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Caroline’s Cottage opens in Millsboro

Eclectic mix of vintage items offer charm, style
Laura B. Walter
June 20, 2011
Karen Apostolico, proprietor of Caroline’s Cottage, revamped an old school bench for her front sign. BY LAURA B. WALTER
Rehoboth Art Leaguer and former Cape Artist Karen Apostolico sells many of her own paintings in the shop. BY LAURA B. WALTER
For the blushing bride: vintage wedding gowns and nightclothes filter the afternoon light in a cozy boudoir showroom. Not pictured: sassy red high heels in the corner. BY LAURA B. WALTER
An old director’s chair with Apostolico's freshly hand-painted canvas makes a jaunty seating arrangement. BY LAURA B. WALTER
A little old and a little new: Caroline’s Cottage sells useful eclectic items and turns old antiques into art. BY LAURA B. WALTER
Home stores aren’t just for women. A Portable Pub traveling case could be the perfect Father’s Day gift. BY LAURA B. WALTER
Because many of the pieces are one-of-a-kind antiques, Caroline’s Cottage can always treat return visitors to something new. BY LAURA B. WALTER

For years, Karen Apostolico dreamed of opening a vintage shop in Millsboro. Now in her early 60s, she said, “I’m not one to sit in a rocking chair.”

So Apostolico opened Caroline’s Cottage, a cozy interior décor shop with accessories, furniture and artwork.

“It’s going to be fun,” she said. “I love decorating.”

Apostolico painted for 30 years and worked in real estate marketing and advertising. She and her husband split their time between Wilmington and Millsboro before moving full time to Sussex County three years ago.

Apostolico said Millsboro is definitely busy, as people move there permanently or pass through for the beach.

Located downtown, the shop is in a blue, two-story house, accessible from eastbound Main Street and westbound Washington Street.

Apostolico and four other dealers each fully decorated a room in the shop. Associates Dawn Downey, Lori Precht, Judy Sansone and Debbie Sorenson also bring experience in antiques and design to the table.

“What we’ve tried to do is let people see what they can do with reused and refurbished furniture,” said Apostolico.

The women experimented with various styles to feature furniture, linens, jewelry, dishes and more.

Apostolico particularly enjoys an art deco cedar armoire, a poster of 1871 Grand Opera House in Wilmington and a small metal birdcage.

“We just have some cool stuff … a little something for everyone,” said Apostolico.

Caroline’s Cottage offers unique furnishings at reasonable prices. Plus, the antiques can be eco-friendly and withstand the test of time.

“It’s so important to reuse and renew,” Downey said.

Caroline’s Cottage is at 317 Main St. in Millsboro. The shop is open everyday, except Monday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For additional information, call (302) 934-1719.

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