ABOUT TOWN

COLOR’S BACK!
For the past twenty years, the industrial, stainless-steel finish has been a mainstay for America’s kitchens. It’s time to spin the kitchen color wheel! Bold colors are catching on fast, and top-of-the-line kitchen appliance companies are leading the way. At the PIRCH Kitchen Showroom in Solana Beach, Blue Star appliances are featured, not only for top performance, but for their eye appeal. You can choose from 1,000 colors for the base units and knobs in polished, matte, and textured finishes! Which color you choose is a personal choice, but PIRCH is the place to start when you’re looking to upgrade.

RATTAN. WICKER. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
The trend for rattan and wicker home décor is just getting underway! Natural, versatile, and affordable, just a few pieces can refresh and lighten the look of any space. These items from Floral Palette La Jolla are perfect examples. Sometimes, you’ll hear the words “rattan” and wicker” used interchangeably, but they are different. Rattan is a raw material derived from some species of climbing palms with flexible stems. Most rattan originates in Indonesia, and some comes from the southern part of Asia. Wicker is a style of weave that dates back to ancient Egypt. Wickerwork may be done with rattan, but other materials including bamboo, willow, cane, vinyl, and resin are also used.

FOR TAILWAGGIN’ RIDES
Now your four-legged friend can come along on your bike ride in a Burley pet trailer! Burley offers three models with a ton of options for easy loading and unloading, quick cleaning, and maximum comfort. Features include tool-free conversion from trailer to stroller, and there’s even an option to swap the wheels for skis. Pedego La Jolla carries them all: Two models, Burley Tail Wagon ($399.95;) and Bark Ranger ($599.99), are for pets that weigh up to 75 pounds. Bark Ranger XL ($699.95) is for pets up to 100 pounds.Ask about pet bed inserts, rain covers, ski kits, and more!

DID THEY KNOW THE WAY TO SAN JOSE?
This fascinating auto touring map was published in 1917. It includes several photographic views of major northern California tourist attractions, centered on Yosemite Valley and Lake Tahoe. This rare map has an interesting color-coding system for roads that the experts at BLR Antique Maps in La Jolla haven’t completely figured out. It’s just one of the unusual treasures you’ll find in their collection. Immerse yourself online at raremaps.com.

AXIOM HANDBLOWN THORN VESSELS
We discovered these strikingly unique vessels at Between the Sheets in Del Mar’s Flower Hill Promenade. Each piece of this stunning, original glass art is designed and handblown in the studio of artist Andrew Madvin, the founder of Axiom Glass in Detroit, Michigan. After blowing the colored bowl, Andrew attaches a cluster of clear, gem-like glass “thorns” to the base, which individually refract the light passing through them to create a dazzling effect. The combination of the traditionally shaped vessel supported by a sparkling base that can be set at several angles, is truly an object to behold. The bowls are available in an array of colors, sizes, shapes. Check them out at Between the Sheets—and if you have something else in mind, they can help you with a custom order.

RETHINKING SWIMWEAR
Hello sunshine, Molo is ready for you! This progressive childrenswear company is rethinking swimwear—giving it a sporty vibe while protecting kids against the sun’s harmful rays with 50+ UV protection. Molo swimwear is designed from reusable polyester made from used plastic bottles and other waste. Kids love the rad patterns. We love conscientious shops like Sweetpea Children’s Shop in Del Mar’s Flower Hill Promenade who carry brands that care about kids and the planet they will someday inherit!