{"id":193857,"date":"2026-02-25T23:51:09","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T23:51:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/193857\/"},"modified":"2026-02-25T23:51:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T23:51:09","slug":"lauren-andersens-design-forward-east-bay-favorites","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/193857\/","title":{"rendered":"Lauren Andersen’s Design-Forward East Bay Favorites"},"content":{"rendered":"

Delving into design studios and meeting makers and up-and-coming artists is a big part of Oakland-based interiors photographer Lauren Andersen\u2019s working life.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s safe to say that the creative director and founder of boutique agency Sen Creative<\/a> has an enviable eye for detail that\u2019s able to recognize pieces and spaces that will make an impression with just a glance.<\/p>\n

We asked Andersen her favorite spots for unique furniture, stunning art, and vivid textiles to not just to elevate our spaces, but to make them feel like our own. From vintage shops like Narrative in Oakland to Concord\u2019s French-inspired Elsie Green, these are the seven spots she recommended for the next time your home needs a little upgrade.<\/p>\n

Narrative<\/p>\n

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(Courtesy of @narrativeoakland<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\u201cNarrative curates their space, and with everything being vintage<\/a>, it\u2019s always changing,\u201d says Andersen. \u201cThere\u2019s always a gem to find. Take your time, there\u2019s lots of square footage, and everything is quality.\u201d<\/p>\n

Keep an eye out for: \u201cEverything from quality furniture to ceramics to an odd object that makes you smile. I\u2019ve bought many ceramics for photoshoots, and I have a beautiful oil painting of a woman by a local artist<\/a> that is always finding its place within my home.\u201d <\/p>\n

\/\/ 590 2nd St. (Oakland), narrativeoakland.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Elsie Green<\/p>\n

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(Courtesy of @elsie_green<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel like I\u2019m transported to a brocante in France when I walk into Elsie Green,\u201d says Andersen. \u201cThey shop and send containers of goodies from France. They also have a great IG where you can see new goodies and how they suggest styling pieces.\u201d<\/p>\n

Keep an eye out for: \u201cVintage French ceramics, crockery, and amazing large antique furniture. I have picked up a few large antique crocks and jars, as well as some beautiful vintage silverware.\u201d<\/p>\n

\/\/ 2956 Treat Blvd., Ste. C (Concord), elsiegreen.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Sobu Oakland<\/p>\n

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(Courtesy of @sobuoakland<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\u201cSobu Oakland creates their own lines and designs, and they are so unique,\u201d says Andersen. \u201cThe shop is small, but you could furnish a whole home with what they carry. They\u2019re pros.\u201d<\/p>\n

Keep an eye out for: \u201cTheir woodwork and dining tables are to die for, and their textile and pillow selection is very unique. Their warehouse sale is also a must-attend event. We bought our Christmas tree here. It\u2019s cedar and copper and unique. It\u2019s a very Scandinavian vibe, and guests are always complimenting it.\u201d <\/p>\n

\/\/ The Sobu Showroom is at 5451 College Ave. (Oakland); the Sobu Outlet is at 701 Dwight Way (Berkeley), sobusobu.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Oakland Vintage Market<\/p>\n

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(Courtesy of @oaklandvintagemarket<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery first Saturday, Narrative hosts the Oakland Vintage Market (there is also one in SF) in the parking lot behind their shop in Jack London,\u201d says Andersen. \u201cThe vendors rotate, and it\u2019s small enough not to feel overwhelming. It feels like a community event with lots of kids, dogs, and great vintage<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Keep an eye out for: \u201cClothing, records, books, and lots of smaller decorating pieces. My daughter loves the patch\/pin vendor who is often there. I\u2019ve also found a great mirror and vintage Japanese pottery.\u201d <\/p>\n

\/\/ 222 Jefferson St. (Oakland), narrativeoakland.com\/market<\/a><\/p>\n

25th Street Galleries + Open Studios<\/p>\n

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(Courtesy of @fmoakland<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\u201cUptown Oakland First Fridays<\/a> are always a good time, and the stretch of galleries on 25th Street always delivers,\u201d says Andersen. \u201cThere are artist studios as well as more formal galleries with amazing selections of fine art by Bay Area artists.\u201d<\/p>\n

Keep an eye out for: If you\u2019re looking for a high-end piece with a ‘wow’ factor, or art consulting from Slate, this is the spot. We\u2019ve bought a few screen prints from the artist studios, mostly scenes from our beloved Oakland.\u201d<\/p>\n

\/\/ Telegraph Ave. between West Grand and 27th St. (Oakland), oaklandfirstfridays.org
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Bay Home Consignment<\/p>\n

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(Courtesy of @bayhome<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\u201cLike Narrative, Bay Home Consignment\u2019s inventory is always changing, and you never know what you might find,\u201d says Andersen. \u201cThey specialize in a wider range of furniture pieces, and everything is always in great condition. They have a large warehouse to browse, as well as some custom lines you can order. I love that you can \u2018walk away\u2019 with your purchase (or have it delivered that day), so no weeks of waiting.<\/p>\n

Keep an eye out for: \u201cAny major furniture pieces you may need, outdoor furniture, or vintage art. We bought our living room sofa, an Italian felt ottoman, and outdoor furniture.\u201d<\/p>\n

\/\/ 1825 Eastshore Hwy (Berkeley), bayhomeconsignment.com<\/a><\/p>\n

CP Photos & Frames<\/p>\n

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(Courtesy of @cpphotosandframes<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\u201cAt CP in Berkeley<\/a>, you can quickly get something custom matted or pop it into a premade frame for an affordable elevated look,\u201d says Andersen. \u201cIt\u2019s also affordable for custom framing, and the staff is super helpful and friendly.<\/p>\n

Keep an eye out for: \u201cOdd-sized frames and the fun framed art they sell. I\u2019ve purchased many custom mattes, and a fun gilded art piece I saw on their wall one time.\u201d <\/p>\n

\/\/ 2999 College Ave. (Berkeley), cheappetes.com
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