Imagine shopping in a unique and comfortable store, where everywhere you turn there are objects to delight your senses. From home furniture to accessories. Hidden among the beautiful decorations and designs, there is a treasure trove of beautiful costume jewelry, and other special gifts in every price range.
How about a bracelet?
A fun bold silver necklace.
Decoration or a gift.
Modern pair of glass votive candle holders in the foreground. Or a sliver frame?
If you look closely, you’ll see a pair of skull earrings on the far left. Look even closer and you might see Kirsty picking up some nice items for her fellow elementary school teachers and friends.
Monkeying Around With Tim
I said shopping perfection, without giving you the secret insider details. Start by parking free, behind Brick Monkey. Yes, you can park in the street, and parking is inexpensive, but hey, you are an insider now. Park in the Brick Monkey lot. Most of the time we stop in Pamplemousse first. It’s the best patisserie in town and it’s across the street from Brick Monkey. First, you’ll be immediately drawn to the incredible pastries, but don’t stop there. The sandwiches and breakfast items are all delicious, and remind me of European excellence. It’s an owner operated, family run business which makes it doubly special. From there, across the street, and back to the Brick Monkey, again, an owner operated business. Any time you visit, you have a good chance of meeting Barry, Kirsten or Stephanie, the owners. It adds up to shopping perfection.
The mantel is a great place to start. Here, natural looking branches form the base, then given a little bling with glass ornaments. Layers of materials and colors give this look depth. Brick Monkey used different sized vases and filled them with interesting seasonal sprays, even some lit led white branches that are just amazing. Mix materials in your display, adding in wood bowls, like this amazing root salad bowl that we’ve repurposed for holiday duty.
Here again at the Brick Monkey, natural fall colors and pine cones are contrasted with bright gold cups. Notice the texture and style of the pillows make a statement on the muted backdrop of the couch. The look can easily be updated and changed on a whim, with pillow accents.
I love this lighted metal sculpted Christmas tree. Brick Monkey has them in 3 sizes, which makes them great for a sideboard, buffet, or console table. You can surround them with silver ornaments to create instant seasonal glamor and sparkle that will last through New Year’s eve festivities.
These special ornaments add bling.
This crystal tree is an exceptional and beautiful piece, something you can set up and reuse year after year. A green approach to decorating! Speaking of green, these green glass ornaments add trendy elegance, creating an instant holiday focal point that works in so many places in your home; on a entry hall table placed high so you can surround it with gifts or on a dining room table for a spectacular holiday centerpiece that you can see your dinner guests through.
Monkeying around with Tim
If you’re looking for the perfect family gift, Brick Monkey’s newest furniture addition is coined The Nest. Once I saw it, and tried it, I said, “I want one!” It’s a combination of lounge chair and sofa in the round that easily fits 2 adults or 3 children and pets. It’s the perfect spot to snuggle up and watch TV, read a book, surf the web or just chill out. It’s available in your choice of fabrics and is the new All in the Family favorite. Instantly, I’ve renamed ours the snuggle pile.
The more I visit the Brick Monkey, the more I learn about design. I don’t want to say this couch is anything it’s not. You would never suggest this seating area looks drab. But look at the couch. It’s nice. It’s comfortable. And it’s entirely behind the scenes, until you add these dramatic colorful pillows. Now that they have your attention, are you seeing fall shapes and colors?
Here is another example of taking a beautiful black single palette leather chair and adding punch with an embroidered pillow.
Have you ever wondered how to create an inviting room like this? I asked Barry Johnson, Brick Monkey’s in-house designer just that question.
“For a seating area like this, you start with the couch, and the table and arrange them for function. From there, you start filling in. The chair and a trunk give the room shape, and a console table behind the couch gives the room depth. From there, you accessorize.”
Just like that, you have a functional, inviting sitting area. The pillows pick up the colors of the purple flowers behind and the color of the walls. The next series of photos give you a closer look at the details.
Here is the console behind the couch with interesting accessories.
Here is a closer look at the table and couch.
This room says elegance. The couch in linen, with a skirt the reaches the rug, combined with the metal and glass Kolkka table form the foundation for this living area. The console table holds a pair of squatting sophisticated lamps, which is layered again at the fireplace mantel. Again, the pillows add contrast and punch. Notice the elegant pillow theme, velvet and more linen bringing it all together. And, well, it wouldn’t be Brick Monkey without a little whimsy. Who is that dancing on the coffee table?
Love the new looks at the store. Notice the pillows on the couch add contrast and finish the look.
A closer look at the metal and glass Kolkka table, sandwiched between a leopard ottoman and linen couch. These ottomans can be ordered in hundreds of fabrics. Find the right one just for your space.
Now, that’s an office. I feel more productive already!
Contemporary and Asian theme. Notice the coffee table cubes from our recent LA buying trip — very cool gold glass mosaic cubes sophisticated, elegant, and versatile. You can use two together for a great coffee table or split them for end tables.
Beautiful sitting room.
Curio cabinet with accent themes and pieces.
I love perusing the newest jewelry pieces. Do you see Gina lurking in the background? She is so knowledgeable, helpful, efficient, and just plain friendly. Say hi next time you are in.
This is such fun. The pillows just have to make you smile.
You know that feeling when you walk in a room and just feel happy? You feel comfortable, relaxed and rejuvenated. It makes you smile inside. It comes from having a well balanced, choreographed interior design. A lot of us are really good about identifying a beautiful piece of furniture we love, in our price range, that works. Decorating can be done using ideas from magazines, shopping around, and using our own tastes and ideas, which is great. But somehow it often doesn’t feel finished. Yes, I have a couch, coffee table and chairs, but somehow it’s not quite there.
“A lot of my customers are savvy about picking a couch they like or table and chairs, and a nice rug. Then they get stuck.” said Heidi Menard, Allied ASID and owner of
Ambiance Interiors of Palo Alto ”Really, they are about 80% complete, but they aren’t sure how to finish.”
I had a great conversation with Celeste Randolph of
Ambiance Interiors about helping clients finish a room. ”It gets down to placement, and accessories.” Celeste explained to me. She just finished a design with a 26 year old Google employee, in her first condo. She went with a white on white design, and pointed to some of the accessories she used to finish the room. I am looking at the beautiful accents shaking my head. They’re all beautiful!! Individually, I love them, and built into the composition of the room, I can only imagine. Celeste tells me how the turquoise glazed bird (reminds me of Twitter) contrasts with the white pallet.
And the silver shell dish houses paper clips on her desk, and soap in her bathroom. And then these gorgeous white thumbprint vases give dimension on the coffee table.
“I love Brick Monkey for accessories.” I hear, trying to follow her around the store. ”Everything is so fresh, unique, and really nice. I love the Brick Monkey staff too. They are so helpful and knowledgeable.
Stephanie has gone way out of her way to help me so many times.”
Ambiance Interior Designers Celeste Randolph and Heidi Menard on either side of Stephanie Kolkka, Brick Monkey
Monkeying around with Tim
I am always energized going into the Brick Monkey. Yes, the furniture and accessories are beautiful, and unique. It’s not just that. What I love is the people, and their community. They are great at helping you define your own style, and creating a space you can love. Celeste and Heidi, welcome to the family!
Elegant linen sofa with contrasting pillows
The store looks beautiful! Kirsten, and the Brick Monkeys have staged the newest acquisitions, and it’s not just new pieces. The store has a new elegance. Gorgeous classic pieces contrasted with exciting unique accents. This setting at the front door, introduces you immediately to the new look. It’s inviting, and elegant. Peaceful, yet exciting. The timeless linen couch is accented with the bold violet pillows. In Brick Monkey fashion, you can add your personality to a timeless piece.
If you noticed the coffee table, yes, it’s a crafted iron and glass table from Kolkka, with a traditional contrasting trim. You’ll find many more unique Kolkka pieces throughout the store. Come in, and take a look. Find your inspiration. Define your style. Let us help.
Corduroy Couch
Makeshift Desk
Horsing Around
Irridescent Blue Bowls
Fun pebble mirrors
The Brick Monkey trio, Kirsten, Barry and Stephanie just went on their latest buying trip to the LA Mart and Convention Center, and then Las Vegas for furniture. What made the Brick Monkey cut is starting to appear in the store, and it’s pretty exciting! These pictures are a tease. Come in to see the rest.
Gorgeous hand-sewn silk decorative pillows
Steph and Barry score - Silver phython-pattern tray
Barry and Stephanie score a Silver phython-pattern tray
Stuning wooden mirror on stand
Super stylish sofa with nailheads
On the hunt for new and cutting edge lines to add to our eclectic mix.
Barry gives it the comfort test
It’s a walk till you drop experience… which is why the monkeys are so happy to try out comfortable seating along the way.
Kirsten discarded 2 pairs of shoes — who would have guessed it’s easier to find great home accessories than footwear that can survive the buying hunt?
You can't not love the animals wall decor for leash, hand towel, or?
It wouldn't be Brick Monkey without Whimsey Fido
Side table we couldn't resist
Just a sneak peek from the trenches. Come see what’s new in the store!
Console tables solve many needs and add design interest.
Where can you use a console table?
Arguably, the most versatile table, the console table fits nicely in every room and can add functionality and flare to your home. It’s not the first table we see in a room, like the dining table or coffee table, but the console table can be key to organizing your bills, books, and keys to adding a point of interest.
Regent Demi Lune Table
At the front door, it’s a place for keys and mail and can add drama to your entry.
- Kolkka Steel Console Table
Behind the couch makes a great landing for lighting. With shelving underneath, it can be a place to organize books for display, or a place to feature decorative items.
Console table next to the dining table
For parties, a console table can be additional entertaining space for appetizers or a side board for serving.
- Console table at foot of bed
At the foot of your bed, use it for ambiance or add a chair to use it for a desk.
The distinctive and versatile console table is a great investment. It’s flexible, and functional and ideal for making a design statement.
Monkeying Around with Tim
I love the Brick Monkey – it’s hard put it in words, but the console table is a great place to make the point. I like subtle, distinctive, unique and curious. I like to add my mark, but want to be inspired, and that’s where Brick Monkey shines. You have to meet Kirsten, Barry and Stephanie. Whether it’s a forage find, or building steel and glass custom Kolkka tables, this team will inspire you.
See us at the Brick Monkey to find unique console tables and get organized.
Brick Monkey Madness Party
It was a magical night at the Brick Monkey. Both curious and distinctive, comfortable and formal, everyone was finding unique gifts and décor for the holidays and beyond.
Thank you everyone who joined us, and for all our patrons who have helped make us a destination in Redwood City! If you missed the party, and want a reminder for next year, stop in and let us know.
Mice and Cheese server
You know those trips where you find inspiring ideas hidden here and there?
Salad Tongs
So many people were finding treasures to take home, and for those who wanted a break from shopping, there was food and wine, and of course the Monkey Madness Punch.
Cheese and Crackers
The food and drinks were exceptional.
Why was I surprised? Every cookie I tried, I want the recipe. Even the blue cheese and crackers were to die for.
Holiday votive candle holder
If you are still searching for that distinctive gift, we may just make your day, come in and enjoy a unique and enjoyable shopping experience.
Monkeying around with Tim
Monkey Madness Punch was a hit. So many of you have been asking for the recipe, Barry, Thank You for sharing!
Here’s “the recipe” (remember that phrase from The Waltons tv show) for a nice batch of Monkey Madness
Monkey Madness
3/4 cup Torani Blood Orange Syrup
2 cups lemonade
2 cups Captain Morgan spiced rum
2 cups Orange flavored vodka –Mandarin Absolut
1 cup Canton ginger Liqueur
1/2 cup Liycee Liqueur
1/4 cup Rose’s Lime Juice
8 shades bitters
Stir and chill–when ready to serve pour over ice and go wild!
Find your inspiration for the holidays!
Stocking Stuffers
Yes, pun intended. 
Close your eyes. Envision the perfect shopping experience.
Elegant and unique. Beautiful surroundings, no hustle and bustle. Fun and festive gifts for those special people in your life, and a talented team to help you find that perfect gift and in your price range. Come visit the Brick Monkey this Friday, or any day.
We have an array of new items in, from holiday decorations to jewelry, and fancy gifts for that special someone to treasures you can put in your gift stash for teachers, co-workers and other people you may want to recognize with a thoughtful, unique thank you.
Monkeying Around with Tim
There are so many beautiful and exciting decorations and gifts around the store these days! Here’s a secret shopping tip. Across the street from the Brick Monkey is one of those refreshing gems. It’s a french bakery. Awesome pastries, and espresso drinks. Comfortable, casual seating. Okay, the best pastries ever. Come on by. Enjoy shopping at the Brick Monkey. Relax at Pamplemousse Cafe. Tranquility for the holiday season.
Elegant silver and ebony salad tongs
Christmas stockings, candles and holiday decorations
Gorgeous costume jewelry
