Store

As cars whiz by and horns honk at hooded pedestrians (jaywalking in front of traffic to avoid waiting in the rain), you know you're in the heart of Seattle's bustling Belltown neighborhood. But step inside Alchemy Collections on Second and Virginia, and this home furnishing store's Asian-inspired, spa-like environment will take you worlds away in a matter of moments.

At the store entrance, you're greeted with the near silent trickle of a peaceful koi pond while lotus flowers float by under Buddha's watchful eye. Look off your left shoulder and daydream of sleeping like royalty in the antique four-post canopy bed. Wander past the sushi-adorned dinnerware sets and up the stairs to discover brightly colored paintings of smiling Chinese children by Xu Jie that you simply won't find anywhere else.

It takes only seconds to see that Alchemy Collections, as its name suggests (alchemy, in this case, being the medieval practice of turning base metals into gold), is a place where common elements are transformed into something unique and beautiful.

"Alchemy Collections is a lifestyle store that pushes the limits of the furniture industry with functional everyday pieces that are also designed to be creative, fresh and nothing short of outstanding," says owner Evelyn Lee.

Take for example the antique Chinese wedding carriage from 1895 which Alchemy converted into a tasteful wine cellar, or the practical down-filled sectional sofas that can be customized with fabrics from all over the world.

"It's an East/West fusion where contemporary meets classical," Lee explains.

And this East/West fusion represents much more than just a home-furnishings trend.

"We want you to connect with something unique, and really love it first," smiles Lee. "And we'll continue to surprise you — and all of Seattle — with something you have never seen before."

By Lori Hinton
Special to NWsource