"People are delighted to find my store here," says Kelie Grosso, owner of Maison Luxe [0]. The chic home furnishings shop, on the corner of First Avenue and Seneca Street, beckons to pedestrians and in-the-know shoppers in the "West Edge" neighborhood. The area's retail options are slowly expanding, and they're all good. Grosso drove by the space every day on her way to work as an interior designer until she saw the "for lease" sign in the window. She opened in April of 2006.
Grosso brings a different kind of style to downtown and people have noticed, coming from as far away as Vancouver. "The response has been overwhelming," she says. The mix of furniture, lighting and home accents is well-edited, resulting in pieces that create a simple but sophisticated style. Natural elements such as large pieces of coral, sea shells, mazanita branches and dried-reed bamboo add to the refined aesthetic here.
Some standout finds include Adele Kaars-Sypesteyn's architectural paintings [1], gilded candlesticks, gold leaf seashells and gold feather trays. White porcelain vases are simple but make a statement, and cowhide pillows in a zebra print work in almost any decor. The turquoise leather chaise lounge is a knockout.
Prices for accents vary: Natural coral is $12-$140, custom pillows are $98-$395 and sun and starburst wall decorations are $205-$310. Furniture can be as much as $2,500 for a buttery caramel-colored leather chair.
Grosso offers the following design tips:
- Look for something that's unique and that speaks to you; be true to yourself in what you like.
- Invest in the best quality that you can afford, especially with regard to upholstered furniture. If you want to re-cover the piece in 10 years, you'll have a great frame to work with.
Buy trendy accessories such as lamps, knickknacks and pillows, but buy timeless furniture.
The enthusiastic interior designer is thoroughly invested in her foray into retail. She also offers consultations and design services.
"I feel like I'm in a candy store and nobody knows," she says.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
