Going SoLo
Not having been to San Diego since I was a teenager (and suffice it to say, that was more than just a couple of years ago), I had no idea what to expect design-wise when I made my way there a few weeks back for a shoot.
Knowing I’m always on the prowl for beautiful shop locations for the magazine, a friend suggested I check out the Cedros Avenue Design District in Solana Beach. The shops were wonderful, and varied—quaint garden shops, chic clothing boutiques, coffee shops…you name it.
A personal favorite, and one I wanted to share with you, is SoLo. It’s hard to miss. Its super-sized entrance complete with garage door, and cavernous loft-like interior make you feel as if you’ve wandered into a warehouse—albeit, a stylish and well-designed warehouse. With 4,000 square feet of retail space, it’s pretty much a given that if you can’t find something for your home at SoLo, you might as well just pack it up and stop looking.
Divided into separate niches, each created by a different artisan or merchant, the shop has something for just about everyone. Wandering from alcove to alcove, I couldn’t wait to see what was around the next corner. California casual furnishings housed in one space; Mid-century Modern in the next; antiques and collectibles across the aisle. Finally…a design store for those of us with Design ADHD.
Colorful accoutrements for kids pack the Emerson, Em & Me space. Interior designer Ruby Lang’s niche features antiques and vintage finds. Designer Jennifer Price’s space has an industrial vibe and is choc-a-bloc with vintage furniture and cleverly recycled (or repurposed) pieces. And that’s just to name a few.
Hope you’ll check it out!
For more information, check out solocedros.com.
Categories: Antiques, Design, Home | Tags: Cedros, Design, design stores, furnishings, shopping
5 Comments
5 Responses to “Going SoLo”
March 2, 2010 at 3:36 pm, by Barbara Segal
Absolutely one of my favorites for California casual furnishings,antiques and vintage finds.
March 7, 2010 at 2:40 pm, by Jodie Classen
Given the fact that I have “Design ADHD”…I’m laughing, as I thought I was the only one!
Seems this retail warehouse setting is a designer’s dream, flirting with you at the threshold, drawing you in to glimpse further into their product offerings. Auto pilot takes over as curiosity and awe generate a momentum, forcing footsteps to enjoy a feast for the senses.
Environments like these prod me to tug on my creative chain. When I hit designer’s block, I’ve found that internet visits to places such as this, untie the knots and get my resourceful energies flowing.
I’ve found a new resource vendor AND a stimulating, motivating medium as well. Great place to recharge, percolate on ideas and buy at great price points. You can be assured, I’ll be “internet visiting” soon! Thanks!
April 2, 2010 at 6:11 pm, by Jennifer Price
Thanks so much for a beautifully written article and for the great exposure! Hope to see you back at SoLo soon!
April 9, 2010 at 8:00 pm, by Lori Graham
I came back from my trip away to find this article about California Casual furniture. Thank you very much for the kind comments and fantastic photos. I love that you love what I do. As we are always changing I hope your next visit will be just as good.
Thank you
April 12, 2010 at 5:06 pm, by Linda Koch
I agree, Solo is a stop I always make when driving south. Lori Graham’s California Casual space is a wonderfully delightful and creative place to visit and shop for furniture as well as clever decorative items for every season. The other spaces are a terrific mix of eclectic, fun items, as well. Solo is a “must-see” is the San Diego area. I loved the pictures too.