Friday, August 19, 2011

FAQs for Trove Store Closing

Please be patient as we address everyone's questions. We apologize for not being able to answer the phone at all times but believe customers in the store require our undivided attention. Please call back.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why are you going out of business?
Diane has been in retail for six years and when her lease came up for renewal recently she decided it was time to pursue other opportunities.

What is next for you?
Diane will begin painting again. Christopher will design new and exciting spaces. Four of the current team members possess Masters degrees and others are completing their degrees. Everyone looks forward to new and exciting opportunities.

When is your last day?
We will close when the merchandise has been sold.


Will you have more new merchandise?
We are in the process of emptying our warehouse and are bringing in new items all the time. Check back with us frequently for new things.


How can I find out what is left?
Our Facebook photo album will be updated daily and show the most current selection.


What discounts do you have?
Most items are discounted 60-75% off our already low prices. We unfortunately cannot offer any additional discounts above these great deals.


Can I purchase my items over the phone? 
Yes, we do accept credit card (MasterCard, Visa, and AMEX) purchases over the phone.


Are your display tables and shelving for sale? 
Yes, but some items may not be available for pick up immediately.

Do you deliver?
No, however, we recommend Chris at ASAP Delivery. You can contact him at 510.847.7332 and he will give you a quote. If you elect to pick up items yourself, please bring packing and assistance. We cannot guarantee that our staff will be available to help you wrap and load.


What are your store hours?
We are open every day from 10AM to 6PM. We have two store fronts in Gilman Plaza located at 10th and Gilman. Our Annex (three doors down on the right) contains furniture and the main store has some furniture as well as home decor, linens and housewares.


Is everyone in Gilman Plaza going out of business?
Ethnic Arts, Eastern Classics, AMFA Gallery, and T-Rex will remain in business. We anticipate other new businesses to arrive shortly.

Thanks everyone!




























Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Do-Over





Ever wish you could push "reset" and start over? Have you had the experience of blurting out a comment without considering the damage or consequences? Or perhaps you ended a failed relationship and wanted a clean, fresh start.

It's easy on the computer! Just press Control-Alt-Delete simultaneously and everything shuts down and re-boots in minutes. Too bad life does not organize so easily. We make commitments and break them. What satisfied us one day does not the next.We break things we can't easily replace.

Truthfully, that is the charm of moving from one of life's challenges to another. A full life equals many different experiences and adventures. Often things don't go the way we expect and we must be flexible and alter course. The chance for a do-over, while sometimes painful, can be exciting! Push out the old dusty relics, clutter, and thinking...... bring in the shiny new things.



Visit Trove today to begin your do-over... Our sales personnel will be happy to assist you in creating your new environment. Talk therapy available gratis.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Light up the Night Sky !

Fireworks will soon light up the night sky as we celebrate the 4th of July. At home, how have you chosen to light your spaces? The perfect lamp can go from practical to decorative, a combination of function and art that adds the finishing touch to a room.



Some hints for the Living Room:
  • Most living spaces can handle a lamp height of 26-34" tall.
  • To avoid accidental tipping, make sure the base is substantially weighted even in slender styles. 
  • A fabric or paper shade can minimize glare plus provide a warm glow.
  • For reading, select a bulb with minimum of 60 watts.
  • The living room is a great showroom for a favorite object re-purposed into a lamp. 

Hints for the Bedroom:
  • This is the best place for delicate and pretty lamps.
  • Consider the size of your bed when selecting a bedside table lamp.
  • Remember to save room for essentials like an alarm clock, books, and glasses. 
  • Try a lamp with a switch on the cord for ease in turning off when you get drowsy.




Celebrate with us at Trove and light up your life. Happy 4th!

Selection of lamps available at Trove


Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Remember Dad on His Special Day!

Have a favorite memory of your Dad?

When I think of Dad, I remember long evening walks in our  neighborhood. It was our time together without any of my siblings. My brother remembers hours spent building things with Dad. A friend recalls riding motorcycles with his father. Another friend thinks of positioning a lamp precisely over the car engine so his father could make the necessary repairs.


Maybe your budget does not include a vintage car, but original automobile photography by Steven Crainford would look great in any man's private space....
www.stevencrainford.com

Photography by Steven Crainford now available at Trove. 

Dad enjoys touches of home at the office...


Shown here: Hand lathed Burlwood by Neal Devore
     Fleur de Lys glass decanter
       Notepad by Hal Brandes

Encourage Dad to take a break and enjoy the outdoors....


Tinkerton Adirondack Chairs 
Remember Dad. Father's Day is June 19th!

Monday, June 6, 2011

Polished Aluminum Serving Pieces

I just love shiny stuff!! Trove now has VIVAZ polished aluminum pieces designed for serving. They are handmade in Mexico from recycled metal using a traditional method of sand casting.
 
VIVAZ products are California Prop. 65 compliant, meaning they contain no traces of cadmium or lead.

With a few simple precautions your items will retain their beautiful luster indefinitely.
1. Hand wash in warm soapy water.
2. Coat lightly with cooking oil when serving salty or acidic foods.
3. Avoid prolonged storage of food.
4. Do not cut on aluminum or the surface will scratch.

The best feature of all: pieces may be chilled prior to use or heated to 300F before serving.

Visit Trove soon to see these new beautiful aluminum serving pieces before they are all gone!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Get Ready for Outdoor Living!

www.gardenside.com

The Lister Lutyens Company has existed for over 100 years producing quality garden furniture in durable teak using traditional joints. Both classic and contemporary styles are available. The traditional selection contains timeless designs while the modern selection combines teak with fabrics and stainless steel.  Only the finest grade A teak from renewable, sustainable sources is chosen for its qualities of warmth, durability, and stability. Its unique texture and leathery smell are due to the high oil content of the wood and it is these natural characteristics that prevent warping and rot.



Untreated and exposed to fluctuations in weather, teak will assume an attractive silver gray color. An occasional washing with warm soapy water with discourage the growth of moss. To maintain the original finish, a teak dressing is recommended.

Join us for a Memorial Weekend celebration and to view the great collection of teak outdoor furniture in both traditional and contemporary designs.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Meet Kristin Jakob, Botanical Artist

http://www.kristinjakob.com/I had the pleasure of meeting Kristin Jakob one day at Trove. She was excited to show us her collection of botanical drawings and very happy to answer a few of my questions.

What led you to botanical art?
I had been drawing since I was old enough to grip a tool, but up until the age of 12, my favorite subjects were animals. At the age of 12, a close neighbor introduced me to the great wide world of plants, and my family joined the then young California Native Plant Society.

Why do you include the scientific names on your drawings?
Since my interest in plants is scientific as well as artistic, the scientific names are important as the only constant- the same plant can have numerous common names, even in one language, and several different plants can have the same name.

Where do you look for inspiration?
I look for inspiration in the natural world, as well as amongst garden plants and horticultural selections, though wild species were, and remain, my favorite subjects, an I hold California native plants particularly dear.

Here is a sample of her work. Come to Trove to view her collection in various sizes including greeting cards!


Monday, May 9, 2011

Easy Peezy Contest Results

Thanks to all who entered our in-store contest a few weekends ago. We have a winner: Marie Kong! She received a $25 gift certificate for participating. Please join us in congratulating her.

We had some interesting answers to our question: What are the three household items you can't live without? Among them were cuisine art, earring racks, and a handmade table. Popular responses included: a comfortable bed, scented candles, a coffee maker, a sharp chef's knife, a non-stick pan, and pretty lamps.


What are the items you can't live without? Come to Trove and choose new favorites.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Mother's Day is May 8th

Do you know what your Mom wants for her special day? Mine always says she doesn't want anything, but loves small nicely wrapped packages anyways. I have lots of ideas for that package this year and green is her favorite color!! What are you buying for your Mom?


Monday, May 2, 2011

Celebrate Mom!

Time to celebrate your Mom! Give her something colorful and wish her a happy day.
Mother's Day is next Sunday, May 8th.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Remember Mom on Mother's Day

I am so excited.... a fabulous collection of spa-like supplies arrived at Trove just in time to let me create a relaxing experience for Mom. The scents of the soaps and candles are amazing and so perfect for Spring.


Mother's Day is approaching fast... on May 8th.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Gift Ideas for Mom

Ewww! I just love surprises! Even better is to create a surprise for someone else... like my Mom. I can't wait to select something special for her from Trove. Everything is so beautiful and not so expensive. This will be lots of fun... but don't tell her. Okay?



Remember Mother's Day is May 8th.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Grasshoppers and Orchids in Exquisite Stone Art

Stopping dead in my tracks, I thought I saw a tiny green grasshopper sitting on one of the soapstone boxes in Trove. Waiting for it to hop to its neighboring box, I realized it was an amazing carved replica of a real insect. It sat regally on a blade of grass and even wore life-like antennae!

I was told that these soapstone items are crafted by Le Van Anh whose family has been carving stone for generations. He is inspired by his natural surroundings and recreates the leaves, flowers, insects, and frogs from his own garden in Vietnam.

Vietnamese carved stone art has existed for more than 3000 years where intricate techniques of carving, sanding and painting are passed from master to apprentice. Soapstone, occurring naturally in Asia provides an exquisite canvas for the creation of decorative boxes. All the carving is done free-hand resulting in three-dimensional pieces with timeless organic flow. 

Join me at Trove to catch the grasshoppers and frogs and admire the pink and purple orchids. Grasshopper tea boxes, originally priced at $98 are available for $52.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Accessories Have Arrived!






Ever been to a high end spa where you loved the accessories used to hold towels and tissues? Ordinarily sold through fine retailers or found in upscale hotels, Via Motif creates stylish collections for bedside, bath, table, and desk. A blend of rich materials, artisan techniques,  and cutting edge technology combine to make casual yet luxurious items. Come to Trove and see the new arrivals!

Monday, April 4, 2011

Transforming a Burl...

A giant box of hand turned bowls, vases, and spheres crafted by Neal DeVore arrived at Trove on Friday.


DeVore began turning wood on a lathe as a hobby in 1990. Since 1996 he has produced professional works which are featured in several galleries including the DeYoung Museum.

Most of the wood he uses for his projects are from reclaimed stumps or dead timber. The unique characteristics of the wood prized for its configuration and grain dictate the appearance of the finished piece. Much of DeVore's work is from redwood, but he also works in maple, sycamore, ash, and other woods.

Have you ever seen "reinvented" burl? Come and see this collection of exceptional pieces at Trove and tell us which one is your favorite.

Monday, March 28, 2011

"Crystal-eria" for your Table

I was immediately struck by the bright colors. My eye caught the light streaming through the ceiling display of red, green, amber, and plum glass. What gorgeous vivid colors!

I learned that Vivaz products are handmade in Mexico by experienced artisans using centuries old glass blowing techniques. Crafted by hand from lead free recycled glass, the result is charming individual pieces that are not exactly alike in size or shape. Color is added during the cooling process as the item is shaped. A final bonus: each unique piece is completely dishwasher safe. 

Can I tell you something? My personal favorite are the red wine decanters, exquisitely shaped like wide water pitchers and able to safely stand upright or at a slight angle (for those of us who believe wine is better when allowed to breathe). These decanters were originally priced at $58 and are currently selling for $29. Come in and see the collection of bolita glass collection at Trove.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Confessions of a Trovie

Can I confess to you that I love the little store on Tenth and Gilman called Trove? It is truly a treasure trove filled with beautiful items anyone would adore for their home.

Did I mention that I love the store? I could seriously live there!

It smells great when you walk in the door... they tell me it is the candles. The scent reminds me of wonderful cold days spent baking delicious sweet cakes. No calories with these aromas though. They also have a great collection of luxury linens in gorgeous fabrics and styles and lots of pillows to match. There is even a screaming deal on this bed-in-a-bag. Only $39... can you believe it? Diving deeper into the store, there are brightly colored table linens, dishes in funky designs with gnomes, and glasses adorned with goldfish or dragonflies. My all time favorite are the hand blown Mexican glasses in the turquoise blue of the Caribbean Sea. The last showroom holds the selection of furniture and it is not just everyday boring, traditional stuff. There are lots of special pieces that would work in any contemporary environment.

I saved the best part for last... everything is discounted all the time... from 40-70%. How could you possibly go wrong? I will soon be taking up residence on the Brownstone Fontaine leather bed with the Shamiana chocolate brown and copper spread in the back. See you there!