Campbell « Lookiloos

Campbell

Campbell Cottage

Wednesday, May 30th, 2012

I fell in love with the charm of this cottage home near downtown Campbell. Who wouldn’t? When you can walk to the best Farmer’s Market in the Bay Area (my personal opinion) every Sunday morning.

Look at that window—wonderful light fills the foyer.

The living room is spacious with plantation-style shutters. The wood floors are in great shape and add so much warmth throughout the home.

To top it off this home is on a big lot—by Bay Area neighborhood standards. And, the landscape is beautiful. I don’t want to forget to mention there is a one room cottage in the backyard with electricity, wood floors and french doors. It would make a great home office. This home is open this weekend. If you go tell Sharon that Desiree sent you! Check out the rest of the virtual tour here.

Posted in Campbell, cottage, Desiree, Featured, For Sale, Just Listed, Real Estate | No Comments »

From Beige to Bright: Backyard Makeover Gets Colorful

Monday, June 28th, 2010

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With a number of summer parties planned, from a graduation to a school fundraiser, Kristin Savini wanted her backyard to look beautiful. But when she gazed outside, “everything was beige and brown.” She loved her pool. patio and brick fireplace, but her flowerbeds and the cushions on her outdoor furniture seemed overwhelmingly “blah.”

4737066453_eaf7da62dc_b So she called in the pros. First, Steve Gilbert from Willow Glen Home and Garden suggested using the color of the pool as inspiration. He brought in bright turqoise cushions for the furniture and no fewer than 11 ceramic urns. To Kristin, it all looked “elegant and fun.” But that was a lot of urns to plant. So she called in her friend and container gardener Dhelia Fahrner of La Jardiniere.

With the bright cushions and pots, she knew the plants needed to be one thing: saturated with color. “It couldn’t be pale,” she said. At Summerwinds Nursery in Campbell, she and Kristin pulled out bright orange-gold “Easy Does It” standard roses and a big chartreuse ginger plant for height in the middle of some of the taller pots. They also added purples, fuschias 4737702286_689981c562_b and oranges with geraniums, lantana, verbena, petunias and alyssum of various heights and textures.

The results were spectacular. Here are some tips for vivid container gardening from La Jardiniere:

1. Before going to the nursery, take measurements of your pots, both width and height, to figure out how many plants are needed to fill each pot and how tall the plants should be to balance the size of the pot. At the nursery, find an empty corner to arrange your chosen plants to see how they would appear together in the pot.

2. Know the sun exposure so you know whether to get sun-loving or shade-loving plants.

4737065369_c6b58609ba_b 3. Choose a style — tight, loose, abundant, minimal — to fit your style or the architecture of your home.

4. If you’re planting several pots, purchase some “foundation plants” that are perennial and can last from season to season. Buy colorful annuals in six-packs that are less expensive to replace.

5. Use quality potting soil and fertilizer and water, water, water.

To see what Dhelia did to her own backyard and another project open these:

Dhelia’s Dahlias

Before and After:Spanish Courtyard Gets Makeover

Julia Looking Right - Lookiloos

Here’s the complete slideshow:

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Posted in Backyard, Campbell, courtyard, Featured, Garden, Julia, Landscape, Q & A, Q and A, Rose Garden, San Jose, Yard | 4 Comments »

Just Listed: A Campbell Find

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

This is an adorable home. You will receive immediate gratification pulling up out in front and then it continues as you cross the threshold. The floor plan is great. I love how the home office is on the opposite side of the home to where the bedrooms are located. The kitchen has a wonderful tumbled marble back splash and granite counters and opens to the family room. Perfect for watching kids while cooking dinner. As a mom–I’m always thinking how a home would work for me and this one works beautifully! Check out the virtual tour here.

Bedrooms–4
Bathrooms–3

Desiree Looking Left - Lookiloos

Posted in Campbell, Desiree, For Sale, Just Listed, Open Homes, Open House | No Comments »

1570 Silacci Drive – Campbell – Open House

Friday, May 1st, 2009


List Price: $890,000

Open House:
Saturday	5/2	1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Sunday	5/3	1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Bedroom: 4	Bathroom: 3	Sq. Ft: 1,960
Description: This professionally remodeled home has Beautiful hardwood floors, updated kitchen, and an easy flowing floor plan. The large backyard is made for entertaining guests with a large sized pool, patio, and basketball court. It is nestled in a nice neighborhood that is catered to by excellent schools. This is NOT a short sale or REO. It is a well maintained home occupied by a motivated seller.

Agent:	Jon Venuto
Company:	Asante Real Estate Sunnyvale
Phone:	408 646 8352
Email:	jon.venuto@gmail.com
Website:	www.asantesunnyvale.com

Address:	1570 Silacci Drive Campbell, CA 95008

Posted in Campbell, Open Homes, Open House | No Comments »

Campbell Farmer’s Market – Lookiloos Out on the Town

Wednesday, March 25th, 2009

Sunday mornings in my opinion are meant for coffee and relaxing with the paper or catching up on my favorite blogs! A great alternative is heading out and hitting Campbell’s Farmer’s Market. You can buy coffee at the yummy Orchard Valley Coffee Roastery, a local legend for good coffee and free wi-fi.

This past Sunday the Lookiloos team and friends gathered to check out the sidewalk sales of some of our favorite decor shops and galleries. I also want to start a backyard garden this spring, so I went to find some inspiration for my backyard.

The market did not disappoint. Julia bought a gorgeous orchid for her back porch. Desiree bought some framed art for her and home office to compliment the one she already bought at Vintage and Vogue. I walked away winning some art from an auction at Mary Medrano’s gallery and finding a few varieties of mint to plant in the garden including – chocolate and apple – yum!

Check out the market – Sundays from 8-1 p.m.
Now through October.

Watch the video of our adventure:

Posted in Campbell, Field Trip, Looki What I Found, Sheila | No Comments »

207 Rachel Ct. – Campbell – Open House

Friday, February 27th, 2009


List Price: $999,999

Open House:
Saturday	2/28	1:00 PM to 5:00 PM


Bedroom: 4	Bathroom: 3.5	Sq. Ft: 2,249
Description: Reduced, including $50K upgrades 1 of 6 New Single Family Detached Homes all personalized on private cul-de-sac. Elegant 9ft ceilings. State-of-the-art kitchen with stainless steel appliances, custom cabinets and granite work island / eat bar. Luxurious Master Bed Suite and Bath. Hardwood floors, designer ceiling fans, shutters, dual zone A/C, Cat-5 wiring, security alarm system, landscaped rear yard with fountain.

Agent:	Mike Spanier
Company:	Coldwell Banker
Phone:	408-205-1550
Email:	mike.spanier@cbnorcal.com
Website:	www.spanier.com

Address:	207 Rachel Ct. Campbell, CA 95008

Posted in Campbell, Open Homes, Open House | 1 Comment »

Buy and Admire Local Art at the Campbell Art Walk

Friday, February 20th, 2009

One of the best things about writing for Lookiloos is coming across jaw dropping pieces of art. A beautiful landscape can transform a dark room and an interesting piece of modern art can inspire equally provocative dinner conversations. But where does a regular person buy art in the Silicon Valley?

The Downtown Campbell ArtWalk is a casual, “tour-on-your-own” style art walk. This is a great opportunity to visit with the artists and view their exciting new works in a friendly, casual atmosphere.

One could stroll along Campbell Avenue have a drink at the neighborhood Irish pub Katie Bloom’s, have dinner at the always satisfying Twist Bistro or have something decadent at Satura Cakes. Then on to some Art shopping or browsing. Pick up a map and brochure at any of the participating galleries, including Debbie Marie Arambula and Sonya Paz.

This Friday the Pacific Art Collective will be conducting a Live Community Canvas! Bring a friend or the family and help local artists paint a mural! PAC will be located on the corner of Third Street and East Campbell Avenue (by Sonoma Chicken Coop!).

Other artists will exhibiting their work include: Juror2 – Jenifer Kirsch exhibiting at Gelato Classico, Raku You – Keith Bunnell at The Olive Bar, Brooke Howie Fine Art exhibiting at Vintage & Vogue, Photojournalist Matt B. Simon at Lorraine Lawson Fine Arts and Abstract figurative artist Andre Trigueiro at Trailsloggers.

Best of all anyone can go home with new found art to decorate their home – from Fine art to Pop Art Magnets to artfully decorate wine decanters. It is sure to be a fun way to spend a Friday night.

Downtown Campbell Art Walk
E. Campbell Avenue streets
Campbell
408.378.5000

Posted in Art, Campbell, Looki What I Found, Sheila | 3 Comments »

Everyday is Valentine’s Day at Debbie Marie’s Gallery in Campbell

Monday, February 2nd, 2009

Everyday is Valentine's Day at Debbie Marie's Gallery in Campbell

I was immediately struck by the bright colors and positive energy that permeated Debbie Marie Arambula’s gallery in downtown Campbell. A self professed, heartist, Debbie Marie paints fine art heart shapes that go beyond any box of chocolates one might find at the drugstore. Since 1996, she has shared her craft at art shows throughout the United States, has been featured in countless magazines and on television and can be found in the homes of art lovers all over the world.

Arambula says about her art, “…the heart is a multicultural symbol that represents the spiritual side of life & love – the adventures of the soul. After all, doesn’t it all come down to the heart; one’s dreams, their hopes, aspirations, inspirations…”

The dramatic color combinations rhythmic brushstrokes are what set her work apart. Clients often commission “Heart Portraits” works of art reflecting a couples’ or family’s love for each other. Arambula interviews clients together as a group to get a feel for them. She asks questions, like “What are your favorite things to do together?”, “Tell me about the first time you met your wife.” or “How does your family work together?”. She then transforms these “heart notes” into highly personal pieces of art. Arambula listens for inner connections and puts their hearts on canvas.

“It is interesting and not as easy as one might guess,” says Debbie Marie. “Sometimes I see couples as two hearts dancing and sometimes they are blended into one. The colors and the energy I see and feel take shape in the form of rhythmic brush strokes. When I paint a Family (parents and Children), I feel the complexities and intertwinings of their relationship and tell the love story of the family thru the colors and overall composition of painting”

If you are curious, as I am, about what your heart portrait might look like, once a year, Debbie Marie paints these works of art live and by appointment only during the week of Valentine’s Day. For $300 she interviews a couple or family and in front of their eyes she creates a custom 11″ x 14″ piece of art that they can take home during that session. Usually the process can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months to create a Heart Portrait, but they can get this done in about 2 hours. Sounds like a romantic way to spend an afternoon!

Debbie has a line of darling heart necklaces ($45), fine painted vases and greeting cards ($3.50) that allows anyone to bring home a Valentine’s Day gift anytime of the year.

Debbie Marie Gallery
327 East Campbell Avenue
Campbell, CA 95008
www.debbiemariegallery.com
(408)370-7278

Posted in Campbell, Looki What I Found, Sheila | 2 Comments »

Vintage and Vogue in Downtown Campbell

Friday, November 21st, 2008

I got a tip from a new friend, who said, “You’ll love this place.” So, off I went to check it out. As I approached Vintage and Vogue, I knew I wasn’t going to be disappointed. The front window was amazing. I couldn’t wait to get inside.

There I found Linda, her daughter and business partner Devon and best friend, Rhonda all working away. Happily. That’s what I noticed– everyone was so happy and cheery.

Linda Sullivan had been searching for a storefront. A place to set up her new venture. A friend suggested the spot on Campbell Avenue.

“I thought it was rented,” said Linda “but I called the owner anyway and I got it.”

So this past June, Vintage and Vogue opened its doors. The store has a mix of new items, as well as vintage finds that have been brought back to life. I think that is why this shop is so different. It’s the use of the treasures they find. Mixing them up by restoring these pieces with that special eye to detail and creativity. This shop is playful yet sophisticated.

Devon has refinished and repainted retro pieces of furniture and has turned them into works of art. My favorite is a dresser that has been painted in a bronze color. It’s gorgeous. The color varies ever so slightly as the light changes. It has a fleur-de-lis emblem in the center top drawer. I think this piece could work well as a buffet in a dining room or as a bedroom dresser, its original purpose.

Linda has a knack for finding perfect fabrics to suit the personality of any upholstered furniture. There are two pieces that I can’t stop thinking about. The first was a black and white polka dot chaise. It would work perfectly in a bedroom. I see myself lounging with a good book next to a fire. The second is an armchair, covered in a charming pink and black fabric that depicts some famous Parisian monuments. The tufted chair is piped in a tiny black and white polka dot. It had a cute envelope pillow in the same fabric.

Currently, Vintage and Vogue is decked out in its finest Holiday treasures. It’s a sight to see. If you are headed to a holiday party, and who isn’t this season, the perfect hostess gift awaits. There are plenty of other gifts as well. From framed 1960 Chanel advertisements to silver trays, you can find that special gift for any occasion.

You can find Vintage and Vogue at 241 E. Campbell Avenue.

Editors note: I left with one of the framed Chanel ads. I couldn’t help myself. And I love it.

Here’s the complete slideshow:

Posted in Antiques, Art, Campbell, Decorating, Desiree, Home and Garden, Looki What I Found, Shopping, Store | 6 Comments »

115 Sunnyside Ave. – Campbell – Open House

Friday, October 24th, 2008


List Price: $1,475,000

Open House:
Saturday	10/26	1:00 – 4:00 pm

Bedroom: 4	Bathroom: 3.5	Sq. Ft: 2,480
Description: Impressive brand new craftsman on large dividable lot – exquisite detailing – hardwood and travertine flooring. High ceilings – gorgeous alderwood cabinets throughout – stainless steel appliances – luxurious master suite w/ stone bathroom. Completed and approved plans for 2,200 SF 2nd home / tentative map waiting for APN.

Agent:	Michael Lomonaco
Company:	Coldwell Banker
Phone:	408-891-4342
Email:	mlomonaco@cbnorcal.com
Website:	www.michaellomonaco.com

Address:	115 Sunnyside Ave. Campbell, CA 95008