Quirky, Eye-Catching, Unique — Design Forum and Its Art

The eye-catching turquoise building on Route 4 has become a destination for shoppers who look for unique pieces with an artistic touch. But there wasn’t always such an place to find the perfect gift.

Bill and Joan Handler felt the central Connecticut area was lacking an interesting and contemporary gift store, so they opened to offer customers a wide selection of unique, nontraditional items.

That was 35 years ago. Today, the Handlers use their own professional experience to handpick and showcase the artists whose work is sold at their store.

Bill Handler was once an art instructor and Joan, a fashion designer. He designed the graphics in the windows of the Design Forum and the painted flowerpots that add to the building’s appeal.

The pair collaborated on the store’s vision and take pride in shaping every aspect of Design Forum.

“It is a reflection of our artistic taste and talents,” said Bill. “We balance each other off beautifully.” 

Joan explained, “We never considered it work, but instead, a way of life.”

They were even particular about the name.

“A lot of names don’t reflect the stores meaning, like Pottery Barn for example. Our name reflects the best of what the gift industry has to offer,” Bill said.

Design Forum may be well known for its unique clothing, quirky greeting cards and bold home decor — like the penguins and flamingos posted seasonally outside the door — it specializes in handmade, one-of-a-kind jewelry, Joan said.

“The variety is extreme: it ranges from minimalist to intricate,” Bill said.

The couple strives to offer customers diverse options in taste and price ranges. They even carry a type of candy called Coecaroom, which is created and packaged according to color palette.

“Our taste level is creative and unusual,” Bill said. “We offer a variety that similar stores in New York City don’t because they specialize in one gift category.”

They attend about 20 different gift shows a year all over the country including NYC, San Francisco, and New Mexico.

The result is a mix of eclectic offerings.

“People could drive 100 miles in each direction and not come up with the things we have here,” Bill said. One customer agreed, telling the Handlers he becomes overwhelmed with excitement when driving over the bridge to Design Forum.

Aside from the selection of merchandise, customers purchase a lot of Design Forum gift certificates for friends and family — and Bill takes it as a compliment.

“Giving out gift certificates is one of the nicest reflections on our store; it is so flattering,” he said.

Visit designforumgallery.com to see the array of jewelry and designs the store has to offer. Design Forum is located at 902 Farmington Avenue.