7.12.2019 | DIGS.NET 45
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"We wanted to have an extension of the shop/showroom
space where we could show our collections in the context
of a home," says John Davidson, co-owner of GARDE
with Scotti Sitz. "Of course, the bonus is that guests can
purchase everything in the apartment for their own home,
as well." Shop the space and it's likely to be a spree, because
GARDE has all the goods, from furnishings and accents
to textiles and gifts.
Both retail and residential spaces are housed in a 1921
barn-style building that is a bit of a showpiece, and key to the
overall sensibility of the project. e apartment alone offers
a one-bedroom with a living room, dining area, kitchen,
bathroom, and outside deck. Look past the contemporary
lines and find herringbone white oak flooring meant to evoke
an early 20th century European aesthetic, blending eras and
styles, not to mention realms. "We are certainly not the first
to combine residential and retail," says Davidson, "but we
believe that our mix of furniture, lighting and accessories
is an outstanding presentation of the GARDE brand,"
which draws inspiration for its apartment and stores from
a wellspring of sources. Of these references, Davidson cites
Belgian architects such as Vincent Van Duysen and Nicolas
Schuybroek as top of mind. "I am also constantly inspired by
Joseph Dirand and Ilse Crawford, who are masters at giving older
spaces a modern feel while remaining true to the architectural
integrity of the original space," he says. "Everything I select for
GARDE is something that I would want in my own home." Which
is what makes the apartment cherry-picked perfection.
e location of Summerland was selected similarly. "We used to
visit Summerland and were regular customers at the antique store
that was housed in our building for 47 years," says Davidson. ough
not looking to expand their brand, when the opportunity presented
itself, he and Sitz decided, in the parlance of the design maverick,
to "go for it." e serendipity likely stops here, though, with the
Summerland concept the last of the duo's planned expansions.
"Two shops is enough for us" says Davidson, who is focused on
refining the brand and bringing new designs to the United States.
But customers? Well, we can't get enough. gardeshop.com
A distillation of the L.A.-born brand,
the quintessentially Cali-styled GARDE House
exhibits effortlessly elevated design.
