Tuvulu, Laguna Beach

On a recent trip to Laguna Beach, about ten minutes up the road from my house, or down, depending on how you judge these things, I took a swing into Tuvalu Coastal Beach House.  The coastal and rustic interior design store has been a fixture on Forest Street in downtown Laguna for over five years.  They always have a great mix of eclectic and very cool items,  as well as a wide arrange of great "beachy" treasures. 

The store is owned and managed by a great team of seasoned interior designers, packed with a wealth of knowledge, who are always willing to get "down and dirty" and spend hours with you in the fabric session whether you are choosing a slew of upholstery pieces, or even if you are in the need of a  solitary pillow.  Some stores make you feel almost guilty for wanting to have a pillow upholstered, these ladies delight in the opportunity to share their expertise.  So refreshing!   

I was mesmerized by the great array of unusual lighting fixtures on display from whimsical woven basket lights, that would be at home in any modern beach house, to vintage wine jugs being used as lighting.  Of course I loved the chandelier below, made from weatherbeaten boards, but still retaining a traditional feel.  One for me please!

Tuvulu also carries an interesting array of furniture, from a weatherbeaten French Country Provincial armoire to a modern iron and wood bookshelf.  And, as I recently discovered while accompanying a girlfriend on a furniture buying visit, they collaborate with a local Laguna Beach artist who can remake any piece to your color specifications. 

The store has a great array of design books,  books on Laguna history and other interesting little beach treasures.  Tuvulu is always good for a gander whether you are a local spending a lazy afternoon in Laguna exploring the local stores, or in town for a beach vacation and need a memento of your trip.

Tuvalu is located at 295 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California.  You can check out their website at http://www.tuvaluhome.com/lbp/.

Happy Decorating!