Design Magazines at Kinokuniya

041409 kinokuniya 1.jpg The loss of so many great shelter magazines in the last year has got us seriously hurtin' for our monthly glossy fix. Elle Decor helps, but those pricey interiors can only hold our attention for so long. We need something more attainable, more down to earth... in a word, more Domino. While wandering around Japan Town this weekend for the Cherry Blossom Festival, we were reminded of one of our favorite sources for design reads in the city: Kinokuniya.

Sure, the magazines aren't in English, but that's not really what it's about for us. We just want to look at the pretty pictures and get some inspiration for small spaces (an area in which the Japanese are arguably experts). 041409 kinokuniya 2.jpg If you're more interested in actually being able to read about what you're looking at (oh, details, details) there's also a great selection of design books written in English a row or two over from the magazines. The Cherry Blossom Festival will still be going on this weekend, so maybe make a day of it and check out Kinokuniya's selection while you're there.

Comments (4)

I'm so excited! I used to live in SF and will be visiting there again mid-May. This shop is at the top of my list to visit to get design inspiration! I so did not appreciate the store when I lived there. Will make up for it during this visit!!

Thanks for the photos!!!

posted by sunny on April 14th 2009 at 9:35pm
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I remember there being a sign at the door that said "No Photography Allowed". Not quite sure why. The whole store is a work of art and I've always wanted to take pictures of it. Thanks for reminding me to get back in there!

posted by oakland on April 14th 2009 at 9:37pm
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There is also a New York location on 6th Ave. across from Bryant Park. Great strore.

posted by yakitori on April 15th 2009 at 9:22am
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I was always pleasantly surprised by their design book selection. Great place for browsing. My other favorite is the SFMOMA store.

posted by etslee on April 15th 2009 at 11:48am
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