A Williams Sonoma Home store just opened at Stanford Shopping Center. We thought we'd take a look so that we could give you the real scoop.
When the catalog first came out, Maxwell described the Williams Sonoma Home style as European Traditional with a touch of American Modern. Then last fall their look changed a bit, to Modern Glamour. Patrick (the other one) described it as "most notably a collected American/Hollywood look." Spot on, ptoo!
Here's our take on the store: Atherton (or Pacific Heights) Ladies Who Lunch shop here. (Seriously. But then we were there on a Tuesday afternoon.) While most of the items aren't exactly our taste, Williams Sonoma Home's quality seems good, and if you're looking for traditional with a little twist, then it's the store for you.
The chairs were comfortable. We tested three or four (although we didn't climb up into this display).
One of several display beds.
Williams Sonoma Home's other stores are in West Hollywood, Portland, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis.
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wow, some of those pieces (esp. the armchairs) look pretty hefty--not exactly suited for small-space living. well, not my style anyway. which is good b/c it's out of my price range anyway :)
although i do like that presidio settee (except for its size).
I have purchased from WSHome. Their quality is very good (hence price), and they back up their guarantee with real service (not just blah, blah, blah). Their style has a flavor of the 1930's, not Hollywood so much. But perhaps "Hollywood" means '30's style to a lot of folks. I like this store, but I hope it doesn't become static and mass-market looking like Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn...and WIlliams Sonoma kitchen stores for that matter.
Does anyone remember the catalog business Chambers? That was owned by WS, and was absorbed into, or segued into, WSHome. So if you miss those wonderful linens Chambers sold, look at WSHome.
Myself a resident of Palo Alto, I eagerly awaited this store opening and it was better than I expected--definitely a breath of fresh air. It's much higher end then Pottery Barn or Crate and Barrel and will do well in the Palo Alto area. The furniture looks high quality and durable, but it comes with an equally impressive price tag. But many pieces are classic styles that can stand the test of time...so possibly worth it.
So jealous you have a location there!!
(and still well under the Ralph Lauren pricepoint, which they strive to emulate)