Filed under: Design, etc, News & Trends
Explore some of the best home boutiques around the country with us. This week: Violetas, 223-A Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL.Jetsetter and stylesetter Patricia Anton-Himmel brings her worldly finds from the Far East and beyond to Violetas, a newly opened home boutique along tony Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, Florida. Plush upholstered seating, lacquered screens, and faux-bamboo tables are mixed with elegant tabletop, colorful decorative pillows, and other eclectic accessories. Scroll down to see our chat with Patricia about her travels and what visitors have been buying at the shop.
Courtesy of Violetas
Courtesy of Violetas
1. What was the inspiration for this store?
I come from a generation of family retailers, one of the largest retailers in Ecuador. I spent much of my childhood traveling with my parents, admiring the individuality of other cultures from China, Korea, Taiwan and Japan as well as Italy and Germany. During these travels, I developed an eye for beautiful design trends and the appreciation of unique atmospheres and architecture. I also learned the business inside and out. I wanted to combine my love of exotic cultures, knowledge of design, and entrepreneurial skills to open a store in Miami where I can offer one-of-a-kind and unexpected treasures that give interiors personality and radiance through artfully selected accessories and decor.
2. Are there any highlighted pieces that are specific to this store?
We have unique pieces from all over the world, lots of them are handmade and special rare pieces that can't be found in Miami, let alone the US, such as amber vases with real coral and turquoise stones, carved boxes from Shanghai, scarves from India, antique sterling tea sets and carpets from Nepal.
Courtesy of Violetas
Many things, from one-of-a-kind jewelery and amazing decorative pillows to Asian-inspired stools.
4. What keeps visitors coming back?
A great variety and reasonable prices. Some customers purchase $5 dinner napkins and others buy a Baccarat chandelier.
5. Do you have a favorite item in the store?
That's hard. They are all my favorite--I only carry pieces that I would showcase in my own home or personally wear.
Courtesy of Violetas
Courtesy of Violetas
6. What do you like most about this store?
The eclectic variety. We carry 5,000 different items and once they are sold out, we continue to buy different inventory.
7. Fun fact:
My daughter and I have fun in everything, from buying to selling. We love what we do and my daughter is a great salesperson--by texting her friends about the shop.
On Shelterpop's Wishlist: Butterfly-footed bowl, $138, violetashomedesign.com
Courtesy of Violetas