We started Lookiloos to indulge the inner lookiloo in all of us, to showcase beautiful homes and gardens with original photos and stories, to give decorating tips and remodeling ideas and create a community to share our stories of home. Peek inside with us.
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.)
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.
Hayes Valley, a neighborhood in San Francisco, is about a half-mile off 101 and just east of Golden Gate Park. In the center of this bohemian style district you’ll find an irresistible shop — Quatrine. Founded in 1989, Quatrine has quickly become the finest in slip-covered furniture. The slipcovers are completely washable yet, amazingly still hold their shape. These are not the slipcovers from your mother’s era. They are sleek, stylish and elegant. Yes, elegant. The fabric choices run deep, from classic to funky. A big comfy chair might set you back about $3000, depending on fabric and design. Each component comes with an option to be crafted as an upholstered piece. All of the furniture is custom made in Rancho Dominguez California.
Quatrine offers more than slip-covered furniture though. Do you need a little sparkle to dress up your abode? You can find wonderful lamps and accessories as well. From a modern map pendant to chic Chinese Lantern, spreading the light is easy to do. And the sheets of mother of pearl tile will shimmer perfectly in your new light. A sheet is $110 with a minimum purchase of twenty sheets.
Just off El Camino in San Carlos lies a boutique for your home not to be missed. Susanne Harkness and B.K. Hughes opened Goodsage a couple of years ago. Although the closest of friends since childhood, their styles couldn’t be further apart. “I lean more towards the modern and Susanne the traditional. I think that’s why it works so well for us,” says B.K. It does work and quite nicely at that.
Their shop is filled with treasures from artists, local and abroad. The French guinea hens will set you back about a hundred dollars, but looking into their sweet, charming faces will ease any twinge of guilt felt about your bank account. Whitney Smith from Oakland has wonderful pieces here. Her Split Pod vessels are perfect by themselves or add a single blossom. J. Mendicino, located in Berkeley has enchanting ceramic pots. The cut-out pattern is so captivating it’s hard to look away.
Whether you visit the website or their store you can’t ignore the words “Stylish goods to enhance your surroundings.” You won’t have any trouble finding a few to enhance yours. You can find Goodsage at 854 Laurel Street in San Carlos or reach them at 650.508.8650.
Once you find this place, you can’t help but think you might need a secret password to get in. It’s only open three days a month and it’s easy to drive right past without noticing. Move It Elsewhere is in an unassuming warehouse at 350 Lincoln Avenue in San Jose, just past San Carlos Street. When it’s open, a sign dangles out front: “Estate Sale,” it says.
It’s a consignment store, actually, filled with used furnishings, pots, china, and patio furniture that owner Suzanne Comaroto acquires from her moving business. She moves senior citizens into retirement communities _ and she has an answer for what to do with all their belongings.
“Their kids don’t want their stuff so I opened this consignment store,” Comaroto said.
She sells it for them _ and gives them a commission. That means for three days every month, the public _ that’s you and me _ get to take a look at antique dining room sets, Asian armoires, mid-century buffets, and costume jewelry. That’s 15,000 square feet to wander through, mind you. (Don’t miss the second floor filled with odds and ends.)
During last weekend’s opening, customers seemed to be leaving by the armload. Prices are set to sell _ “50 percent off everything” the sign says.
The next opening is Sept. 19, 20, and 21st. For more information go to moveitelsewhere.com.
Traveling down 101 towards Gilroy there is an unassuming garden store, South Pacific Orchid or better known as the 101 Orchid Center.
The storefront doesn’t look like much, but once you enter into the premise the large showroom is filled with orchids, bonsai, lucky bamboo and other exotic plants.
But the orchids are what stand out when you enter through the door.
The showy blossoms of Phalaenopsis, Cattleya and Oncidium are hypnotic. Orchids can be a bit intimidating with their delicate blossoms, but Dan the owner assures, “ Orchids are not difficult to grow.” The prices are great as well, too good not to give an orchid or two a try.
Orchids run from $11 to about $20. 101 Orchid also has a variety of ceramic pots and everything needed to keep your Phalaenopsis blooming.
I’m constantly up and down the peninsula and today I popped in at a new spot for me—Emily Joubert at 3036 Woodside Rd. in Woodside. I knew I had stumbled onto something incredible as soon as the succulent table greeted me. This place was amazing. My head was spinning…where to look first!
There is an outdoor garden section with wonderful garden art in every corner and exotic looking plants filling in all the nooks and crannies. The inside shop had great luxurious finds. I spotted a set of salt and peppershakers. They are a cobalt blue glass with a wonderful silver sleeve. These shakers have a Moroccan feel and make a great housewarming gift for my cousin who just bought her first home.
This is the kind of place you stop to pick up that fabulous gift, because you know they will have that ultimate unforgettable item. Plus they have fresh flowers. So if you’re in the neighborhood or even if your not, stop in. You won’t be disappointed.
Today I stopped in at Antique Market at 481 S. Bascom Avenue. This place has treasures around every corner. I was in heaven and then I found out there is a sister store, Not Too Shabby, located at 4724 Meridian Avenue.
Now these two spots are very different. Antique Market specializes in thrift furniture and salvage pieces. I happened upon an old staircase railing that I’m going to use in my dining room.
Not Too Shabby leans towards a French Country element. The items have a newer feel and are very fun. One item in particular was a set of old school lockers that have been painted perfectly pink.
If I had a spot those would have come home with me as well. You will be sure to find something at either location. I did.
We line up for home tours. We brake for open houses. We peek through fences. We fantasize. We want to get in! We started Lookiloos to indulge the inner lookiloo in all of us, to showcase beautiful homes and gardens with original photos and stories, to give decorating tips and remodeling ideas and create a community to share our stories of home. Peek inside with us.
-- Desiree, Julia and Sheila - Silicon Valley
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