A Gorgeous New Design Spot – The House

San Francisco

When I started Apt34 (more than 12 years ago!), the primary purpose was to gather and share inspiration created by people much more talented than I. It’s still my favorite thing to do and the primary reason I’m still here after all these years. Hence why I have a little end of the year gift for you today – a tour of what has to be my new favorite home shop in San Francisco – The House by Tracy Simmons Design.

You might think that San Francisco is awash in amazing home decor stores, but that’s actually far from the truth. The gems are few and far between which is why The House feels like a breath of fresh air. Chic, swoon-worthy fresh air.

Every item in The House is hand selected by owner and highly accomplished interior designer Tracy Simmons. Many of the items she’s carrying are custom designs made exclusively for the shop. There are a variety of lovely ceramic collections speaking to the on going handmade trend, but the pieces in The House are an elevated take on the look. The ceramic fruit bowl by SIN that typically has a rustic or boho vibe in other contexts, feels elegant and refined when paired with FRAMA soaps, Aieul candles and the crisp modern fine art photography collection by my dear friend Bess Friday.

Everything from the the yummy cashmere throws by Teixidors to the 100% non toxic fragrances from LA-based Fiele are luxurious but approachable. The custom designs from Sheldon Ceramics and one-of-a-kind vessels created by ANK Ceramics beg to be to touched and admired up close. All of the textures are so warm and inviting.

Tracy and her team also use the space as their design studio, which almost makes the environment feel like you’re in someone’s home – where you want to drop by and stay for awhile! They always have a cup of tea or a little bubbly to offer you – and who am I to say no?!

The House is a fantastic addition to the San Francisco design scene and I feel lucky it arrived in time for holiday shopping – even if all the shopping I’m doing is for myself! With a soft opening this month, The House will celebrate its grand opening on January 16, 2020. I have a strong feeling only more gorgeousness is going to be added between now and then and I for one am so excited to have The House on my regular design shopping rotation.

The House by Tracy Simmons Simmons Design is located at 3307 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, California. The store is open from Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For our entire Retail Therapy archive (featuring stores all around the Bay Area and beyond) CLICK HERE.

photography by bess friday

Le Petit Appartement

Shopping

I often dream of traveling to France, immersing myself in Paris’ antique markets, strolling through booth after both, leisurely treasure hunting and unearthing that perfect home decor gem that has long alluded me. Then I remember I have a pre-schooler, a puppy, this site, parent-teacher conferences, 4,000 unanswered emails, a mile long to-do list and oh yeah, I don’t speak French.

Thankfully, I can turn to experts instead. Enter Elsie Green and Victoria from SFGIRLBYBAY. The two have a similar dream and many resources with which to actualize it. Elsie Green is an amazing Bay Area-based purveyor of all things vintage French country which you may have seen here. And Victoria has created Super Marché, her own highly curated collection of French vintage finds. Last weekend San Francisco was lucky to play host to Le Petit Appartement – a pop-up combining both Elsie Green & Super Marché as well as additional friends. The pop-up was like stepping into a perfectly curated other world and I really didn’t want to leave. Scroll and you’ll understand why.

The blank canvas of a studio space was brilliantly transformed into a boudoir, dining room, kitchen and living area, replete with collections of ceramics, brass candle holders, vintage portraits. Louis Philippe mirrors and one of a kind curiosities. You could browse dressers and rompers from Encourage Vintage and accessorize with a perfect pair of Freda Salvador shoes. I truly appreciate the feeling of being transported to the middle of the French country side.

Vintage books as placemats – genius.

Yes indeed, the dramatic oversized Prix Ribbons are everything.

Le Petit Appartement was a rather magical moment. It’s only downside is that existed for just one day. But fear not. I’ve already heard rumors that Le Petit Appartement might pop up again sometime. Maybe near you!

photography by ashley keleman

Retail Therapy: Prevalent Projects

San Francisco

There’s almost nothing I love more than discovering a killer new home decor shop and today I have a real find for you.

Contrary to popular belief, shopping for good design in San Francisco is a little….tough is probably the kind way to describe it. But things recently got a little easier thanks to Prevalent Projects, the brand new Mill Valley based home decor store that is all kinds of good.

For starters, Prevalent Project’s vibe is minimal, yet warm and with a healthy dose of cool on the side. The shop features a combination of clean Scandinavian and Japanese designs with some Californian ceramics, beautiful photography and unique textiles mixed in. Every piece in you see in Prevalent Projects, from the turned wood light fixtures to the clean-lined home furnishings, is highly curated and well thought out.

But an added bonus to this refined California vibe now at San Franciscans’ fingertips? Everything at Prevalent Projects is sourced with a focus on sustainability. They are making a point to only feature brands that use sustainable, nontoxic materials and production techniques. They’ve even gone a step further, making their own furniture pieces when what’s already on the market didn’t live up to their high standards. Their in-house furniture line is handcrafted in California from FSC certified rift sawn white oak with a nontoxic finish. I also hear a wool rug collection is in the works!

It makes sense that this shop has such a specific point of view and a keen sense of style. The founders recently decamped from LA after working for 25 years in photography and film production. And I’m thrilled they’re now sharing their discerning eye with the Bay Area.

While perusing the Prevalent Projects space in the heart of Mill Valley is quite the pleasure, you don’t have to be in San Francisco to get your hands on their finds. The store has just launched online sales. If I was going to do some recommending, I’d point you toward the incredible Sun at Six side chair, the classic Lostine Table Lamp and a candle they swear smells like Big Sur.

I’m certainly thrilled to welcome Prevalent Projects to the scene! I know I’ll be stopping by frequently!

Prevalent Projects
Open Tuesday – Sunday 10AM – 6Pm
61 Throckmorton Ave.
Mill Valley, CA. 94941

For our entire Retail Therapy archive, CLICK HERE.

Where I’m Shopping for Last Minute Gifts

Shopping

It’s official. For once, the internet is of no use to me. Every year I say I’m going to get all my shopping done in the first two weeks of the holiday season and here we are, with 72 hours to go and I haven’t checked everyone off my Christmas list. Whomp. And we’re officially out of time for online purhcases to arrive before Christmas. But thankfully there are a bevy of amazing brick & mortar stores in the Bay Area, filled with treasures that my peeps will love.

Yes, I actually have to get dressed and leave my house – gasp. But seeing the smiles on my family member’s faces will make it all worth it. Here are some of my favorite gems with all you fellow last minute shoppers out there. And if you’re not in San Francisco you should bookmark these for your next visit to this fair city!

My first stop actually requires a jaunt over the Bay Bridge. Temescal Alley, literally tucked behind the main drag of Temescal Ave, has a treasure trove of more than half a dozen shops, guaranteed to have something for virtually everyone on your list. Take Crimson for example. A plant lover’s dream, obviously, but they also carry gorgeous ceramics, books, and cool bits and bobs. I got many a stocking stuffer here.

Then there’s Esqueleto, a must stop for all things McQuan, a great collection of jewelry, art and table top accessories. Serious cool girl vibes abound.

Ali Golden has a collection of sweaters, coats, and super cool tops. I had to leave quickly lest I start buying myself gifts.

Marisa Mason Jewelry is made before your very eyes at the back of this cutie shop. Cuffs, necklaces, rings – someone on your gift list will come out beautifully adorned.

Temescal Alley
486 49th Street, Oakland (between Telegraph Avenue and Clarke Street)
Open: Generally 10am – 6pm check specific shop hours

Standard and Strange is a killer spot for the guys in your life. Amazing American-made shirts, denim, custom leather, shoes. If your guy appreciates a little craftsmanship then they’ll really love something from here.

Standard and Strange
5010 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
Open 11am – 5pm

Then back in San Francisco, here are a few of my favorites:

March is your mecca for stunning kitchen accessories, tabletop, servingware and simply all things stunning. Just shopping in their gorgeous shop is a gift.

March
3075 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Open 10am – 6pm

For the homebodies you must pop into the new Parachute store in Hayes Valley. Grab a cozy throw, maybe a new set of sheets or lovely towels for the bathroom.

Parachute San Francisco
445 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Open 11am – 7pm

If you have a jewelry lover on your list Metier is another must-stop. This little jewel box of shop specializes in vintage jewelry with truly unique pieces from around the world. They also offer super cool contemporary designs like the bejeweled daggers by Louison Fine or Annie Costello earrings.

Metier
546 Laguna St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Open: 12pm – 6pm

Finally for the health conscious beauty lover, get thyself to the new True Botanicals boutique. A long time fan of this skincare line, their nontoxic cleansers, face oils and masks are truly remarkable. And now they’ve dipped into aromatherapy with a custom scent bar. But the best part? Their new shop, designed be the uber-chic Jeremiah Brent doubles as a spa – so if you don’t know what product to get, simply give a gift certificate for a custom facial instead! Trust me, your recipient will be very very thankful.

Here are a few more San Francisco favorites.

The Human Condition
A stellar home goods store in the heart of the Mission.
3148 22nd St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Open: 11am – 6pm

General Store Home
Ceramics, weavings and textiles, oh my!
3928 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122
Open: 11am – 7pm

Yonder Shop
A lovely gift store with in-house made pottery, home accessories, books, cards, candles and more
701 11th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94118
Open: 10am – 6pm

And be sure to check out our Retail Therapy archives RIGHT HERE.

images via apartment 34 / metier / true botanicals

Retail Therapy: Tour the New Parachute, San Francisco

Shopping

I’ve long been a fan of Parachute. Their linen bedding is my go-to for those perfectly wrinkled, just the right amount of soft sheets. I love how easily you can mix and match their neutral color palette. Then Parachute launched a bath collection and I swooned over the super soft towels and comfy slippers. Their aesthetic is right in line with my love for the timeless and classic.

So I was crazy envious when Parachute opened their first physical stores in LA and then Portland. But finally, San Francisco’s time has come. Last week, Parachute opened a stunning new store in the heart of the Hayes Valley neighborhood and I’m thrilled to get to give you an exclusive tour.

Parachute has that pseudo-Scandi, elevated eclecticism down to a science. A mix of textures, a few gorgeous ceramics and of course, that gorgeous wrap around sofa, featuring Parachute’s new print bolster pillow, had me at hello. The light continues to spill through the bright and airy space, inviting you in to peruse through Parachute’s bedding, tabletop and bath collections.

I’m curious if I can convince Parachute to start selling the gorgeous custom shelving upon which their collection of quilts and duvet inserts rest. I would love a shelving unit like this in my dining room!

This console setup is major entryway goals.

Did you know that Parachute now offers their own line of nontoxic laundry detergents? I’m eager to try them.

But I’m really loving the Parachute fall tabletop collection. The linen napkins are in deeply saturated – that ocre hue is calling my name. I see my Christmas table coming on.

If you’re looking to beautify your guest room, treat your own bed to an upgrade, or are simply looking for a lovely holiday gift, I strongly suggest popping down to Hayes Valley! I’ve included my top Parachute picks below.

If you’re new to San Francisco or unfamiliar with the neighborhood, Parachute also has a tour of the area’s best gems on their blog. Be sure to check it out.

Welcome to San Francisco Parachute!

PARACHUTE HOME

445 Hayes Street
Open Mon-Sun: 11am-7pm daily

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original photography for apartment 34 by bess friday photography

This post is in partnership with Parachute Home. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting partnerships that have kept apartment 34’s doors open.

Shop Small: Kamperett in San Francisco

Shopping

While I love me a good gift guide – and don’t worry – there are some good ones coming your way, this year I’m also making a major point to shop local for the holidays. You guys, this retail game is tough and while all things Target are well and good, there are small makers, artists, designers and visionaries that need and, I would argue, deserve our support.

So yes, I’ll still share my favorite Cyber Monday deals with you, I also want to make sure you learn about some bricks & mortar shops I adore.

Case in point, the new and totally stunning Kamperett showroom that recently opened in San Francisco’s Mission district. I’ve talked about Kamperett around here before. Designed & made right in the Bay Area, this clothing line creates ephemeral but strong pieces that have that perfect amount of edge. Every collection leaves me in awe and the the latest is no exception.

From jumpsuits to wrap dresses, high waisted culottes and a crazy good wool blazer, this is the wardrobe for a modern woman. Everything is simple and classic but also head turning. Dresses are made with sheer panels. Pants have the perfect cropped hem. The dresses have a gorgeous flow. And while much of the winer collection is in my favorite neutral color palette. they’ve peppered in yummy metallics and even a velvet in chartreuse! But everything has a timeless cut so these are the pieces you’ll love wearing now and will keep for years to come.

While I’ve always loved their clothes, it’s Kamperett’s minimalist showroom that has my heart swooning. Now you can go and play dress up in their beautiful light filled space that is both design studio and showroom, just in time for holiday party season! I promise there’s more than a dress or two you’re going to want to go home with.

Spoiler, those gold pants came home with me!

In our world of mass consumption and fast fashion – I love the idea of filling my closet with pieces from a limited collection – that are designed and made with exceptional care. I thought you might like that too!

KAMPERETT SHOWROOM

3686 20th Street
San Francisco, CA
Open Fridays 10am-3pm or by appointment

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Vuelo Dress | Copper Jacquard

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romy dress

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Adelaide Maxi Wrap Dress

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images by jaeve arbuthnot

Retail Therapy: A Beautifully Curated NYC Boutique

Travel

New York is obviously mecca for the small but mighty boutiques, but I’ve found a must-visit spot for the next time you find yourself in the Big Apple. Check out this exclusive look at the shop that is curated to perfection–the East Village boutique Still House.

We first profiled Still House in 2013, but I love their collection now just as much as I did then. It has some serious sophisticated style. This could be due to the fact that Urte Tylaite, the owner, hand picks everything that comes through their doors. Focusing on emerging artists and designers out of New York, Japan, Scandinavia and Europe, you’re sure to find a piece as unique as it is beautiful!

I love every single vignette in this store. When I see great styling, I’m always taking notes, thinking about how I might replicate an idea or two at home–it’s a good exercise – try it. It really gets the stylist wheels of the brain turning! Case in point, combining a display of your best necklaces with a fun piece of vintage art. It’s a lovely bit of functional decor.

Still House has everything from beautifully crafted jewelry to unique home decor items and that perfect little gifty for friends. I’m obsessed with any type of home office supplies and this brass geometric paper weight is calling my name. I love tacking up what inspires me on my inspiration board, whether it be a post card, magazine clipping, or small print.

The ebony stained floors in the shop are gorgeous. They’re the perfect amount of distressed. They feel so New York. But really, can we talk about the star of the show? The owner’s dog is beyond adorable and of course she matches all of the goods in the store. Now that’s what we call incredible curation.

Still House is definitely a boutique to add to the long list of shopping bests in the city. Anybody in NYC? I would love for you to snap up some Instagrams of this store and share all the pretties that I missed!!

If you’re itching much like me {I’m obsessed with this ring!} and can’t wait till your next New York visit, you can shop everything online here!

For our entire Retail Therapy archive, CLICK HERE.

images for apartment 34 c/o Still House

Retail Therapy & Other Friday Finds

Business of blogging

Happy Friday friends! Did this week feel as long and jam-packed for you as it did for me? Where is the summer slowdown?? I’m hoping August might usher in a reprieve (does the President take the entire month of August off? Let’s hope so). One way I’ve been injecting a little fun into my days is with the new Instagram Questions feature. Have you tried it?? You can simply ask anyone you follow a question in their stories. I’ve learned so much about people I’ve known for a long time! One of the questions I’ve gotten most frequently is “what are my favorite shopping destinations in San Francisco?” That can actually be a bit tough to answer as San Francisco hasn’t always had the best shopping, but I feel like it’s improving every day – so much so that I think I should resurrect my Retail Therapy series. Would you be into that?? For example, I’m obsessed with the new shop KIM + ONO.

The stunning new store in the heart of Chinatown creates a moment of refreshing minimalism amongst Grant Avenue’s hustle and bustle. Tiffany + Renee Tam, the sister duo behind KIM + ONO, partnered with designer Danielle McWaters of Designsake Studio to rebrand the 30-year old family business (previously called Old Shanghai). Layering craftsmanship and heritage into the new identity and retail space, the brand’s new look feels lush and astutely edited. Designsake brought in architect Alan Tse of Alan Tse Design and designer Valerie Santillo of Kamperett and together they transformed the old factory building (what was once the Far East Flea Market) to a modern interior space, bright and airy, creating a welcome respite in the heart of Chinatown. I’m obsessed with Val’s oversized floral mural on that back wall.

The new store focuses on wellness, community and sisterhood, offering not only their beautiful botanical print kimonos (perfect for bridal parties, expecting mothers, or your day-to-night fashion statement), but also curated brands like Ayurveda Apothecary, Object Enthusias Virtuvi, P.F. Candles, Odeme, Pigeon Toe and Herbivore Botanicals in addition to hundreds of unique silk and charmeuse kimonos. KIM + ONO just won “2018 San Francisco Magazine’s Best of the Bay Winner: Best Place to Shop in SF” and it’s easy to see why.

But then I also have to share a bit of sad news. Another amazing store in San Francisco, that I didn’t even get to the chance to profile here yet recently experienced a devastating fire. Yonder Shop, founded by ceramist Linda Fahey, carries both Linda’s original works but also an amazing collection of artisan pieces for your home, books, cards. Her collection was beautifully curated and edited. I loved walking into their space. Sadly, last week there was a fire in the shop’s building. Thankfully no one was hurt but Linda lost so much. A GoFundMe page to help Linda recover her store has been started and it would be amazing if you could offer even the tiniest bit of help. Click HERE for details.

For anyone not in San Francisco craving some retail therapy, my edit from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is now live! You can see it right here – and remember these are new fall pieces currently on sale. The getting is mighty good, but I think this coat, this boot, this shirt, this scarf and these jeans are my favorite finds.

If you’re curious why I feel like I need retail therapy right now, this New Yorker piece captures my current mood perfectly.

Maybe instead of adding to my closet, I should switch up a room or two in my house. Alicia is giving me major inspo.

Or perhaps I should just throw a dinner party like Cassandra.

This weekend, we are escaping back up to wine country (have you caught my latest Instagram story about my trip to Signorello Winery – one of the wineries that lost everything in last year’s Napa fires – check out it before it’s gone!) to soak up some sun and I’m thinking this line should become my summer uniform.

Or maybe I should just hop on a plane because this Italian vacation rental on the beautiful island of Capri has me entranced.

Whatever you do this weekend friends, I hope it is magic. Till Monday!

photography by delbar moradi

Retail Therapy: Your Secret Source for French Vintage

San Francisco

I’m often asked about the “secret” to finishing a room. Well, if I knew, my house might be done by now! But in all seriousness, I actually do strongly believe that the way to complete a room is with treasures. You know, the treasures that life acquires – through travels, through discovery, through happenstance. That is where your personality and a room’s personality meld into one. But this process takes time. A lot of time. As well as plane tickets to far-flung destinations to find the antiques, vintage, flea markets finds, art and artisanal craft that sets a home apart. I’m certainly not hopping a plane any time soon. Are you?

Thankfully, there are some hidden gems out there that help you inject those amazing found pieces without actually having to spend years on the hunt. That’s why I’m over the moon that one of my favorite Bay Area treasure troves, french vintage gold mine, Elsie Green, has just opened a brand new shop just north of San Francisco. And friends, this shop, she’s a beaut.

Elsie Green is stocked sky high with pieces procured on annual trips to Paris, the south of France, and I suspect highly coveted secret sources. They come back with stunning pieces of furniture, amazing vintage cookware, tableware, linens, accessories and more. So much more. A trip to Elsie Green’s original Concord,CA location is like a bit of a treasure hunt in and of itself, but the store in Sebastopol, CA is like walking through an amazing collector’s home, but at this place you get to take the spoils with you.

Would I define my style as french country? Certainly not. But I know how killer vintage Marcel Breuer chairs would look in my dining room. I know a few antique candlesticks can warm up my shelfies. And I’m all about some vintage art, as evidenced by this guy in my kitchen. Whenever I I go to Elsie Green, I always want all the things, but I also realize a single piece or two will add that one-of-kind feeling my home – and that’s exactly what I’m going for.

So if you find yourself in the Bay Area, I strongly recommend you get thyself to 6770 McKinley Street in Sebastopol, California. Just plan to give yourself plenty of time to oogle all the pretty. For everyone else, Elsie Green has a beautiful website too. These are just a few of the pieces I’d gladly take home with me!

For our entire Retail Therapy archive, CLICK HERE.

images by kendra smoot & elsie green c/o elsie green

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