Many folks will fondly remember Shima Sushi located near the intersection of Wallingford and 45th which closed last year (Sayonara, Shima Sushi) due to difficulties with their lease. The owners also ran Hawaiian Breeze, located in the same building, which closed about the same time. The sushi space, sandwiched between an Edward Jones office and the Venetian Nail Spa (formerly Babalu) did not sit idle for long. Today, Tuesday, Coco’s House Luxury Refurbishing throws open its doors for business.
I sat down (well, virtually, for the most part) with Chanel Prineas, owner of Coco’s House, to get the lowdown.
Jack: How did you end up in Wallingford? Did you look at other locations?
Chanel: I chose Wallingford at first because it was where my family and I were raised. As I built out the store and spent more time here, I have become enamored with the people, lifestyle and culture of this town. I am now looking for a home in the area, because I love it so much! It still cultivates all of the style and charisma that originally made Seattle what it was. I love love love it!
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I grew up in the building above my store, because it was my great grandmothers, until I was four. So I am a Seattle & Wallingford native. After attending FIDM in LA (a fashion school) I interned and eventually served as creative director for many companies such as Kimberly Ovitz, Simon Showroom, Adriano Goldshmied and Derek Andrew. After starting my own bikini line, Malibu Doll, I realized I enjoyed the setting up and design of events — because of the furniture and decor – more so than the fashion industry. Since I was young, I had collected vintage pieces of furniture from thrift stores and painted them. I would give them to friends or store them. It was always a hobby that I was never tired of! Coco’s House is my first interior design/home decor retail business.
In addition to you, do have employees or collaborators that folks might expect to see at Coco’s?
Yes! I am so creative because of people that inspire me. My best friend is the most incredible merchandiser, Lizzie Kellogg, so she is my right hand go to person. Lourdes Jackson, is a Seattle artist, responsible for sketching all of the details on the wall in the store, we plan on having him sketch and work on walls, furniture and accessories…while people shop, if you are lucky enough to catch him! I want customers to feel a part of something special. Our custom furniture pieces are all done in our workshop by my cousin. The upholstery is done by Douglas, a gentleman that used to live upstairs from our store!
Why the name Coco’s House? I assume it’s a reference to the famous French designer Coco Chanel?
Coco’s House was the perfect name because well my name is Chanel for starters, so its become a nickname for quite some time. I wanted the word “house” because my family and I are so close and a huge part of who I am. Ever since I can remember all of our friends, new and old…would hang out at our house. The door was always open, everyone is welcome! My parents have a certain style that is all theirs, and would not always let me design my room the way I wanted. So I wanted to make something that is My House where my friends, new and old, can come and hopefully become inspired to create.
How would you describe the types of things you sell? Where and how do you find your items?
Each refurbished furniture piece is thoughtfully chosen and sourced locally. I am very inspired by our heritage and those from the very beginning that created each style of furniture and influenced an era. I tend to go more glamorous. Let the art be more masculine. I love the idea of mixing new with old.
I wanted to offer products and decor in a beautiful home store setting, so that everyone could feel like they could accent their home with something beautiful without completely breaking the bank.
I have spent a lot of time finding beautiful things that are in everyone’s price range such as that vintage turkish rug, for instance.
I read your website, and I noticed that it seems as if you will try to locate items for people if they are looking for something special. Can you talk about this a bit?
Our website is not fully finished yet, so I apologize…our site and online store is coming soon. Yes, if you have a certain look, style, piece or fabric you are looking for we will source it for you and customize it to your needs. We offer an interior design service and full in house customization options.
Coco’s House plans to be open Tuesdays through Sundays, 11 am – 7 pm. As always, consult the website.