom designed gift baskets and shipping is also available.
“We carry items you cannot find in the chain stores,” said Ren. “Browsers are welcome, we love it when people just stop to socialize.”
Carlisle’s Home In The Harbor is open seven days a week, Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday Noon to 3 p.m. Watch for extended hours during the summer.

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