Love the Fabric

Recently, I stumbled across a shop in San Francisco.  Past Perfect–the name alone draws you in and inspires aimless wandering.  I have to say I was inspired and boy did I wander.  The shop consists mainly of mid-century classics  to funky modern.  The prices range from reasonable to slightly sinful.

Eero Saarinen Style Bar Stools $650

Pair of Modern Dutch Light Fixtures $175

Now,  I hardly walk out of one of these places without a little bag in my hand and I’m happy to report I had a bag.

My Mad Men Style Low Ball Glasses

It  was filled with 8 modern low ball glasses.  These glasses remind me of one of my guilty pleasures–no, not vodka gimlets–but Mad Men that wonderful AMC series.  If you haven’t seen it yet, you should definitely check it out.  The style and panache displayed on that show is absolutely fab.  These glasses make me so happy, I decided to host a Mad Men cocktail party. So, I will definitely make another stop in at Past Perfect to perfect my 60’s decor.

Past Perfect

2224 Union St.

San Francisco, CA 94123

or

2246 Lombard St.

San Francisco, CA 94123

Here’s the complete slideshow:

Almaden Nursery: Winter Wonderland

A Lookiloo reader contacted me about a nursery that has a home and garden gift shop as well.  “It’s so wonderful. When I need a hostess gift it’s my first stop”, said Judy.

“OK, Mom I’ll check it out” I replied.  Since this was my Mom’s hot tip, I figured we should go together and then maybe a little lunch to finish the day.

The Coveted Snowman Platter

What a winter wonderland! I can see why my Mom loves Almaden Nursery. Christmas ornaments range from adorable to elegant. I found so many things I’d love to “give” to my favorite hostess.  The hard part would be parting with the magical item. Seriously, I’d have to buy two.  The items to top my list would be this snowman platter for $39.99 and this completely adorable white reindeer for $44.99.  Just look at that face!

White Reindeer

I also loved the giant penguin and I mean GIANT.  He stood at almost 5 feet tall and was very generous in the width department. Now , far be it from me to comment on someone’s girth, but this guy was obviously a very good eater.  I didn’t even ask “how much”,  because I think I would have somehow figured out how to swing it and well I know the kids would love him. The husband—not so much.  I can hear him now, “Where does he sleep the other 11 months of the year?”  And, yes even I couldn’t answer that.

My Giant Penguin

I’ve got more photos in a slideshow.  I’d love to hear what is your favorite…

Almaden Valley  Nursery:  15800 Almaden Expressway, San Jose. CA.

Here’s the complete slideshow:

14 foot wind chime

Wandering through CornerStone in Sonoma, I was  drawn to resounding rhythms. It was hypnotic. I made my way across the courtyard to the other side. Stepping across the threshold, I entered PotterGreen and Company and saw the most majestic wind chime. And, yes majestic is the only word to describe it.  The 14 foot chime hung from the massive beam taking center stage.  Priced at $2950. and not having the proper mode of transportation to get it home, I had to pass on this purchase.  Music of the Spheres is the creator of this and other not so large wind chimes.  The prices start around $90 and go up from there.  These chimes are made from 100% domestic materials and they come in 10 different scales. My favorite is the Tenor.

Old Growth Planters

After the spell I was under subsided, I roamed the rest of PotterGreen. There are many treasures from local artists. A lot of eye candy and something for everyone.  They also carry gorgeous redwood planters.  These planters are made from old growth redwood trees. The craftsmanship on the planters is in itself a work of art. Forever Redwood the maker of these beautiful planters, believes in restoration forestry practices.  Restoration forestry is a more conservative forestry practice than sustainable forestry.  Which, I’m thinking is a good good idea.   And,  for all you Lookiloo readers who are interested in purchasing these planters, give Tom Wright a call. He will give you a password to enter online and you’ll get a 10% discount.

PotterGreen and Co.

23586 Hwy 121

Sonoma, CA

Tom Wright

707.996.8888

Talk about vision. When Thai Pham, a 29-year-old landscape designer, set eyes on the space that would become the showroom for his living, growing plantscapes, the place couldn’t be darker. It had been a photographer’s studio, for crying out loud — as in dark room.

But this Vietnam native and UC Berkeley graduate who designed the landscape for the Buddhist Temple on McLaughlin Avenue only saw possibilities. And with his family helping, he put in skylights and removed walls and earlier this month opened Green Design on The Alameda in San Jose. Walk in and you are greeted by the trunk of a great Oak tree dripping with living plants. Listen to the fountains and three macaws. Tropical plants are everywhere.

Pham’s business is a showcase for his landscape design business, giving his clients an idea of what he is capable of. But he also has a huge collection of sandblasted pottery for sale from his hometown in Central Vietnam, as well as Buddhas and other icons. Photos of Douglas Campbell and prints from Paul Sakamoto are also for sale. A floral designer is also on staff to create beautiful bouquets and centerpieces.

“Check back often,” Pham said, “You’ll see a lot of surprises.”

Green Design is located on The Alameda in San Jose at Martin Avenue.

Green Design Indoor Outdoor Plantscape
1341 The Alameda
San Jose, CA 95126
(408) 971-4089

Related stories:
Leku Eder: A Beautiful Place in Danville for Asian Decor
Sonoma’s Opia: An Asian Inspired Home and Garden Shop
Saratoga Gem– Hakone Gardens
Carmel Valley’s Organic Garden Art

It may be that the weather in Northern California is gorgeous and I am itching to enjoy the warmth of spring – but I am on the hunt for a great lounge chair, one where I can have a glass of lemonade and watch my vegetable garden grow.  (Doesn’t that sound ideal?)  Then I stumbled onto the designs of Michael Arras on Etsy.  (This Lookiloo is in serious “want” mode.)

I love the clean lines of this lounge chair.  Hand made by Michael Arras, this comfy chair is made of cotton webbing and birch.  They are built to order for $400.00.

I am also in love with his “small circles table”.  Inspired by stones he saw on a walk with his dog, he sought to create a piece that “captured the randomness, delicacy, and beauty of those stones.”  These hand made beauties are made of birch and stained a deep cinnamon red.  Sure to be a conversation piece, they are custom built, so he can make them to fit your space ($450.00).  It seems perfect to hold my glass of lemonade!

Related articles:
Green Furniture at Harvest Home Stores – Los Gatos

Zonal Home Interiors – Hayes Valley American Country Style Furnishings

An invitation to a private home during a trip to Europe was an epiphany of sorts for Randi Zanardi. The home was filled with whites, creams and beiges and layered with textures. The Los Gatos woman had long loved the bright colors and patterns of the French Country style, but when she stepped into this European home, “a light switched on.” And so, gradually over the past 10 years, she converted her colorful house to a neutral palette.

And 18 months ago, she opened a home decor shop in Los Gatos as an homage to that style, naming it, appropriately, for the Italian word for white: “Bianco.” It’s a “simple store for sophisticated tastes,” Zanardi says.

The shop is off the beaten path of Los Gatos’s downtown shopping district. Instead of being surrounded by high-end antique shops and fashion boutiques, Bianco sits in a strip mall across from Walgreens near the Department of Motor Vehicles. But an artful bench and fluffy linen pillows sitting out front beckon visitors inside the alabaster oasis. And there you will find heavy Belgian linens and burlaps, metal and crystal. The store carries an expansive line of Arte Italica pewter and white ceramic dishware from Italy that ranges in price from a $75 espresso cup to a $300 platter. Special hand-made pieces are displayed around the store, including $300 purses made of vintage mink and leather.

Even if you spend just $14 for a bottle of Italian hand lotion, Bianco’s signature thank-you is a gorgeous gift-wrap.

Each box is topped with a hand-made paper flower and bows of linen strips, burlap and pearls. And each is a little different from the next, Zanardi said. When 75 wedding guests purchased gifts at the store for a bride who had registered there, Zanardi said, “not one was wrapped the same.”

Bianco, which also provides interior design services, can be found at:
Bianco
418 North Santa Cruz Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95030
(408) 354-1200

Related stories:
Wisteria Antiques and Decor
My Romantic Home
Hollywood Glamour at Saratoga French Chateaux
Modern Aptos Beach House
Green Furniture at Harvest Home Stores – Los Gatos
Los Gatos’ The Maid’s Quarters for Luxury Gifts and Linens
Anteo Home – Los Gatos Fine European Home Decor Imports

Update:

This post is featured in the San Jose Mercury News Home and Garden section here.

I got a tip from a Lookiloo reader about 3 months ago.  Janice said in her email, “There is a fabulous store in Pacific Grove. Diamonds and Rust.  It is a delightful mix of antiques, shabby chic and Italian religious items.  It is well worth a look when you’re in the Monterey and Carmel area.”  So after a horrendous week, I called my Mom to see if she was up for a little Lookilooing in Pacific Grove.  And Lucky for me, she was.  We headed south and watched the skies clear.  Just what I needed.

As we pulled up to the storefront I was immediately taken by the building itself.  Built in 1924, originally as the Grove laundry, it has since been remodeled for retail space.  A large garden arbor is front and center, as you enter.  It’s not overpowering, since the ceilings reach all the way up to the second story.  Treasures fill every corner.  Carolyn Baylor rents space in Diamonds and Rust and was gracious enough to give us a tour.  She works with Denise Castagnola, the resident designer and they have the space upstairs.  You will find truly beautiful things.  I loved the over-stuffed chair and the bedroom vignette.

Susie Montgomery and Marilyn Buck have owned Diamonds and Rust for five years.  They’ve been friends ever since their kids met at daycare, twenty years ago.  They did some traveling and after a trip to Italy, decided to go into to business together.

“The focus is on French and Italian items,” Susie said.  I asked Susie what their personal styles were like.  She replied, “I like the frilly, girly and pretty things and Marilyn likes the Victorian gypsy.”  And I heard Marilyn add “tattered Victorian gypsy,” from the other room.  What a great description of style.

Susie let me in on a little secret.  They are getting a new neighbor and hopefully the new shop will be open by March 1st.  She said Trellis is moving in.  It is the perfect compliment to the shabby chic and antiques at Diamond and Rust.  Hey Mom, are you up for another trip to the coast?

Diamonds and Rust
472 Lighthouse Avenue
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(831) 658-0488
www.diamondsandrust.us

Related stories:
Romantic Home in Little Four-Plex

Here’s the complete slideshow:

I was first introduced to Rae Dunn’s work through a very good friend.  It was our monthly book club meeting and as a special “treat” Carolyn held a bag in her hand and asked each one of us to reach in and pull out one stone, a clay stone.  I remember Carolyn saying “you get what you need most”.  Each handmade ceramic stone had a different word stamped on the top.  I vividly remember reaching into the bag and pulling my stone out. It said “peace”.  Now as a mom of four boys, this is what I needed most.  I was amazed that fate or the universe had given me peace.  I treasure that stone.  It has rested on my bookshelf in my entryway for years.  Not a day goes by that I don’t stop and reflect.  Peace.

I check out Rae’s site often to see what is new.  I think with Valentine’s Day not too far off it would be a perfect time to show you these rustic shaped hearts stamped with numbers.  Oh how perfect to count the ways to love!  And since we’re on the topic of love…  I absolutely LOVE this ring bearer dish.  This is one of the most unique things I’ve seen for a wedding.  A great way to remember the a special day.

In this fast-paced, got to have it now world we live in, Rae’s work centers us with its clean, organic lines.  Rae Dunn’s art will always be a part of me.

Related stories:
Whitney Smith Pottery
Le Jardinet Home and Garden in Danville
Another Etsy Find – San Jose Artist Paul Chung
A few Etsy Ideas for your home gallery

Update:

This post is featured in the San Jose Mercury News Home and Garden section here.

In the quaint town of Danville lies an adorable home and garden shop.  Le Jardinet opened their doors June of 2007 by sisters Huong and Phuong Tong.  As you enter, the first thing you notice is how open and airy the store feels.

“I have kids and I wanted a double stroller to fit in,“ said Huong, “everyone is welcome”. 

It is so peaceful and serene wandering through this shop.  They have wonderful treasures for your home.  I could have easily packed a whole chest full. 

The store shelves are lined with artisan goods—with a French twist. Le Jardinet carries a large collection of Rae Dunn pottery.

Which I have to say is one of my favorites.  There was a beautiful juice set.  It contained two tall glasses, two saucers and a pitcher.  They had a wonderful orange motif on the front.  So simplistic, but visually delicious.

You can find them at:
Le Jardinet
166 East Prospect Avenue
Danville, CA 94526

Danville is located near the intersection of 580 and 680 and is well worth a stop.  In fact, make a day of it with some friends and be sure to stay for lunch.

Here’s the complete slideshow:

I almost hate to say it. But I'm one of those girls who while walking along the beach would rather look at beachfront houses than the ocean view. And after spending a girls day in San Francisco last weekend with my mom, my sister and our daughters, I realized something else: while everyone else is looking at clothes and Christmas ornaments, I'm excusing myself to the home decor departments. Zebra skin ottoman anyone? 

Neiman Marcus and Gump's are fantasy central for many of the things I wish I had in my home. A Lucite chair and modern lamp at Gumps. Even the display tables at Neiman Marcus — limestone tops framed in stainless steel. I loved the dress forms all around the store, each covered in a different fabric, from sequence to satin. I kept thinking of Lookiloos friend Tim Ballengee, the former visual director of the Palo Alto store who transformed his bungalow into white cocktail lounge for a party we wrote about. And I couldn't help but wonder what happens to all that display furniture. Is there some warehouse sale where they get rid of it? Wouldn't that be a devine find? (I'll ask Tim his secrets.)

Gump's San Francisco
135 Post Street
San Francisco, CA 94108