Bountiful

As a young girl I often dreamed of living in a massive store with knooks and crannies everywhere. Every turn would expose more and more unique antique furniture and tucked in some loft spaces would be my living quarters, which would change depending on the inventory.

Sue Balmforth made this dream real when she created her store Bountiful, located in the trendy part of Venice on Abbot Kinney.

Over 12,000 square feet of floor to ceiling antiques – many of them French and hundreds of years old – can be found here, though most of them are found in the back of the store and up rickety stairs here and there. The front carries newer goods such as pretty soaps, shells, linens and pretty kitchen wares (it also smells the best, here) Follow the little pathways around the shop and eventually you’ll be led to Sue’s bedroom, which you can purchase should you wish (and that goes for her living room, too!).

It was, at first, a little overwhelming – so many beautiful things to look at and I had so little time. But I’ll be back. Even if it’s just to pretend it’s actually my place.

Tip: Don’t be intimidated but the shut gate in front; it’s to keep her dogs in, not her customers out. Just ring the bell and voila, you’ll be invited in. Just don’t expect tea – expect to shop.

Bountiful
1335 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice CA