One of my favorite shops to visit while in L.A. is Bountiful in Venice. If you love romantic, shabby decor, then Sue Balmforth's gorgeous store will literally make you weak in the knees.
Many years ago, when I originally discovered Bountiful, it was at the height of Shabby Chic's popularity and the shop was filled to the rafters with beautiful shabby antiques. The prices were always on the steep side, but Sue had an incredible eye for finding just the prettiest things. Today, the shop has shifted it's focus a bit - more gift items like soaps and fragrances, but there are still many lovely antiques displayed throughout the shop.
This glass cabinet, lined with wallpaper and stacked with floral dishes, is just fabulous!
I will soooo be trying to replicate this look in my own home!
These tole trays were so pretty.
These pastel ones are getting harder and harder to find.
This old, chippy phone was so cool and such a great pale blue color!
Can you believe this collection of pedestal cake plates???
Unbelievable!
And this set of French chairs was TDF!
Bountiful has some of the most incredible chandeliers, too.
This one was HUGE!
There was a time (not so long ago) when vintage barkcloth pillows like these were selling for upwards of $200 and $300! These were part of the sidewalk sale...
The shop has glass apothecary jars filled with shells on every surface.
Very nice for that shabby, beachy look...and very appropriate for the shops' Venice location.
A wonderful wall display of jewelry and candles.
Look at these pretty soaps...
I love the packaging!
And some more pastel candles in the prettiest shades.
I apologize for posting so many photos, but Bountiful is truly "bountiful" and I wanted to share every little bit of it with you.
:-)
Bountiful
Venice, CA 90291-3739
(310) 450-3620
I used to love looking at their website and swooning over how they decorated celebrities homes! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: jennifer | August 28, 2009 at 08:36 AM
So beautiful. Thanks for sharing the pictures.
Posted by: Jocelyn | August 28, 2009 at 08:47 AM
Ever since I read about Bountiful in Country Home (or was in Country Living), I have wanted to go there. Last year we visited my cousin who lives in Venice, but I never got the change to check out the shop. Bummer! With the economy the way it is, I'm hoping Bountiful can survive. Did you buy anything there? Please show us if you did.
Hugs,
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa Johnson | August 28, 2009 at 08:49 AM
Amazing! The big chandelier and the pedestal cake stands, 2 of my very favorite things. Thank you for sharing, you can never post too many pictures especially when they look like these!
Best wishes,
Tammy
Posted by: Tammy | August 28, 2009 at 08:51 AM
oh yes it is amazing! You and I have stood on the same floor in the same spots taking photos of some of the same things, lol!!! I loved Bountiful, it was truly amazing, though, WAY out of my budget! Still, very inspiring to be there enjoying it!!
Posted by: Natasha Burns | August 28, 2009 at 08:51 AM
Thanks so much for the fabulous tour of Bountiful. Living all the way on the other side of the country, I crave as many pics of these beautiful Cali shops as I can get! It was almost like being there.
xo
jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | August 28, 2009 at 08:58 AM
What a gorgeous shop, I've heard of it before in magazines. How was your trip? Did you get to buy anything at Bountiful??
Posted by: DreamGirlLisa | August 28, 2009 at 09:09 AM
Absolutely loved it all! Especially the cabinet. Thanks for sharing such lovely photos.
~Shari
Posted by: shari replogle / playswithpaper | August 28, 2009 at 09:54 AM
This was just an incredibly breathtaking post!!!! I've never been, but have seen it in magazines, and just love everything she does. Thank you for allowing us to see it up close and personal!
Hugs,
Sandra
Posted by: sandra blanks | August 28, 2009 at 10:09 AM
Thanks for sharing the tour and lovely photos! I have never been there which is probably good, not sure I could ever make myself come back out :)
Laura
Posted by: Laura | August 28, 2009 at 10:31 AM
Thank you so much for sharing that was a lovely post.
Posted by: linda | August 28, 2009 at 12:42 PM
To die for, simply to die for. I am speechless!!! You are so lucky!
Posted by: Bunny Rose Cottage | August 28, 2009 at 01:51 PM
Never enough photos...I could of looked at many many more...this shop is amazing..I adore the packaging of the pretty soaps...you have a gift for taking such lovely photos...I feel like I am right there...great great post!
Posted by: koralee | August 28, 2009 at 02:02 PM
Amazing store, on my visit to LA last year I was able to visit the store and left with bags filled with pretty soaps and matchboxes! Just about all I could afford and bring back to the UK!
Victoria xx
Posted by: Victoria | August 28, 2009 at 05:39 PM
Oh my gosh, thanks so much for sharing photos of one of my favourite shops ever! I've only been there once, but I was just in awe. So much fabulous gorgeousness in one place. Sigh...
Posted by: Zita - Mlle Magpie | August 29, 2009 at 05:37 PM
post away!
did you need to sit down for a moment? i feel faint just looking at all of this!
xo
Posted by: elyse | August 29, 2009 at 05:56 PM
Sue's shop is so beautiful. I loved going to the website and dreaming over evrything. Thank you for sharing all your lovely photos.
Posted by: June | August 29, 2009 at 11:27 PM
I really want to go there! I'm in Northern California and it's about 5.5 hours drive down there. My 16 year old daughter went to Venice with a friend and her family. I told her to go in there and take pictures for me but she didn't listen! I'm glad you took pictures! That is my type of shop!
Posted by: Cindy~My Romantic Home | September 01, 2009 at 05:39 PM
I am in love with Sue Balmforth's style. My entire house is planned with her taste in mind. Thank you for sharing the photos!
Posted by: Meridith | December 17, 2009 at 10:57 AM
WOW! What an amazing shop! I hope my little business can look like this one day!
Great blog by the way xxx
Posted by: Sadie Boon | March 10, 2010 at 04:29 PM