Northwest Home's 2008 Top Shops

BATH
BEST PLUMBING’s (4129 Stone Way N, Seattle; 206.633.1700) showroom may just be the best place to shop for the latest in Kohler, Moen and Grohe lines.
Whether you’re looking to pick up an obscure antique fixture, a decadently modern tub or a super-cool sink kit (we like, Blanco America’s Steel Art model), you need go no further than DAWSON PLUMBING (1522 12th Ave., Seattle; 206.323.2718; dawsonplumbing.com).
 

FIX DESIGN (570 First Ave. S, Seattle; 206.838.3838), whose showroom doubled to 3,000 feet this year, offers first-rate design services and is the exclusive dealer for some of Europe’s sexiest modern bath lines, including Gessi (check out the golden Mimi single-lever vessel faucet, $2,165), Karol and Nova Linea. Arriving this winter from Italy, the show-stopping Rifra Nest Collection features a free-standing oval tub and a vanity with integrated double bowl sinks dramatically graced by an 85-inch back-lit mirror.
 

SEATTLE INTERIORS (3822 Stone Way N, Seattle; 206.633.2900) boasts an extensive selection of classic and contemporary designs by Villeroy & Boch, Dornbracht and Vola and mod makes from Wetstyle, Zuma and SpectraDecor, featuring hardware made of 100 percent recycled aluminum that’s stylishly studded with eco-resin and cork and shell inlays.
 

STYLISH INTERIORS (13219 NE 20th St., Suite 200, Bellevue; 425.747.5310) is the exclusive Puget Sound dealer of the indisputably cool SSWW Royalking line of vanities and tubs, including the computer-controlled Royal Whale Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bathtub that actually delivers a waterfall shower from its tail.
 

From terrific tubs and tiles to fabulous fixtures, we love the sensuous Opus line featuring Crystal Egg knobs, you’ll find all of the hottest bathing works at WATERWORKS (2030 First Ave., Suite 100, Seattle; 206.441.9300).
 

TILE
AMBIENTE TILE (227 NE 65th St., Seattle; 206.524.2113; 13102 NE 20th St., Bellevue, 425.869.2463; 5903 196th St. SW, Lynnwood; 425.774.8112) offers a concept-to-creation complimentary design service and an assortment of tile and stone looks.
 

Tiles of every material, glass, leather, wood, and mode, classic to modern, are offered at ANN SACKS (115 Stewart St., Seattle; 206.441.8917; 1210 SE Grand Ave., Portland, OR; 503.233.0611), including designer collections by Angela Adams and Clodagh. Their vanity, sink, tub and fixture inventory is equally exhaustive.
 

NORBERRY TILE (Seattle Design Center, 5701 Sixth Ave. S, Suite 221; 206.343.9916) carries a resplendent array of artisan works, including handmade bronze, glass and mosaic tiles and Arts and Crafts-inspired tiles.
 

UNITED TILE (11520 Airport Rd., Everett, 425.212.3295; 3001 East Valley Rd., Renton, 425.251.5290; 3145 NW Yeon, Portland, OR; 503.231.4959; 550 Industrial Way, No. 24, Bend, OR; 541.388.0830) boasts a tremendously diverse tile supply, from natural stone to ceramic, glass and metal. One new green option: recycled leather tiles from EcoDomo.
Accessories
 

LAVENDAR HEART (2812 E Madison St., Seattle; 206.568.4441) simply brims with bathing accessories, from sensuous soaps to luxurious lotions.
 

Along with appealingly mod EMECO furniture and art, SQUARE ROOM (910 E Pike St, Seattle; 206.329.1214) offers its own all-natural line of bath products, plus Pacifica scented soaps and candles.
 

WATSON KENNEDY’s original shop, Fine Living (86 Pine St., Seattle; 206.443.6281) in the Pike Place Market, he has two other stores (Fine Home, 1022 First Ave., Seattle; 206.652.8350; Fine Life, 10032 Main St., Bellevue; 425.467.1142), offers an especially fine collection of French and English bath products, including the manly Molton Brown Black Pepper Body Wash ($26) and lemon verbena-scented Diptyque Verveine Candle ($60). Shannon O’Leary

STORAGE
THE CONTAINER STORE (700 Bellevue Way NE, Suite 120, Bellevue; 425.453.7120) offers sophisticated storage solutions for even the most perplexing dilemmas, thanks to the ever-popular, customizable elfa storage systems, which now come freestanding so drilling-restricted urban apartment dwellers can also kiss clutter goodbye.
 

The annual arrival of the new IKEA (601 SW 41st St, Renton; 425.656.2980; 10280 NE Cascades Parkway, Portland, OR; 503.282.4532) catalog makes our heart skip a beat and our inner organizer start to scheme how to corral our stuff without breaking the bank. A highlight of the 2009 collection: the mod, clean lines of the Besta line of storage solutions, with combination pieces to suit both big and small spaces and budgets.
 

From teeny and small to big and tall, STORABLES’ (1100 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue; 425.462.2900; University Village, Seattle; 206.523.7500) wide selection of woven, wire or plastic bins and baskets are sure to fit any storage need.
 

Those cluttered closets can go chic with the help of the design team at CALIFORNIA CLOSETS (1014 116th Ave. NE, Suite C, Bellevue; 800.814.1729). After a detailed in-home consultation, your closet will go from drab to dynamite with the addition of innovative accessories, such as sliding pullout mirrors, leather-lined hanging baskets and built-in metal scarf racks. Kate Calamusa

KIDS
Former Olympic figure skater Rosalynn Sumners’ BELLA BAMBINI (1 Lake St, Kirkland; 425.822.7200) kid’s boutique has generated plenty of buzz during its first year, and with its adorable array of ladybug raincoats, pirate backpacks and baby blankets, its easy to see why this charming spot is the new must-stop shop for savvy moms and hip kids.
 

Grown-up sophistication gets a dose of pint-sized imagination at POTTERY BARN KIDS (University Village, Seattle; 206.527.5560; Bellevue Square, Bellevue; 425.451.2966), where a bedroom makeover is a snap thanks to the Barn’s complete room collections for tykes. Our favorite: the darling Star Wars room (starting at $519 for bedding collection, $199 for retro chic Luke Skywalker poster) for little guys who wish they lived in a galaxy far, far away.
 

Napping will come easily for little ones after a visit to the LAND OF NOD (University Village, Seattle; 206.527.9900), which recently teamed up with Pixel Organics to create an eco-friendly mother’s dream: 100 percent organic cotton crib bedding and bumpers made from recycled products, like an eco-spun polyester fill, available in bright teal and hot pink sets ($36-320).
 

Melissa Maffei and Melissa Van Flandern’s loft-like boutique TOTTINI (259 Yale Ave N, Seattle; 206.254.0400) is an urban mom’s paradise, full of modern furniture, such as the oh-so-chic Cubino two-toned cube-shaped kiddie chairs ($109), and cool accessories, such as the ultra-plush Esthex dolls made from fleece, toweling and felt ($44). Kate Calamusa

ACCENTS
Candles
WILLOW & BLOOM (3415A Fremont Ave N, Seattle; 206.913.8779), a floral design and gift boutique opened this year, stocks a sweet assortment of locally made soy candles with evocative aromas such as Chocolate Cream Cupcake, Angel Food Cake, Crème Brulée and Champagne Cake ($12.50–$20).
Candleholders
 

GLASSYBABY (3406 E Union St., Seattle; 206.568.7368; University Village, Seattle; 206.274.4683) votives come in more than 70 opaque and transparent varieties. Lines range from sexy and sophisticated to “Santa,” a cheery mix of Sheer Cream, Red Licorice and Kelly Green votives ($120 per set of three).
 

VOTIV’s (3516 Carr Place N, Seattle; 206.354.8454) glass pieces come with a simple mini-candle that when lit reveals warm tones unnoticed in natural light. Each design is unique, including a new line featuring votives with rings of complementing colors, such Spring Day, with yellow glass and solid bright blue circling the rim $30.
Frames
 

Dress your photos in style with ANTHROPOLOGIE’s (University Village, Seattle; 206.985.2101; 1509 Fifth Ave., Seattle; 206.381.5900) decorative frames, including designs featuring graphic peacock plumes ($22–$38) and copper twigs ($28).
 

FRAME UP STUDIOS (3515 Fremont Ave. N, Seattle; 206.547.4657) offers an unbeatable collection of custom frames and mattes of any size and grandeur, along with a great selection of gift frames.
 

ZANADIA (1815 N 45th St., Wallingford Center, Seattle; 206.547.0884) offers classic stand-bys in silver and gold as well as handcrafted designs, including one of rustic narrow burled wood ($29.95–$43.95).
Mirrors
 

SEVA HOME’s (900 Lenora St., Suite 116, Seattle; 206.323.9920) distinctive inventory includes the Diamond Mirror ($2,220), cleverly back-lit to illuminate your reflection, and brighten your space, day or night.
 

From polished nickel and gold starbursts to carved cast-resin Regency looks, MAISON LUXE’s (1123 First Ave., Seattle; 206.405.2828) large mirror selection will make your home look classy and spacious.
Paint
 

Fifteen fresh hues were added this year to AUTHENTIC HOME’s (4151 California Ave. SW, Seattle; 206.937.3070) newest paint line, COLOR. Now with 60 colors ($43.95 per gallon), their custom color bar, usually manned by owner and color consultant Kathy Banak, will be more useful than ever.
 

The experts at SPACE: A DESIGN/BUILD COLLECTIVE (7601 Greenwood Ave. N, Suite 103, Seattle; 206.706.1054) will not only advise you on colors that best suit your redesign vision, they’ll tell you exactly which walls to paint.
 

Pillows
KASALA’s (1505 Western Ave., Seattle; 206.623.7795; 1014 116th Ave. NE, Bellevue; 425.453.2823) pillows come in fun colors and simple patterns in comfy cotton, silk and velvet textures.
 

At VERITABLES DECOR (2806 E Madison St., Seattle; 206.322.7782), where contemporary takes colorfully occupy couches and chairs and line the walls, you’re bound to find more than one pillow you’ll want to adopt.
 

REVIVAL HOME AND GARDEN (5515 Airport Way S, Seattle; 206.763.3886), a new must-haunt-shop in Georgetown, specializes in bright graphic pillows that match the store’s lively yellow, red and blue furnishings and upbeat vibe.
 

Textiles
Elegant, playful and modern textiles at MAISON LUXE (1123 First Ave., Seattle; 206.405.2828) in linen and linen/cotton blends make us want to re-upholster practically everything. We like the original Blue Multi Alice design ($376 per yard).
 

There’s no limit to the fabric selection at GREAT JONES HOME (1921 Second Ave., Seattle; 206.448.9405), where new collections from popular designers Kelly Wearstler and Celerie Kemble are alongside classics like the David Hicks sisters and Windsor Smith.
 

Choose among RED TICKING’s (802 E Madison St., Seattle; 206.250.8853) fabulous fabrics, mostly vintage European pieces, and they will transform any item, be it a hand-sewn lampshade, table runner or doggie bed, into a one-of-a-kind creation. Alexis Chicoye

HARDWARE
Celebrating the big 5-0 anniversary this year, BUILDER’S HARDWARE (1516 15th Ave. W, Seattle; 206.281.3700) shows off its depth of selection, from rustic, solid-bronze Rocky Mountain door pulls to luxurious and ornate Baltica door knockers, in an awe-inspiring showroom space.
 

The oldest family-owned architectural company in North America, CHOWN HARDWARE (12001 NE 12th St., Bellevue; 425.454.7420; 333 NW 16th Ave., Portland, OR; 503.243.6500) carries both fanciful (bronze door pulls shaped like the Sphinx) and functional pieces (cabinet drawer hinges), in every imaginable finish at both of their expansive Northwest showrooms (its Bellevue space gained another 600 square feet of space this fall).
 

Whether you are looking for something classic, such as an antiqued silver door pull or something a little more eccentric (how about river rock bathroom sink knob?), OLD & ELEGANT’s (10203 Main St., Bellevue; 425.455.4660) two-floor showroom and custom services are sure to tickle your fancy.
 

Serving the citizens of Capitol Hill for more than decade, PACIFIC SUPPLY CO. (1417 12th Ave, Seattle; 206.322.1717) embraces its role as the Hill’s hardware store, from its friendly helpful staff to the wide array of nuts, bolts and ever-helpful odds and ends (chewing gum remover anyone?)
 

At always-reliable RESTORATION HARDWARE (Pacific Place, Seattle; 206.652.4545; University Village, Seattle; 206.522.2775), you’re sure to find the right size and style from over 1,500 styles of solid brass pulls in stock.
 

One man’s junk is another man’s treasure, is a saying the online-only store SEATTLE BUILDING SALVAGE (425.374.2550) evidently embraces with its wide selection of vintage pre-1940’s hardware, fixtures and lighting, as well as services such as restoration and vintage replication. Kate Calamusa

GARDENING
More than a year since its debut in blossoming South Lake Union, CLOVER HOUSE (2200 Westlake Retail Courtyard, 900 Lenora St., Suite 140, Seattle; 206.625.0150) has bloomed, with a dense collection of plants, colorful pots, such as Grobal self-watering pots ($12.95-$19.95).
 

Locally crafted, sustainable wares set Capitol Hill’s THE COPPER VINE (1315 E Pine St., Seattle; 206.323.0770) apart from the recent surge of shops catering to urban gardeners. Here, you can find hand-made pottery from Snohomish-based Bruning, herbs and flowers from Bellingham-based Cascade Cuts and one-of-a-kind gifts such as beach glass and obsidian wind chimes.
 

Find hard-to-get ornamentals from local growers, along with organic vegetable seeds and starts from Stanwood’s Rents Due Ranch, at GRASSROOTS HOME AND GARDEN (913 SW 152nd St., Burien; 206.242.5552). Tap into the shop’s well of expertise through services such as customized pots, garden planning and garden care and maintenance.
 

Venerable statuary importer and producer LUCCA STATUARY (3623 Leary Way NW, Seattle; 206.789.8444) just marked 10 years offering charming Italian and English fountains, cherubs and more to adorn Northwest homes. Don’t miss the annual summer sale, when the store’s concrete and stone pieces become even harder to resist.
 

An 8.5-acre stone yard at MARENAKOS (30250 SE High Point Way, Issaquah; 425.392.3313) makes it a great stop for sculptors and homeowners alike. Need help? Get recommendations from experts, such as stone masons, along with tips on choosing your perfect stone.
 

Plants, gardening accessories and seminars abound at gardeners’ mecca MOLBAK’S (13625 NE 175th St., Woodinville; 425.483.5000), where you can find aw pottery (awpottery.com). North of the retail shop lies Molbak’s plant farm, more than 40 acres of land containing impressive greenhouses and open fields stocked with wholesale annuals and perennials.
 

You’ll never look at container plants the same way after entering THE PALM ROOM (5336 Ballard Ave. NW; Seattle; 206.782.7256), where you’ll find artfully arranged palms, succulents, cacti and much more. Garden designers here specialize in custom container and small-garden arrangements.
 

PETER NORRIS HOME AND GARDEN (3810 Airport Way S, Seattle; 206.287.1500) covers both your indoor and outdoor spaces with its selection of elegant iron, black clay and glazed pottery, cast-iron fountains and teak furniture, arrayed over 30,000 square feet.
 

From handmade Vietnamese pottery to water features, POTTERY TIME (720 Lind Ave. SW, Renton; 206.224.9815), recently relocated from SODO, is packed with gorgeous glazed, rustic and antique statement pieces. The shop also offers pottery and design consultation.
 

Grand greens and faux ferns deck PRICE ASHER’S (3300 First Ave. S., No. 400; Seattle; 206.254.9226) SODO space, where customers can consult designers both in-store and by appointment for indoor and outdoor design decisions, including how to deck that Christmas tree out right.
 

RAGEN AND ASSOCIATES (517 E Pike St., Seattle; 206.329.4737) can create and maintain your landscapes or containers, and carries exotic Vietnamese, Chinese and Italian pottery.
 

At SECRET GARDEN STATUARY (10655 Tukwila International Blvd., Seattle; 206.764.7150) Lucioni Arts’ artisans custom-design interior details, such as concrete countertops and fireplaces, and outside statements, including ponds and elaborate paving stone designs.
 

SWANSONS NURSERY (9701 15th Ave. NW, Seattle; 206.782.2543) boasts five acres of carefully cared-for plants, a Koi pond-adorned cafe and free weekend seminars to please serious gardeners and dabblers alike.
 

Urban dwellers with an urge to cultivate edibles can head over to Fremont’s URBANWEEDS (4302 Fremont Ave. N, Seattle; 206.632.7680), which recently has added container-growable herbs and vegetables to its chic decorative plant offerings and modern, green indoor/outdoor accents. Niki Stojnic