Toast of the Coast

Two local designers share their favorite spots to shop, dine and collect ideas in North County’s booming coastal design districts.

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Trios Gallery is one of my all-time favorite places,” says interior designer Kathy Blackbird, ASID. “In fact, I put a beautiful glass bowl from Trios in Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell’s house in Palm Desert.”

As owner of Blackbird Interiors in Solana Beach, this designer isn’t an occasional window shopper. She visits shops like Trios Gallery and Susan Street Fine Art frequently.

“I’m on the street once or twice a week because everything is constantly changing,” she says.

For unique home décor that sparks conversation, Jennifer Price’s boutique inside Solo is one of Blackbird’s tried-and-true sources. “I bought a pair of manhole covers she had made into end tables,” she says.

The David Alan Collection, which features beautiful, soulful furniture, art and accessories from Asia and the Far East, is another favorite spot. “He’s got amazing stuff, and they’re all of such great quality,” Blackbird says. “I just bought a pair of Indonesian stone bride and groom statues that are more than a hundred years old. And for a house I’m designing in the desert, I bought a 4-inch-thick teak slab that I’m using to create a custom bar.”

Of course, a day of shopping on Cedros requires a hearty start. Blackbird recommends Zinc Café. Then, for a midday break, she heads to Wild Note Café for “their green salad with grilled chicken.”

Alexandra von Gymnich, co-owner of Rustic Rooster in Encinitas, also likes to start her day with a savory breakfast. Her favorite spot along 101 is Honey’s Bistro & Bakery, where she always orders the signature dish of French toast, eggs and sausage—a big enough portion, she says, to share with her 15-month-old daughter.

For the best in child’s play, this new mom finds unique toys and children’s shoes at Magical Child. “For grown-up gifts, though, I always find the most wonderful bath and body products at Dreamy, and the best CD selection at Lou’s Records. But if I’m on the hunt for a new outfit, I know I can always rely on L.A. Fairchild Boutique in Cardiff for the latest styles. Plus, I just absolutely love their Denim Bar.”

When she’s not at Rustic Rooster designing vignettes with ginger-jar lamps, garden chairs and coast-inspired pillows, von Gymnich finds inspiration at Gardenology. “The displays simply blow me away and really get my creativity going,” she says.

To get to the Cedros Design District, exit I-5 at Lomas Santa Fe, head west and take a left on South Cedros Avenue. To continue shopping along Coast Highway 101, return to Lomas Santa Fe then turn right on Coast Highway 101.

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