Crafting Scarborough Affair: A Story of Heart and Home

When I decided to open my own shop, I knew I wanted to create a space that felt warm, inviting, and timeless—a place where every corner told a story. Finding the right location wasn’t easy. I spent hours scouring listings, searching for a space that could match the vision I had carried with me for years. Then, there it was: a listing for an old lawyer’s office tucked inside the historic Andrews brick building. It wasn’t perfect—far from it. The space was dated, with half-walls, cluttered desks, and burgundy blinds. But beyond those details, I saw potential: the largest window I’d ever seen hidden behind those blinds and a stunning coffered ceiling with intricate dentil molding overhead. It felt like the kind of place that just needed someone to believe in it. And I did.

With encouragement from the owners, I took the leap. Using the proceeds from my Dallas home, I set out to transform the space into what would become Scarborough Affair—a place that reflects both my love of beauty and the journey that led me back to California.

I wanted to honor the historic charm of the building while creating something timeless and uniquely my own. The first thing that had to go was the carpet—it was non-negotiable. I envisioned floor-to-ceiling shelving to accentuate the high ceilings and frame the grand window. But with my shoestring budget, I had to get creative. Enter Facebook Marketplace, my go-to for hidden gems.

I searched high and low for shelves and dressers to build the height I needed, initially thinking, "How hard could it be to attach shelves to dressers?" Turns out, harder than I thought. After realizing how tricky it would be to piece them together, I knew I needed a skilled carpenter. Finding one was another challenge—contractors were ghosting me left and right. Then, luck struck: I found an entire set of bookshelves from an abandoned boys' school nearby. When I met the sellers, they said, "Take whatever you want, and we’ll even deliver it." For just $900, I had what I needed to create the shelving I had envisioned—before I even had a contractor lined up.

I briefly considered a secret bookshelf door connecting the front room to the back, but ultimately found a pair of antique French doors in the mountains of Santa Barbara. They brought the perfect touch of character and elegance to the space. My treasure hunts continued: a solid wood bar from a San Diego smoke shop became a stunning focal point, a drafting table from Oakland was lovingly restored by my dad (thanks, Dad!), and a rolling metal plant rack was a surprise bonus. In Santa Cruz, I found a double sink from a beekeeper that fit seamlessly into the back workspace. The floors? Another labor of love. I spent countless hours hunting for affordable, solid wood flooring that would complement the space. The end result? Floors so beautiful and timeless, they look like they’ve always belonged here.

For lighting, I turned to Lyngard in England. Their handcrafted fixtures add a timeless elegance that feels like they’ve always been part of the shop. Choosing the color palette was another story. I was torn between a neutral scheme and the green you see today. I even flirted with the idea of black-and-white tile floors—until I discovered how far out of budget they were.

With my materials and vision in place, I needed to ensure everything would fit cohesively. That’s when I worked with Dana Lossing, who helped translate my vision into detailed renderings. Her drawings helped me visualize how all the pieces I sourced would come together, confirming that every item fit as if made for the space. Her work supported my vision, ensuring it all came together seamlessly. Thank you, Dana.

Next, I brought in Chester from Arthur Builds, a contractor from a third-generation family business. I handed him the plans and said, “Make it happen.” And he did. Every piece fell into place beautifully. I like to think that’s the universe’s way of affirming this project was meant to be. I couldn’t be prouder of the space—it’s everything I dreamed it could be and more.

I can’t finish without thanking the extraordinary artist and designer Steve Kalar. Steve was my right-hand man and confidant throughout the entire process. Every decision felt significant, and Steve was always there to lend thoughtful input. His phrase, “Just spectacular,” became a guiding mantra.

Steve’s input on the color selection was invaluable. We landed on "Apple" from House of Hackney as the anchor hue. At Tara Paints, Steve quickly picked a complementary Benjamin Moore shade, and though I second-guessed myself, I reminded myself, "Don’t question the artist." Of course, he was right. The colors are everything I hoped for.

Thank you, Steve, for your unwavering support, creative insight, and friendship. Your belief in this project meant the world to me.

Mom, Dad, Marc—thank you for being my partners in this dream. You let me fill your garage with shelving, spent countless hours sanding and painting, and made road trips across California to pick up pieces for the shop. Your practical help and emotional support carried me through every high and low of this journey. I love you beyond words and am endlessly grateful.

Scarborough Affair is more than a shop. It’s the culmination of a journey, a vision, and a lot of hard work. Every corner, color, and piece tells a story of creativity, perseverance, and finding beauty in the unexpected. From Dallas to San Luis Obispo, from one dream home to another, this space is proof that with vision and determination, anything is possible.

To everyone who supported me—thank you. This shop is for those who appreciate beauty, intention, and charm in every detail. I can’t wait to see where this journey leads next. Welcome to Scarborough Affair.