Rhody Gem: The White Elephant

What it is:

A furniture shop with a collection of items given new life through tasteful refinishing, plus handmade gifts and decor.

Where to find it:

Formerly in East Greenwich, its North Kingstown reincarnation is located conveniently on Post Road, across from Ocean State Community Wellness.

What makes it a Rhody Gem?

Much like the circa mid-1700s home – complete with fireplace and exposed beams – in which the shop is housed, pieces found at The White Elephant are relics of the past given new life. Whether stripped down to their former glory or treated with a fresh coat of paint and new hardware, old furniture is repurposed for a more modern setting, and staged in this cozy shop with a blend of unique accents. Despite contemporary updates, owner Caitlin Musso notes there’s a sense of nostalgia when you set foot inside. “We had a woman who saw an encyclopedia set, and she had to go over and open one of the books to smell it because she had the same set growing up,” Musso says. “Because we have one-of-a-kind pieces, our inventory is constantly changing, so it will always be different each time you come in. We blend the new with the old.” This month, the shop is decked out for the holidays, with no shortage of homey gifts and jolly throw pillows.

The White Elephant • 7535 Post Road, North Kingstown • 401-398-7055