Sneak Preview: The Curiosity Shoppe

As much as we enjoy online shopping, it doesn't compare to holding a beautiful porcelain cup in our hands or seeing an art print's fine details in person. Which is why we are so thrilled that Lauren Smith and Derek Fagerstrom are opening a bricks-and-mortar version of The Curiosity Shoppe. Details on tomorrow night's grand opening party, as well as more photos of the new space, are after the jump.

The shoppe sign is by New Bohemia Signs.

The Curiosity Shoppe Grand Opening!
Thursday, October 4th, 6-9 pm
Featuring Hollow Face, Hand Wing, new works in the gallery by
Shawn Creeden on the subject of bats.

Plus: Free event featuring live bats, presented by the California Bat Conservation Fund and sponsored by the Curiosity Guild.
Sunday, October 7th at 2 pm in the Shoppe.

855 Valencia Street
between 19th and 20th
San Francisco, CA
415-839-6404

A glimpse at Shawn Creeden's installation.

It's hard to believe that just two months ago, the space was an abandoned veterinary clinic! Civil Twilight Collective did an amazing job carving out retail, office, storage and gallery spaces in 600 square feet. And we were so impressed by the display units that Lauren and Derek — along with their talented friends — created. The shelving designs are so good, and — bonus! — didn't require much skill or money to put together.

The couple calls the store's aesthetic "Readymade meets Danish Modern." (Derek is the Projects Editor at the publication.) It's definitely worth checking out for plenty of DIY inspiration. And, of course, the well-curated merchandise and artwork will have you wanting one of everything in The Curiosity Shoppe.

Thanks to Lauren and Derek for letting us take a peek at the store!

(Pssst ... Be sure to check out their new weekly craft column over at design*sponge. Today, they're showing us how to make wine crate display cases. Genius.)