This month, we're visting the Hollyhock Cottage, a 120 year old house that has been turned into a charming boutique. You may be wondering why I've chosen to feature a store this month as a Cottage of the Month. I believe that some of the best decorating ideas out there can be found in quant antique shops and boutiques. Afterall, decorating is all about merchandising, whether you are dressing your home or a store. It's all about showing off your treasures in their best light, in often unexpected ways and uses. There are so many valuable lessons I personally have learned from studying style and presentation in my favorite antique shops. It's all in how you put it together that makes it unique and special.
I still remember the first time I entered the Hollyhock Cottage, or approached the front hedges for that matter. As I walked down Linden Avenue and spotted this gem, it just beamed with something special that was waiting to be discovered. As I entered the front door, I was greeted with a pair of warm smiles from owners Jeannine and Malcolm Lebinthal, a lovely couple who turned this very old house into a warm home and gathering place for all things wonderful.
Doing retail for over 30 years, it was a long time dream for Jeannine to have a store in an old house, where each room could carry its own theme, and in 1993 her dream came true. She picked the Hollyhock Cottage for it's location...right on the main street, just walking distance from the beach. The store's name came from her fondness for hollyhocks that evoke favorite memories as a child.
Creating an inviting atmosphere was the key ingredient for this couple. It feels friendly, comfortable and relaxing, permitting their customers the opportunity to enjoy the time spent in their shop. Jeannine says "Upon leaving the shop most people, whether they purchase anything or not, will comment on the wonders of the house and the pleasure of the experience".
With a trained eye for artistic displays and an extraordinary range of merchandise, the focus is on items for home, garden and bath. You can also find paper products, journals, ribbons, jewelry, pillows and quilts, table cloths and accessories. There is also a special childrens room, as well as a tiny pet room and sweet little bedroom upstairs. Some of their best sellers are beach poster reproductions, decorative pillows, ribbon, Rance soaps, baby blankets and children's clothing.
You can find the Hollyhock Cottage at 789 Linden Avenue, in Carpenteria, CA. 805.684.7307. Tell them that Jennifer at The Old Painted Cottage sent you! -JG
(Photographs and article by Jennifer Grey, owner of The Old Painted Cottage)
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