Aesthetic: Your nose is greeted by the scent of French lavender pouches and burning rosemary and fennel candles by Paddywax, one of the store’s best-selling brands. The narrow shop, softly lit by the display window and a few lamps, is both cozy and neat. Owner Jeeun Friel hopes to make guests feel at home. “Instead of ‘hi,’ we say ‘welcome,’” she explains.
Product spread: Necklaces and bracelets by local vendors such as Ruth Barzel drape vintage furniture pieces, which Friel refurbishes herself and coats with homemade chalk paint for a modern touch. Nearly everything in the shop is for sale, including wall art by Arlington-based Martine Graff and Nancy Carter.
Extra services: In addition to curating housewares, Friel finds joy in helping others. The shop boasts Bows for Bridget, with proceeds going to the Autism Foundation, and Chavez for Charity, a colorful bracelet line which donates to a different cause for each hue. Friel also hosted a benefit auction for the Key School in spring of 2013 and hopes to have more events like these in the future.
Clientele: The shop mainly sees women in their 30s and 40s looking to revamp their decor, as well as holiday shoppers looking for gifts for their wives, mothers and friends. Friel aims to make her furniture pieces affordable for young couples who may be moving into their first home. “I only pick things I would want for myself,” she says.
Wallet wonders: One-of-a-kind furniture pieces range from $189 for ottomans and end tables to $1,459 for large china cabinets. Jewelry ranges from $13 to $165, with most pieces between $19 and $49. Prices for vintage housewares vary. Some of the best steals include Pré de Provence quadruple-milled soaps for $7 and Paddywax Mixology candles for $25, $6 cheaper than retail price for some styles.
La Maison Home & Gifts
3510 Lee Highway
Arlington, VA 22207
703-243-3590
(September 2015)
