Bastille Café & Bar

This clock (above) once adorned a Paris metro station

Gosh, I love Seattle! Charming neighborhoods brimming with eclectic shops & restaurants.

I was thrilled to hear from the folks at the Bastille Café & Bar. Proprietors, Deming Maclise and James Weimann, recently opened up this "gem" of a café in the historic Ballard District of Seattle. Inspired by their favorite places in Paris, they scoured flea markets & shops from France to the Pacific Northwest to find the marvelous fixtures that now adorn the Bastille Café & Bar.

These fabulous Art Deco sconces were salvaged from a Seattle mansion, circa 1930.

This c. 1903 bar was made by French craftsman who came to Washington in late 1800's. The large capsule pendants are from a church in the south of France, circa early 1900's.

The Back Bar is painted a rich dark chocolate. Above it all are two paintings recreated from the originals by French symbolist painter Pierre Puvis de Chavennes, figures representing both the terror and inspiration of the French Revolution.

A crystal chandelier hangs from an arch, salvaged from a French church

I love the fact that the owners used their combined restaurant experience and savvy to give these salvaged items a new life, while creating a vintage-modern feel. They maintained the integrity of the historic 1914 building in which the Bastille Café resides.

Between the gorgeous decor and the delicious-looking menu selections, I can't wait to make a trip up to Seattle to try this charming neighborhood café!

Bastille Café & Bar
5307 Ballard Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98117

206.453.5014

All photos ©Bob Peterson

Great Finds in Washington: Seattle Shops

Great Stuff Vintage - Photo from Apartment Therapy

Seattle is such a great city for shopping. It reminds me a lot of home (San Francisco) with its unique shops and neighborhoods. Our first stop was to the Georgetown neighborhood to visit Great Stuff Vintage. What a treat!

They were closed, but the owner Kirk Albert happened to be inside and was sweet was enough to open the shop for us. It is incredible! Each one-of-a-kind piece is keenly edited by Kirk's eclectic and unique eye.

Great Stuff Vintage - Photo from Decorno

Brimming with everything from quirky antique signs, industrial lighting and furniture, paintings, film reels and more, Great Stuff is just as its name suggests. And Kirk is a wonderful guy with great stories and was so helpful in sharing some of his fabulous haunts in Seattle. Thanks Kirk!

Great Stuff Vintage - Photo from Decorno
Great Stuff Vintage - Photo from Apartment Therapy

Next stop was the Pacific Galleries Antique Mall in the Sodo neighborhood. This large collective is amazing. With over 200 dealers booths, it took me several hours to see everything.

Lorie Bischoff's amazing antiquities at the Pacific Galleries Antique Mall

I was so excited to finally meet fellow antique dealer, artist and blogger, Lorie Bischoff from Soulful Adornments. Lorie has two exquisite showcases in the mall filled with Georgian & Edwardian jewelry, whimsical taxidermy and the most unique curiosities!

Lorie and I

Lorie creates intriguing found object assemblages and jewelry with items from her personal collection of treasures and antiquities. Lorie, it was so much fun finally meeting you in person!

One of Lorie's Treasures: A Victorian Relic House
More treasures from Lorie at Soulful Adornments

Next stop, downtown Seattle to visit the wonderful shop, Great Jones Home. This shop is a real treasure! Owner Carrie Hayden has the most beautiful jaw-dropping collection of contemporary furniture with antique, vintage and art deco finds.

Great Jones Home
Great Jones Home

Carrie has artfully displayed vignettes of stylish items including furniture, lighting, mirrors, books and accessories. You'll also find custom-made wallpapers, a large selection of silks, linens, suedes, velvets, natural fibers and imported textiles to reupholster your favorite pieces of furniture. Great Jones Home also does personal design consultation. Carrie, LOVE your shop! It was great meeting you!

Carrie & Bridget from Great Jones Home and yours truly
Vito relaxes in one of Great Jones Home's Coral Dog Beds - Isn't it cute?

Last stop, the magical shop, Souvenir, located in the artsy Ballard neighborhood. Entering Souvenir is like browsing through a small European boutique.

Souvenir - Photo from House Martin

Owner Curtis Steiner is a gifted artist. His shop showcases his custom-designed stunning letterpress cards, as well as beautiful vintage and contemporary jewelry and found objects. There are surprises everywhere you turn. There is a huge antique drafting type chest with drawers and drawers filled with treasures which include everything from antique dance cards and souvenirs, to buttons and old advertising. I couldn't wait to open up each drawer to see the next surprise.

Souvenir - Photo from House Martin

This store exudes charm and makes you want to come back for more. The owner Curtis has an amazing eye for detail and his shop is delightful!

Souvenir - Photo from House Martin

Seattle was great!! If you are visiting, be sure and visit the above shops. There are so many more cute shops and boutiques that I didn't mention. You will love them too!

Great Stuff Vintage Furnishings (owner, Kirk Albert)
5519 Airport Way S
Seattle, WA 98108

Pacific Galleries Antique Mall
241 South Lander Street
Seattle, WA 98134

Great Jones Home (owner, Carrie Hayden)
1921 Second Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101

Souvenir (owner, Curtis Steiner)
5325 Ballard Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107

Great Finds in Washington: The Arctic Club Hotel

The Arctic Club's amazing exterior with carved walrus's.

I just returned from a short vacation spending a few days in Seattle in route to Spokane to visit family. I had never been to Washington before and discovered some great places that I wanted to share. From great antiques to historic hotels, there is a lot to see in that state!

The front desk
The hotel is filled with framed photos of the members of the old Arctic Club.

Awhile back I had blogged about the Arctic Club Hotel in downtown Seattle. I couldn’t stop thinking about it and thought it would be a great idea to stay there before heading to Spokane. I was not disappointed. This hotel has so much old world charm!

Two amazing old glass domes with vintage shirt collars flank the front desk. The domes are lit and really stand out with the hotel's dim ambiance.
Wonderful display of antique top hats & derby hats behind the front desk
I just love these valet chairs that Candra Scott uses in some of her hotels. So stylish and masculine. I'd love to have them as dining chairs.

The newly renovated hotel was an exclusive gentlemen's club formed in 1908 and filled with members who had made their wealth in Alaska with Klondike gold. The building ranks #1 spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

Walrus door numbers outside the guest rooms
I just love this vintage-inspired glass "bath" door in the guest room. And, all the rooms have Kiehl's products, which is a treat. Don't worry about having to bring your own shampoo or conditioner!
The lobby has Deco-style sofas and chairs. They have these wonderful old "airlplane covers." A great touch. Of course I asked if the hotel sold them, but unfortunately they don't.

Designer, Candra Scott did an amazing job with this hotel. There are extra-special touches such as room keys with the photos of the club members and antique-style newspapers in each guest room with old advertising. Love it!

Even the room keys have vintage photos of the club members
Decorative "Do Not Disturb" signs
If you want to use the hotel's computers, the lobby has these cool desks. Old books and newspapers around. Love the lamps.

If you're traveling to Seattle you should definitely check out this hotel. It's a small hotel full of charm. It feels as though you've gone back in time.

Little Vito loved it!