DINING IN STYLE: This custom dining table in black walnut is a handcrafted product of Homestead Princeton’s own custom wood furniture designs. The company’s designs include a variety of wood pieces — including conference, console, and coffee tables — as well as chairs, desks, and bookshelves, among others.
By Jean Stratton
A new year, a new look. In addition to listing those annual resolutions, many people think about giving their home a “re-do.” Maybe some new furniture or just rearranging existing furniture; perhaps new draperies, and a fresh coat of paint on walls and ceiling, including adding new accent colors. All of these options can make a big difference.
Indeed, there are many choices, and even the smallest change can perk up a room and provide new interest and inspiration for the inhabitants.
Homestead Princeton, the popular store at 300 Witherspoon Street, is not only filled with a variety of gifts of all kinds, but also furniture and furnishings, as well as a home design service. Its staff is ready to assist customers in all ways to give their home a new look for a new year.
“There are so many ways to refresh a room,” points out co-owner Kristin Menapace. “We specialize in timeless, livable home decor — beautiful furniture, lighting, rugs, bedding, tabletop, and accessories that feel both classic and current.
Gift Items
“In addition to our furniture designs, we carry a wide range of gift items that work year-round: candles, frames, throws, tabletop pieces, decorative accents, and hostess gifts. We love helping customers find pieces that make a house feel more personal and welcoming, whether it’s a single gift or furnishing an entire room.”
Carpet is another way to add new interest, she continues, and a full sample display is available at the store. “We have all kinds of carpet — indoor, outdoor, washable, area rugs — in all sizes and styles.”
Furniture is a big attraction at Homestead Princeton, and in addition to its own designs of custom one-of-a-kind wood pieces, it includes a full range of upholstered sofas and chairs, leather, and an eye-catching round upholstered coffee table, among others.
“Our furniture is both functional and beautiful,” says Kristin. “It can be customized with our own designs, and customers can select a variety of choices: tapered or plain table leg, for example. It can be contemporary or transitional, a variety of styles. We can also provide wood accents for walls, and wood beams for kitchens.
“One of the fun surprises has been how certain items take on a life of their own — like our custom handmade dining tables,” she adds. “While styles have evolved over the years, it all comes back to the lasting solidity and quality of our builds.
“We’ve also seen shifts toward more comfortable, livable furnishings, and a growing appreciation for quality pieces that last. Customers are increasingly interested in items that feel both beautiful and functional, and we are encouraged by their respect for craftsmanship and quality — furniture that is thoughtfully made and built to last rather than mass-produced. That distinction truly sets us apart from big box stores.
Wide Range
“We carry a thoughtfully curated mix of brands that reflect our aesthetic and quality standards,” she continues. “When designing spaces, we lean heavily into Rowe Furniture. Made in the U.S., with its main manufacturing base in Virginia, Rowe has built upholstered pieces for over 70 years. They combine quality American craftsmanship with sustainable practices.
“Traditional furniture stores are often limited to a single line or manufacturer. At Homestead, our selections are thoughtfully curated from a wide range of makers, and tailored specifically to each individual client. Every piece is chosen to work together seamlessly, functionally, and aesthetically — within a space. Homes are deeply personal, and it is incredibly rewarding to guide customers toward pieces that feel right for them.
“We can go to the customers’ home to help with design, and we also have a virtual connection with Zoom,” she adds. “Our approach is similar to that of an interior designer but with one key difference: a large, welcoming showroom where clients can sit on the sofas, feel the fabrics, and experience the pieces being proposed. It’s truly a hybrid design-furniture model.”
Homestead Princeton offers an engaging number of choices in all home decor categories, and customer favorites include such well-known names in home and tabletop design as Dash & Albert, Chilewich, and Villeroy & Boch, among others, she reports.
Big Favorite
A big favorite at the store is the Thymes selection, the company that creates botanically-inspired fragrances, including candles and other products. The Frasier Fir Collection is one of the most popular. “We are always looking for lines that combine craftsmanship, beauty, and everyday usability,” says Kristen.
Homestead Princeton opened in 2012, and moved to its current location in 2020, which offered expanded space. “Since its initial opening, Homestead Princeton has established itself as New Jersey’s premier independent gift and home furnishings destination,” says co-owner Ron Menapace.
“Homestead Princeton offers a personal gathering place to find uniquely curated gifts and home decor. Ultimately, we are a family business,” he emphasizes. “Working in and raising our four children in Princeton, we feel deeply rooted in the community. We are proud to extend the Princeton legacy of owner-operated independent retailers. Over the years, our concept has grown, and we have become a destination in Princeton.
“Also, sustainability is a core value at Homestead Princeton, reflected in our commitment to working with local artists and partnering with furniture makers who prioritize responsible, sustainable practices. We also intentionally handcraft furniture locally, reducing our supply chain and carbon footprint by minimizing transportation emissions and limiting the non-renewable packaging often associated with imported goods.”
ONE OF 100: Kristin and Ron Menapace, owners of Homestead Princeton, are shown at the ceremony of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala in Washington, D.C., celebrating the top 100 small and mid-sized businesses in the U.S. The Menapaces were proud to receive such recognition for Homestead Princeton. “We were honored to be named one of the top 100 small businesses in the U.S., and the only one from New Jersey.”
Honors and Awards
The fact that Homestead Princeton combines the variety of furniture, home furnishings, and home decor with a remarkable selection of gifts makes it a unique establishment in an environment increasingly filled with large chain and big box stores lacking the personal ambiance offered by an independent operation.
As Kristin remarks, “What truly sets us apart is the breadth and depth of what we offer. There are few businesses that combine interior design, furniture, home decor, accessories, and gift items in the way we do. Customers may walk in searching for a small gift, and leave inspired to reimagine an entire room. We are also honored to have received recognition and awards over the years, which reflect the loyalty of our customers and the care we put into every detail of the store.”
In addition to the recent U.S. Chamber of Commerce Award as one of the top 100 small and mid-sized businesses in the U.S., Homestead Princeton has been named Best Home Decor Store by New Jersey Monthly magazine in its “Best of New Jersey” listings. Also, BestThingsNJ.com lists Homestead as one of the 10 best furniture stores in the state, and Home Accents Today recognized it as one of their 50 national Retail Stars. Homestead is the only store honored in New Jersey by the editors of this trade magazine for the home accents industry.
As online shopping takes an increasing toll on bricks and mortar stores today, it is important to recognize how Homestead Princeton continues to welcome more and more customers. The attractive store is filled with a unique and engaging display that appeals to the senses. The scent of fragrant candles is immediately inviting, and the eye is captured by colorful and creative items designed to engage the visitor.
A helpful staff is on hand to answer questions and offer advice. As Kristen notes, “Our knowledgeable, friendly staff makes a real difference. We offer personalized guidance and thoughtful recommendations, helping customers feel confident in their choices and to enjoy the process rather than feeling overwhelmed.”
Gathering Place
“The in-store experience matters more than ever today,” she continues. “At Homestead Princeton, we focus on creating a space that feels inspiring and welcoming — a place where people can slow down, touch, and see products, and imagine how they’ll live with them in their own homes.
“Equally important is the sense of community we are building. We have monthly events, collaborate with local organizations, and support schools and nonprofits through the year. Homestead isn’t just a place to shop; it’s a gathering place, a resource, and a small business that is deeply invested in Princeton and the people who live here.”
Customers continue to look for inspiration, gifts, home decor, and furniture that feels special, she adds. There may be changes in tastes and interests over the years, but people are always ready for something new or a real surprise, as well as continuing to seek out a longtime favorite.
For example, the unique GurglePot has never gone out of favor since it arrived on the scene several years ago, reports Ron. In all colors, this fish-shaped water pitcher “gurgles” when filled with water and poured. It never fails to intrigue.
A very popular new item that shows no sign of losing customers’ interest is the diminutive Frasier Fir air freshener, suitable to hang in the car or a room in the house. “This was a real surprise,” says Ron, “and now everyone wants one.”
The store also offers a charming baby section, filled with irresistible items, and a kids’ area with toys of all kinds. There is also an engaging geographical section, featuring glassware, dish towels, and pillows. Fun socks are on display as is a selection of lovely scarves at a range of prices. There is truly something to tempt the full spectrum of tastes and interests.
Loyal Support
All of which keeps clients coming back again and again. “We are fortunate to have many longtime customers from Princeton and the surrounding communities, as well as people who make a point to visit us from farther away,” says Kristin. “Ron and I most enjoy helping people create spaces they truly love. I also love the creative side, merchandising, designing furniture, and constantly evolving the store to keep it fresh and inspiring.”
The husband and wife team is grateful for the loyal support of so many customers over the years, and they look forward to a future filled with even more success.
“Our customers continue to seek our inspiration, gifts, and pieces that feel special. We look forward to offering new products, introducing new designs, staying connected to our community, and welcoming both longtime customers and new faces into our store.
“Homestead has always been about more than just selling products. It’s about creating a place where people feel inspired, comfortable, and at home. We are deeply grateful to the community for supporting us over the years, and we look forward to many more.”
Customers do indeed appreciate many aspects of a visit to Homestead Princeton, including the very wide price range. In addition, the convenient parking right outside the door is a big plus!
The store is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 12 to 5 p.m. For further information, call (609) 688-0777. Visit the website at homesteadprinceton.com.