Hillsborough Family Opens New Farmhouse Decor Store

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — When Hillsborough natives Stephanie and Anthony Rodrigues’s son Cristiano was born, they started getting crafty by repurposing barn materials into more modern decor. One thing led to another and their family-owned store Barn Picks & Stuff was born.

Now, five years later, the family-run business will have its first storefront inside the Quaker Bridge Mall in Lawrenceville with a grand opening on Saturday, Oct. 19.

Stephanie and Anthony were high school sweethearts who bought a home in Hillsborough where Stephanie’s parents grew up before moving out to Lancaster, Pa.

"When our son was 2 weeks old I just happened to turn a barn door into a table for our Thanksgiving meal," Stephanie Rodrigues said.

She began picking up farmhouse wares from locals barns to repurpose. Rodrigues gained a good relationship with the Amish community, so when they were clearing out a barn, she would be the first they would notify, knowing she'd want to cherry-pick items.

"It began taking over the garage and everyone loved the items, so I started making more and started repurposing the furniture," Rodrigues said. "I started making barn doors and barn picking to find one of a kind items."

She launched Barn Picks & Stuff just about five years ago on Facebook and Instagram with Cristiano becoming the "face" of the business, appearing in pictures with products for sale. She continued to gain a following from residents all around the Hamilton, Hillsborough and Flemington areas.

Customers would drive out to her home in Lancaster to pick up her wares. That’s when Rodrigues decided to open a more centralized location at the Quaker Bridge Mall.

The business has followed Cristiano as he has grown up. He has been working along side the family the entire way.

"He loves taking pictures with our products and wants to be on the page. The customers just love him. It really is a family affair," Rodrigues said.

Overtime Rodrigues has come across some very cool things such as old farm equipment, old barn doors that she has turned into headboards and more.

"The store will offer all your farmhouse needs and home decor needs," Rodrigues said.

Customers will feel as though they are "barn picking" when they come to the store. During the grand opening the first 50 people will receive coupons to get a free mug or T-shirt with purchase. The store will be open on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information follow Barn Picks & Stuff at facebook.com/BarnPicks or instagram.com/barnpicks.

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