Shops We Love: Atelier St. George

For locals, Janaki Larsen’s family-run corner store and café in Vancouver, Le Marché St. George, is a gathering place — somewhere to browse eye-catching wares, enjoy coffee and get together with neighbors. It’s this community spirit that’s sure to make Janaki’s latest venture, located a couple kilometres north, just as successful. Atelier St. George, which opened in March, is a laid-back showroom-studio with rustic, sun-bleached interiors reminiscent of Mexico (fitting, given that many of the store’s textiles are produced in the country, and Janaki’s mother, renowned artist Patricia Larsen, lives there).

Visitors will find olive-wood plates from Italy and deer-horn knives from Spain arranged on weathered tables. There’s also linen clothing from local label Mandula and a selection of Patricia’s paintings. “I stroll markets to find unusual things,” Janaki says. “Or even better, the people making beautiful things.” Janaki is an artisan herself. Just behind the showroom is her pottery studio, where she throws graceful bowls, plates and vases. Looking to the future, she plans to develop a line of ceramics for restaurants. “And eventually, I’d like to have the café and atelier together under one roof,” she says.

Located on 11 East 7th Ave., Vancouver