Secret Sources: Anh-Minh Le, Editor in Chief of Anthology Magazine
Author:Lindsey ShookOpen up the pages of Anthology magazine, and your visual senses will be delighted. Editor in chief Anh-Minh Le launched the bespoke quarterly in fall of 2010 with fellow Bay Area creative Meg Mateo Ilasco. The magazine, now about to release its 14th issue, has profiled gorgeous homes from around the world, as well as the talents of top movers and shakers that keep revitalizing the DIY art scene. In the current issue, stories curated around the theme of “Welcome Changes” will include an interview with Oakland-based artist Lisa Congdon, interior designer and stylist Lauren Nelson, and wallpaper guru Colette Clark. Also a regular columnist for the Home & Garden section of The San Francisco Chronicle, Anh-Minh has a passion for bringing the best, most innovative and cutting-edge designs to her readers’ attention. Here, she shares her go-to spots that keep her creativity at an all-time high!
Coup d’Etat
This is my dream source. It’s one of those places where you walk in and you just want everything. Everything! Coup d’Etat is a design showroom, but it isn’t trade only; it’s open to the public and anyone can buy there. And the staff is so nice. The owner, Darin Geise, has participated in several SF Decorator Showcases, and his rooms have been some of my favorites at the annual event. 111 Rhode Island Street, SF. See opening photo.
Emily Joubert. Photo by Anh-Minh Le.
Emily Joubert
This hybrid nursery, florist, and boutique is one of my favorite spots on the Peninsula. Since it’s located in Woodside, it’s no surprise that Emily Joubert has that rustic yet refined vibe nailed down. I love that the shop stocks Fermob, Dash & Albert, Juliska, Astier Villette, and John Derian. 3036 Woodside Road, Woodside.
Fjorn. Photo by Anh-Minh Le.
Fjørn
I learned about this teeny-tiny shop in Carmel after Anthology Market Editor Rena Tom included it in the Shopkeepers’ Picks spread for our current issue. Fjørn is just off of Ocean Avenue inside the Pine Inn. It’s jam-packed with Scandinavian furniture, textiles, tableware, kitchenware, toys, and even snacks. Ocean Avenue between Lincoln and Monte Verde Streets, Pine Inn, Carmel.
Bespoke Home
Monogramming may seem on-trend right now, but I think it’s one of those things that never goes out of style. In addition to offering beautiful linens and other merchandise that can be customized, Bespoke carries Maya Brenner jewelry, Eau D’Italie products, and Aerin tableware and candles. It’s a great go-to for gifts. 855 El Camino Real, #135, Palo Alto.
I love shops that feel a bit like modern-day general stores—with all kinds of things you might want or need. I’ve bought housewares at Aggregate Supply, as well as apparel (I love the Turk + Taylor line) and even a hairbrush. 806 Valencia Street, San Francisco.
The Aesthetic Union. Photo by Daniel Dent.
As if Heath’s ceramics and Blue Bottle’s coffee weren’t enough reason to hit up the former’s San Francisco outpost, The Aesthetic Union is now open in the same building. It’s a studio, shop, and gallery all in one—brought to you by a pair of printmakers: James Tucker and Risa Culbertson. You can buy stationery, lovely papers, and cool office supplies, as well as work with Tucker to create something custom. 555 Alabama Street, SF.
Martin Showroom. Photo via Martin Showroom.
Martin Showroom
I think interior designer Erin Martin is a genius. Whenever I’m in the Napa Valley, I make it a point to pop into her retail showroom in St. Helena. Sure, there are some furniture pieces and artwork that probably require a bit of time to save up for. But you can also find pretty reasonably priced jewelry and small home goods. She also carries a great selection of art, design, and lifestyle books. 1350 Main Street, St. Helena.
Tap Plastics
With about a dozen locations in the Bay Area, this place isn’t really a secret, but I’m not sure a lot of people realize just how fantastic a design resource it can be. They can cut acrylic sheets to size for various projects—I’ve taken advantage of this to create custom art and photo displays in my home—and their fabrication shop can handle way more complex tasks, too. Multiple locations.
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