Nantucket Home began in 1975 after owners Rick and Nan Tofanelli returned from an inspirational trip to the island of Nantucket. They fell in love with the Northeastern folk-art movement and upon returning to Chico, they opened a little store on Third Street in Chico, California. Some might remember the shop as “Nantucket Quilt” where one could find island-made baskets, early American antique-furn
iture and of course, vintage quilts and fabrics. With an appreciation of the craft of quilting, Rick and Nan began a wholesale division of quilts called “Nantucket Cotton”. The Chico-based textile business was a success and the line was quickly picked up by well-known retailers such as Neiman Marcus, Macy’s and Horchow. Nantucket Cotton’s line expanded to include children’s clothing, holiday décor, pot holders, quilts and travel bags to name a few, and the success of the little retail shop soon forced a big move across the street. The move allowed the businesses to expand in many ways: custom-made bedding became available, there was plentiful space for Rick’s finds of antique furniture, and Nan saw the necessity of an interior designer on staff. After the introduction of custom bedding, came beds, then sofas, gifts and home accessories. Along the way, Rick and Nan decided that their hearts were in interiors. Over the next 30 years, the original hole-in-the-wall store evolved to a full interior design studio, an area rug gallery and a sophisticated furniture showroom. In 2008, Nan took on the renovation of Chico’s original Cadillac dealership to be the ultimate location of Nantucket Home, merging three showrooms into one. Still in the heart of downtown, the 13,000 square foot open-beamed showroom is the perfect organic backdrop for their distinctive product. Offering a full interior design studio, an impressive showroom and as the ideal locale for parties and events, it’s evident that Rick and Nan’s passion for design and love of community can be discovered and shared here at 6th and Broadway.
