apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I thought hard on this one and looking around my place it was obvious to me that what defines a lot of the personality of my rooms is my artwork and accessories. When you can't paint, what better way to infuse life into a room? These objects tell the real story of who I am and what I love. Family mementos, photographs and little vignettes of collectibles that represent my heart and soul.

When I can't get to the flea market, one of the many places I go to seek vintage finds is Timeless Treasures on Sutter Street in lower Pacific Heights. It's tucked away off the beaten path of Fillmore Street, but well worth the visit.

My first impression of Timeless Treasures was that I had perhaps stumbled upon some kind of crazy alphabet museum.

Everywhere you look there's a word spelled out in various, eclectic, vintage letters, so there's plenty of inspiration. Owner Joan O'Connor is an outgoing, enthusiastic proprietor who will engage you in cheerful conversation the moment you enter the store. She imports much of the store's collection from Paris flea markets and there seems to be a story behind every piece. Letters have fashionably come and gone, but done right, and I believe, minimally, they still have their place. I think they're unique accessories and make great, personal gifts for good friends, family or maybe even a party favor. My office hosted a holiday dinner and used our initials as funky place settings, which was visually interesting and totally personal. We all got to keep them and I loved it. I brought mine home and have added to the collection from the many "V's" (for Victoria) available at Timeless Treasures. I've pulled all my white letters together and my favorite sparkling 'V' and created this little display. I love this look, and it reminds me that a good rule of thumb is to keep like objects together - that way it looks more pulled together and less cluttered. In one of my first visits, Joan convinced me to buy letters spelling out 'Love my Dog'. I'm not sure how she did it, but then she kindly threw in a large, black metal 'V' for my collection. Nice touch. I added this 'V' to my collection of black pottery, black coral against my black chalkboard and it looks quite dramatic. Joan also collects vintage glassware from all over, of impeccable quality and grand in color scheme. I've found gorgeous old glasses that I love to leave out on display; there's no reason to hide them away! The funky pitcher is from Timeless Treasures; I added some contemporary orange tumblers and it makes a fun, retro display in my open kitchen shelves. There's also antique furniture, carved wooden Madonnas, vintage artwork and knickknacks. If it's eclectic and unusual; it's probably here. I got these vintage Eiffel Towers here and added them to my collection of tin boxes, cable car and Golden Gate Bridge souvenirs. And I hung a sparkling "B" in, big surprise, the bathroom. Everything is very well organized and displayed at Timeless Treasures. You can clearly see its future place in your home, on your shelves, all spelled out...

- victoria