LOCAL BUSINESS: Lotus Bleu | Great Design: Make it Yours
So much of the very best architecture in San Francisco is a mix of classic and modern. I love homes that have kept their original charm but have lost their outdated floor plans, maybe picking up a bright kitchen and bathroom or two on the way. Lotus Bleu's decor can bridge many architectural styles beautifully, from an updated Victorian to a fresh and open modern loft. This store is full of exactly the kind of design that pulls a room together. The colorful pillows that soften the modern lines on that couch, the unique wallpaper that ties a living room and parlor together, and the bright entry table that makes you smile every time you walk in the door. The cherry on top is the customized design services offered by the stylish and friendly design team, helping you create a look that is truly your own.
Lotus Bleu | 325 Hayes Street. San Francisco, CA 94108 | 415.861.2700
*Design Studio open Monday-Friday 9 am-noon (by appointment) and noon-six*
Some stores suffer from an identity crisis. They dither back and forth and you're never quite sure what they're trying to do. Lotus Bleu, smack in the center of Hayes Valley, does not have this problem. Modern, vibrant, rich and worldly, every nook in this colorful store exudes personality, and offers sophisticated clients the opportunity to truly make their space their own. I'm obsessed with design that is both inspiring and livable, and Lotus Bleu not only walks that line, they make it look easy.
I love home decor stores that offer a well curated selection, but I'm an especially big fan of establishments that let the client get involved, offering options to flex your creative muscles, all with help from a professional. Indeed, Lotus Bleu has, at their core, the concept of helping their customers "have a designers eye." While you can certainly pick from their well chosen selection of home furnishings, the options to create your own look are endless. The designers here are friendly, encouraging and make it all feel accessible, during a process that can be overwhelming.
The design team at Lotus Bleu is made up of five women, who each bring their own style and talents. Owner Jeannie Fraise is the lead designer, and the one to turn to for a full scale, floor to ceiling, interior remodel. She's currently putting the finishing touches on a swoon worthy home in Tahoe.
The design studio also serves as a boutique, showcasing the many options available to their clients. Each day, from 9 am-noon, you can take advantage of the complimentary design services offered by the smart and stylish team. "We always tell people to pick an item that really speaks to them. Find something you truly love, whether that's a lamp or a piece of fabric, and we can build around that." It's not hard to find a piece that speaks to you here, from the luxe bedding to the ceramic lamps or rugs custom designed by owner Jeannie.
One of the best things at Lotus Bleu is the option to customize so many items. Lotus Bleu is an exclusive representative of the Oomph line, a collection of modern and bright furniture and accessories. The line comes in 16 super stylish colors, as well as fabric and raffia choices, but also offers the truly stellar option of customizing your piece to a Benjamin Moore paint color (for an additional charge). As anyone who is looking for the perfect (insert color here) knows, the search for just the right shade can be maddening. Lotus Bleu also offer fabrics by the yard, including designs by Seemakrish that are usually available only to interior designers, expanding the array of unique choices. One of my personal favorite items is the selection of Jill Rosenwald lamps, in bold graphic designs, again offered in an array of colors or customized just for you.
Photography by Jenna Gundelach
