Preserving Charm

A Touch of the Past

Finding Joy in the Old and New

Words by Lifestyle Staff | Photos provided by Dakota Jacobi

In the heart of downtown Exeter lies Common Goods, a boutique shop featuring vintage finds, thoughtfully curated home decor, and local goods. Owner Elisha Long’s love for vintage treasures has evolved into a cherished business that blends old-world charm with contemporary style. In this month’s feature, she shares the inspiration behind her shop, the art of curating unique items, and the joy she finds in creating a space where customers can feel relaxed and inspired.

Lifestyle: Can you share your journey and the inspiration behind opening your shop?

Elisha: My love for vintage items began with antiquing and vintage shopping with my grandmother. As I grew older, I started selling vintage clothing online and soon added small houseware items. After having children, managing online vintage sales became too timeconsuming. It had always been my dream to open a small, eclectic housewares shop that combined vintage items with local goods. Visiting eclectic boutiques in larger cities inspired and fueled this dream. When my husband’s business needed storage space, he found a location in Visalia with a retail space in front, encouraging me to open my shop. Although I was initially scared, his support gave me the confidence to pursue it, as I felt the area needed something unique. A year later, we moved to Exeter and relocated the shop to its quaint downtown. We’ve been here for a little over a year now!

Lifestyle: We understand that you sell new and vintage home decor. What influences the curation of your product selection?

Elisha: I’m very inspired by the 60s and 70s. I love brass, stoneware, neutral earthy tones, and the clean lines of mid-century modern furniture. My biggest inspiration comes from architecture and looking at homes. Every estate sale I go to gives me so many ideas. Midcentury homes and old cottages are my favorite. Things were just built so well back in the day.

Lifestyle: Can you tell us about some of the unique vintage housewares and clothing items you offer? What goes into sourcing these unique finds?

Elisha: Unique vintage items in the shop right now include some amazing dresses from the 70s, vintage coffee table art books, and some huge brass mid-century lamps that are to die for. I source most of my items from our travels or from estate sales. It requires a lot of very early mornings to be the first in line, but it’s so worth it!

Lifestyle: What interior design tips would you give to someone looking to incorporate vintage elements with new ones into their home decor?

Elisha: My favorite ways to incorporate vintage into the home include large coffee table art books, a stoneware vase in the kitchen or on a dining room table, a beautiful old vintage oil painting in a bathroom, a few brass candlesticks on a mantle, and a vintage lamp in an entryway. Adding something from the past gives so much interest and originality that no one else has!

Lifestyle: Can you share a memorable experience or what you love most about running your shop?

Elisha: At least once a week, someone comes into the shop commenting on the relaxing vibe. A customer last week said they can always find something unique and feel relaxed while in the shop. That makes me so happy. It’s my whole purpose for having this shop! I want a calm space where people can come in and be as inspired by vintage as I am.

Lifestyle: Are there any new things on the horizon at Common Goods or anything you’d like to share with us?

Elisha: Having a retail shop is not easy. I know that for any business, it takes about five years to really get into a groove and learn how to run it well. So here I am, rolling with it, learning as I go, and enjoying it. It's worth it when I see happy faces leaving with something they’re excited about.

I enjoy this little shop so much in downtown Exeter. For now, there’s nothing crazy new, but there may be some shop updates after the new year. Someday, I would love to bring back the vintage markets I used to have!

Common Goods + Vintage 158 E. Pine St., Exeter Wed-Fri 11am-5pm | Sat 10am-2pm @commongoodsvintage