West Hartford’s Home Design District wants to be ‘the’ place that homeowners think of first when renovating or decorating.

By Ronni Newton

Maybe it’s a stretch to call West Hartford’s Home Design District a “Hidden Corner,” because it’s neither hidden, nor located in a remote corner. It is, however, still not as well known to most residents as it perhaps should be.

The Home Design District is located in the New Park Road area, and includes a few businesses that are tucked away down alleys, a few on Talcott Road, one on Oakwood Avenue and one on Reed Ave. In all there are 13 small businesses in the same neighborhood that have banded together to form the Home Design District, collaborating to capitalize on each others’ successes through referrals and good old-fashioned customer service.

“We are a destination when it comes to home improvement,” said Steve Vendetta, owner of CT Shower & Bath. Each of the 13 businesses is focused on satisfying its customers wants and needs, and the merchants spend the time getting to know and understand their customers. Member businesses offer all of the goods and services needed to build, renovate, decorate, repair, or furnish a home.

“Our knowledge is deep, and we aren’t shy about sharing it so our customers can make well-informed decisions. Our selection of products and services spans all aspects of building, repairing, renovating, or decorating the home,” Vendetta said.

The District formerly had 12 members, but recently welcomed Budget Blinds into their group. “It’s a nice complement to everything we offer,” said Vendetta.

The group has also been working together to organize a “Sidewalk Sale,” which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 9 a.m. through 1 p.m. Each business will have sales, raffles, and items on inventory clearance with great prices. More information can be found on the District’s website, http://homedesigndistrict.com.

One of the District members, Joe Cornfield’s Wallpaper & Window Treatments, is also a collection point for Aid-a-Pet, an organization which assists people who can’t afford to feed their pets. The first batch of donated pet food was just picked up, and Joe Cornfield’s is welcoming additional donations during the sidewalk sale or at any other time the store is open.

Nutritionist Lorie Reardon picks up a donation for Aid-a-Pet at Joe Cornfield’s Wallpaper. Submitted photo.

Home Design District businesses include:

• Barrieau & O’Toole Company
• Bartlett Brainard Products
• Budget Blinds of West Hartford
• Coastal Tool & Supply
• CT Shower & Bath
• Cunningham Supply
• Custom Framing Depot
• Dalene Flooring Carpet One
• Gozzo Design & Remodel
• Holland Kitchens
• Joe Cornfield’s Wallpaper & Window Treatments
• Surfaces in Stone at Tile America
• Tile America