DL Home & Garden
- Helana Shumway
- 56 minutes ago
- 4 min read
A City Gem With Something for Everyone.
Just steps away from Rochester’s downtown Louise M. Slaughter train station, DL Home & Garden sits at 283 Central Avenue. A historic part of the city, Central Avenue and the train station were the gateway to Rochester in the 1800s, greeting visitors in the bustling metropolitan center.
Today, DL Home & Garden welcomes out-of-towners and Rochesterians alike to explore the 11,500 square-foot showroom, the largest of its kind outside of New York City. Primarily a home furnishings store, DL Home & Garden opened in 2014 and is a place meant for exploration. Owners Bob Breissinger and Brian Coutu, along with their three additional team members, bring over 100 years of combined experience in interior design.
“DL” stands for Designers Library, which spans the second floor above the showroom. As a resource room with over 60,000 hanging fabrics and book samples and more than 200 vendors, the Designers Library offers interior designers and architects a space for creativity and possibility. Indeed, designers travel in and out of state for the magic of this library.
A Showroom of Intrigue and Inspiration
Within seconds of walking into the showroom, senses are heightened and intrigued but never overwhelmed. Every piece of furniture is purposefully placed. Every piece of glassware seemingly complements the wall hangings above, which work in tandem with the stylish area rugs below. Don’t forget to look up or you will miss the stunning light fixtures that bring warmth and grace to every corner of the showroom.
DL Home & Garden is the perfect place for those looking for inspiration in their living spaces. In one room, visitors can explore a bohemian flare – a vibrant mix of red, pink, and purple accents with floral paintings set against a taupe leather sofa. In the next, the eye is immediately drawn to a funky, charming wallcovering of blues and greens joined by a stylish gray sofa and golden lamps.
Coutu says he and Bob are not afraid of mixing color. This lends an eclectic, interesting air to the space that keeps shoppers on their toes, constantly wanting more.
Set deeper in the showroom is a fan favorite for those with a green thumb. An indoor garden room lined with whitewashed exposed brick is a quiet oasis filled with plants like jade and begonias. On a rainy afternoon, all that’s heard is the gentle falling of rain upon the skylight.
Coutu cares for the plants indoors, along with those in the two outdoor patio spaces complete with curated sets of furniture and twinkle lights. He believes outdoor spaces are extensions of the home and he loves to garden. Coutu has also installed garden beds on the surrounding streets, filling them with daisies, black-eyed Susans, and lilies. The showroom and gardens are creations of great pride for both Coutu and Breissinger.
At this central hub for designers, Coutu, Breissinger, and the team are always on top of the latest trends and styles for home furnishings and décor. According to Coutu, grays and beiges were the universal colors for designers for many years, but he finds there is often a cyclical nature with trends and says within recent seasons, people are beginning to use more color. Additionally, Coutu says trends have recently shifted more toward traditionalism. With the blending of antiques and more traditional styling of upholstery, colors such as soft cinnamon, greens, and umber tones are on the market.
For Every Occasion
Whether it’s the holiday season, a rainy afternoon, or a sunny summer’s day, DL Home & Garden is filled with treasures and trends that work for every occasion. Coutu and Breissinger bring decades of experience and pride to their work, and it’s evident in every corner of the showroom, the Designers Library, and the greenspaces. Their commitment to the city of Rochester and its people is admirable. With a team of five and Bindi, the cat, in tow, DL Home & Garden truly offers something for everyone.
A Gift for You
This season, those treasures extend to a thoughtfully curated selection of gifts. Hand-picked by Coutu and Breissinger, visitors are sure to find imaginative trinkets and meaningful presents for loved ones. A few favorites:
Comfy Candles and Soaps
The comforting scents of candles and soaps bring warmth into the home. Explore brands like Apothecary Guild, offering scents such as fig vetiver, sandalwood leaf & tobacco, sunset beach, and grapefruit juniper. Soaps from Pré de Provence of France or Terravita of Italy include lime zest, almond, and vanilla—heartfelt gifts with an international flair.
Soft Leather Handbags
Across from the register, discover leather handbags from Latico Leathers, handcrafted in India or South America. DL offers bags and duffels in a variety of colors and sizes—gifts that last for years.
Napkins & Wine Gift Bags
For a touch of humor or a stylish finishing detail, explore the collection of cocktail napkins and wine gift bags. With witty sayings and beautiful designs, they’re perfect for a holiday party, hostess gift, or to accompany a bottle of wine.
Bejeweled
Near the register, find meaningful jewelry, including bracelets with beautiful stones and crystals, and dainty butterfly earrings from Vermont’s Baked Beads.
The Love of the Book
Options for book lovers include cookbooks for bakers and entertainers alike, cocktail recipe guides, and contemporary gardening titles—thoughtful gifts for the home.
Stop in and discover what makes DL Home & Garden a destination for every season!
