Marimekko Makes Us Merry

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Disclaimer: if you're feeling particularly devoted to any kind of hipster grumpiness, don't go to the Marimekko shop-in-shop at Crate and Barrel at The Grove. It will mock you with its cheer - and the crowds will just piss you off even more. But if you're ready to embrace the seasonal destiny of spring/summer and color your surroundings with something bright and vibrant (come on, isn't this why you live in LA in the first place?), you've come to exactly the right place.

The Finnish company, whose trademark textiles have been in vogue since the '50s, has expanded its long-term relationship with Crate and Barrel to offer exclusive designs via mini-boutiques in 22 locations - one of the first of which happens to be inside the outpost on The Grove Drive. If you are so inclined, you can truly make over your life in Marimekko patterns with the variety of wares they have to offer. But if that feels a wee bit matchy-matchy, there's still fun stand-alone finds at every price point.

As you'd expect, there's the classic assemblage of linens: bedding, towels, and straight bolts of fabric. Sheet sets start at $45 and comforters go all the way up to $200, while towels range from $10.50 to $50 (with some styles already marked down 50%). Fabric sells by the foot from $13.25 for cotton to $64 for upholstery velvet. There's also no shortage of throw pillows, which can be yours for an easy Jackson, plus affordable shower curtains and hand-loomed rugs, to round out your toilette and boudoir.

But where things get interesting, and in some cases pricier, is in the dining room. Hand blown multicolored goblets are stunners, but $30 a glass. Porcelain mugs in the signature Unikko floral are $20 a cup, and blue and white plates featuring the tree rung-esque Siirtolapuutarha pattern are $24 a pop. Nevertheless, the idea of setting a festive table this time of year with a motley mix of bold graphics and hues to accompany some farmer's market fresh produce and umbrella-deserving cocktails is pretty tempting. Those on a stricter budget may just have to settle for the odd oven mitt for $19, or, better yet, paper cocktail napkins for $6.75 a pack.

Beyond the housewares, there's loads of kicky accessories to go around for under $100: purses, make-up bags, messenger bags, canvas totes, umbrellas, mint tins, and even socks. A child-size dress - ironically, predominantly black - comes in at $79. (Not to worry, the rainbow is back in play on kiddie bibs and dining sets.) And, finally, for those of you who are truly ready to commit, you can always get your Crate and Barrel furniture upholstered in Marimekko glory - like the fabu $1,000 chair on display in the slightly psychedelic Spinning pattern. Which, dare we say it, could look quite at home in a grumpy hipster's living room.
· Official Website [Marimekko]
· Official Website [Crate and Barrel]