Garage sale-ing in the dark with coffee and donuts. Selling at The Rose Bowl with her mom. Weaving through the curated aisles of LA's indoor flea markets. For Alison Genet, vintage collecting runs deep. Her childhood was steeped in one-of-a-kind treasures, a mixture of things old and new.

​

In 2014 she opened her exhibit at The Blue Door in Santa Barbara, filling it with pieces entirely from her personal collection. Her first months there sold well and she became addicted, returning to the familiar flea markets to fill her new demand.

 

Over time, her repertoire expanded as she embarked down a winding road to find herself and her style. Those early days called for mid-century, shabby chic and boho; styles that moved inventory but didn't fulfill her soul. Through travel, exploration and embedding deeper and deeper into a community of collectors, she has carved out a space all her own.

 

It's a bit of an amalgamation - European modern farmhouse. Industrial, almost primitive, but with a hint of girly mixed in. She likes pieces original, original, original...or taken to the raw. Maybe a little update for function or a clear coat to freeze the patina in time, but nothing more. She wants things authentic, original, just as they are.

 

In her own home, Alison keeps it minimal. A wall to wall chalkboard, an old church pew, the perfect dining table; all vintage, and all collected from friends. She keeps a candle lit in the kitchen - Ojai Valley Apple from her home fragrance brand, Santa Barbara Apothecary Co. But that's another story.