Contemporary
The best of right now
Limn
“I go to Limn to get an overview of what’s happening in furniture and design. The expansive showrooms go on and on. There’s a strong connection between modern furniture and art, so I love the on-site art gallery, which has regular shows of works that complement the furniture. Events there always draw a big crowd of local designers and design appreciators.”
PAUL DONALD
290 Townsend St., S.F., 415-543-5466, www.limn.com
Indie modern
Propeller
“Propeller is a smallish store with a well-curated collection from local and independent designers. It’s nice to be able to take in everything at once and gravitate toward what catches your eye. It’s like the home-design equivalent of a show at Great American Music Hall versus the Fillmore—just as enjoyable, but more intimate and surprising. There’s always something you haven’t seen everywhere else.” PAUL DONALD
555 Hayes St., S.F., 415-701-7767, www.propellermodern.com
Heirlooms in the making
Berkeley Mills
“Not only does this cabinetmaker create gorgeous, handcrafted, Asian- and Craftsman-inspired furniture of the highest quality, but it’s also been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council for its use of sustainable, responsibly harvested wood.” ZEM JOAQUIN
2830 Seventh St., Berkeley, 510-549-2854, www.berkeleymills.com
Just in from Milan
Hiiko Modern Furniture
“This North Bay gem has a wonderful collection of modern furniture, mostly Italian imports. I especially love the sleek, contemporary bookcases and great modern desks.” JEAN LARETTE 711 e. Francisco Blvd., San Rafael, 415-453-1600, www.hiiko.com
True works of art
Dovetail Collection
“This shop has samples of furniture by some of the best craftsmen and artists from around the U.S. All of it is handmade and absolutely gorgeous. You can commission pieces like the ones on display or work with the very helpful staff to design your own unique variations.” SUE JOHNSON 407 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-431-0111, www.dovetailcollection.com
And don’t forget:
The Gardener
This Bay Area design icon is best known for artisan-made outdoor furniture and enormous terracotta pots. But the Berkeley flagship store also carries some of the most stunning dining tables around—stone slabs mounted on hand-forged metal; Moroccan tables paved with chartreuse tiles; sturdy, contemporary teak. Also check out Ted Boerner’s diminutive club chair, perfect for normal-size people who live in tight spaces.
1836 Fourth St., Berkeley, 510-548-4545, www.thegardener.com
Ruby Living Design
Well-made, midrange furniture and accessories are the big draws at this SoMa emporium, including sofas by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Emma Gardner’s eye-catching rugs, and bedroom pieces from Italy’s Baronet.
180 townsend st., s.f., 415-541-9206, www.rubyliving.com
Vintage and antiques
The grand tour
Drum & Co.
“A delightful source for decorative English and
Continental antique pieces.There’s always a jewel of an accessory to find in Johnny Drum’s shop, and I’m particularly fond of him.” [The selection of painted four-panel screens and chinoiserie tables is especially fine.] SUZANNE TUCKER
151 Vermont St., ste. 8, S.F., 415-551-1538, www.drumandco.com
Elegance to spare
March
“This shop has a wonderful mix of furniture housed in a minimal yet welcoming showroom. Clean, simple, organic design is what owner Sam Hamilton seeks. Natural materials and fibers predominate—rustic wood, stoneware—along with compelling leather and metal pieces by Jacques Adnet and other works by great 20th-century designers. Melissa Emergui, the engaging store manager, is always on hand to help you find your next treasure.” ED HARDY
3075 Sacramento St., S.F., 415-931-7433
Deal of the century
Trout Farm
“Funky but fabulous furniture at really reasonable prices. Owner Greg Favors is laid-back but knows his stuff and can help with virtually anything. He made many of my custom couches—most people couldn’t work with natural rubber fill—and he reupholstered my flea market finds in environmentally sensitive fabrics that I supplied.” ZEM JOAQUIN
2179 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, 510-843-3565, www.troutfarm.biz
Renaissance man
C. Mariani Antiques & Restoration
“Claudio Mariani specializes in Italian antiques, including a lot of wonderful painted pieces. He also does repairs and reproductions.” SUZANNA ALLEN gallery and workshop: 1301 Harrison St., S.F., 415-541-7868; boutique: 499 Jackson St., S.F.; www.cmarianiantiques.com
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