Friday, September 15

Xtra, Xtra. X21.


X21 Modern in San Francisco's Mission district is one of my favorite places to roam around on a Saturday afternoon. It's an insane 8,500 square foot showroom on Valencia Street filled to the brim with 20th century furniture, lighting, accessories and some curious oddities. There are classic pieces for serious modernist collectors, some of which are a tad expensive, but a wonderful investment for sure. I think it's always a good idea to spend more on a beautiful sofa, and then save by surrounding it with your less pricey flea market finds. X21's current inventory is always posted online, so you can check it often to seek out that special piece you've been hunting for. Here's a quick glimpse of what's up today.

1950's Harvey Probber Sofa. Recently recovered in an Opt-Art pattern and sits on polished brass legs. Retro-fancy.









Early 1940's rare Florence Knoll Chair and Ottoman with off-white upholstery and lovely tapered legs. Quite elegant, no?













1940's Instructional WWII Military Poster. This large 5'x 3' silk-screened poster originally hung in military barracks demonstrating how to dress wounds in the field. This is one of the many oddities I mentioned. Odd, but cool.






But, my favorite bit about X21 Modern is their basement. Like a lot of basements, it's jam-packed with amazing vintage finds. The last time I was down there they were playing the creepy music from Disney's 'Haunted Mansion' and as I browsed through furniture that could have been my parent's when I was small, I felt like I was being transported back to simpler times. Ah, childhood. Lovely. But I digress, sorry, got caught up in the moment! There are fantastic bargains to be found down there, so be sure to look for the big, wide staircase, and head on down. You'll find yourself in a different place and time, with deals galore surrounding you. A designer's paradise!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

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Anonymous said...

I'm going up to visit SF this week from SoCal. Can't wait to stop by this place. I would love some other suggestions on places to eat and shop. I'll be staying at the downtown Marriott, so anything close by? Love your blog, great eye for color, design, photos and your BoHo Modern Style. Mine is the Essence of Modern Vintage Living. I just started my blog and my site is being built. Perhaps we could be NoCal SoCal blog pals. :)
Sorry about the previous comment, I use typepad and didn't know what link to use for my identity. Anyway, you still have 2 comments, yeah!

sfgirlbybay said...

Hi Heather,

Thanks so much for visiting the blog. There are sooo many places to go and eat in SF...the Marriott is pretty close to SF Museum of Modern Art and Yerba Buena Gardens so that's always fun. There's a great tea house with yummy lunches at Yerba Buena - it's called Samavor. Also, not far is Town Hall - fabulous restaurant. If you can't get in, pop in for a drink. You're pretty close to Union Square - great shopping (huge Anthropologie store!) and one of my favorite little alleyways, Belden Place - there's a few outdoor cafes in the alley and if it's nice out it's a lively spot to hang out.

The SF Ferry Building and Farmer's Market is pretty great. The Slanted Door restaurant is delicious, as is the Hog Island Oyster Co., both inside the ferry building.

Fillmore Street from Bush St. to Jackson Street is filled with shops and cafes - Chouquet's is a great french bistro, so is Florio. If you like mediterrean food - try Le Mediterrean, it's excellent, cheap and has great wine list. Take a cable car ride - it never fails to thrill me. Crissy Fields is a lovely walk along the water and The Warming Hut is a nice spot for coffee in the morning. These are pretty local hang-outs - and I strongly recommend you avoid Fisherman's Wharf - it's really tacky. If you need more, let me know and I'll get back to you. This is the best time of year to visit SF, the tourists are mostly gone and the weather is warm and sunny! Have fun.

Anonymous said...

Sigh. I miss this place. Used to be one of my stops through the Mission when I lived in SF. But it's great to visit my old haunts through the internets! Thanks for putting something up about this place.