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Scout
Categories: Home Services Interior Design Shopping Home & Garden Home Decor Shopping Home & Garden Furniture Stores Interior Design, Home Decor, Furniture Stores [Edit]
3088 Claremont Ave(between The Uplands & Woolsey St)
Berkeley, CA 94705
Serving Berkeley and surrounding area
Neighborhood: Claremont
(510) 547-2688
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 6 pm
Sat 10 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Colin B. said: "Are you ready to rocket your house into the 4th dimension of style? Well buckle up. Kristina and her crew (Mandi & Diana) are as good as it gets. I am a painting contractor in Berkeley so I know good design when I see it. After…" read more »
34 reviews for Scout
Review Highlights
34 reviews in English
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Review from Mark N.
San Diego, CA
8/24/2011
Terrific place! I love eclectic stuff (I have a very contemporary house, but it's filled with antiques, oriental rugs, unusual art, etc.) so this store is perfect for me. The styles are all over the map, so you can't help but find something you like, whether it's art, furniture, or just something to put on the coffee table. You'll love it.
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Review from Wo L.
San Francisco, CA
9/18/2011
Interesting stuff, but little to no customer service. There seems to be no interest in walk-ins; the staff have always been aloof and unhelpful. Quite different from neighborhood shops ( i.e. Star grocery and meets).
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Review from Mel H.
Oakland, CA
2/5/2011
Interesting store, and I've purchased little gifts here (letters, matchboxes, etc.) as well as the BEST thank you cards in the world ("You are a fucking rock star. Seriously."--something awesome like that. Okay, you wouldn't send that to you grandma but your bff probably would love it). I haven't used the stage services or purchased any big ticket items--err, sorry, my decorating budget is well..I don't really have one. Sigh.
I agree with many of the reviews about the staff being aloof; it's been like that about half the time, the other times I have gotten a greeting/offer of help. Overall, I do enjoy walking through here and checking out the furniture and beautiful objects, although it is admittedly more window shopping than anything. -
Review from Mary P.
Alameda, CA
11/16/2010
Thanks AGAIN to Scout! I have used Scout design services to stage a few homes in an up market and always got above asking (alas, pre 2008) but recently they swooped in and did an extraordinary job quickly staging a loft I purchased that needed to be sold in this DOWN market. Despite the depressing times, I was lucky to have the help of Scott Silvera and crew create a clean, sleek, and warm decor and they did it on a tight budget and timeframe (within one week). The loft is now in contract and everyone has mentioned how well it shows. Thanks Scott, Laura and team -- I was so nervous about putting anything on the market in this economy, and your touches made the difference.
I also want to mention what a great place the store is to shop. There is ALWAYS something unique for home and gifts and I plan to make it my main xmas - holiday shopping stop, not only for great service and clever gifts, but because it's in a wonderful local neighborhood with plenty of places to feed myself post shopping spree.
You guys rock. -
Review from Lolia S.
San Francisco, CA
10/25/2008
A gorgeous mix of old and new, whimsical and elegant without being precious, Scout offers unique treasures for the home. I could easily picture Martha Stewart here, shopping for a mailbox, understated drapes, or novelty ornamental pull. She would definitely approve of the wall of crystal letters ($13 each).
Like your typical hardware store, this atypical hardware store offers paint services and they can cut spare keys. Most of the items are new but they have a retro feel and look. I spotted some small trophies, an umbrella stand made out of a hollowed out tree trunk, mirrors, black pillows with Edward Goreyesque figures, burlap bags, eco-friendly cleaning supplies and Mythic brand non-toxic paint. The selection is what you would call well-edited - there isn't much of it but every piece seems carefully chosen.Listed in: Where you should buy gifts, It's a Good Thing
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Review from Patty W.
Walnut Creek, CA
6/17/2009
We strolled into Scout after getting a to-go order from Bakesale Betty. With our three sandwiches in our box, we wandered into this store. I was a bit put off by the one staff; he didn't greet us (or even really look up from his sweeping). That dust must have been very interesting and absorbing.
The store itself was very interesting. I saw a card catalogue that was the perfect mix of unique and useful. However, nothing really convinced me to dawdle and really explore this store. This MIGHT have more to do with the box of Bakesale Betty sandwiches than the actual displays in the store.
Therefore, I'm giving this place 3 stars and will be back to finalize the star count. -
Review from Marc A.
4/19/2009
Well after the "Lady K" and I filled out pie holes up with a sweet treat from the Mixing Bowl down the block we had to do a little of walking to get the calories burning!
We hadn't been in Scout before and found it to be a really nice home and the perfect gift store to add to our list of places to go. They kinda have a bit of everything. I mean we saw a typewriter (remember those?) for $125 as well as a reusable shopping bag (I think $8). They also had some home furnishings as well as greeting cards. So you can see, a bit of everything. Enjoy! -
Review from Eric B.
9/5/2008
I don't quite yet know what to make of this place. I'll give Scout 3 Stars for now, with the promise that I'll come back and explore this unique store some more.
The clever, original, attractive, and well considered displays in both the front windows and inside do draw you in and encourage you to linger and look around. The "Tool Shed" in the back is pretty cool too.
However, there doesn't seem to be much here in terms of either clever tchotchkes that I want (but don't need) or hardware that I can actually use. Regarding the former, that black French perpetual calendar does come close. And the prices appear to be set based on a unique design premise rather than a community hardware store model.
In some ways it reminds me of a more rustic version of the first Restoration Hardware that opened in Eureka, CA. And as far as stuff that works in old Oakland (or in my case Albany) homes, Pasttime Hardware in El Cerrito or a good Estate or block sale might be a better choice. -
Review from Kiki R.
Concord, CA
6/23/2008
Super cute store in the ever expanding Temescal area.
I go into stores like this and think, "well, if I hunt and hunt at the Alameda flea market, estate sales, etc. and am very wise about how I arrange all the items, I could put together a look like this". Right. So realistically, Scout helps one cut corners if you don't have the time or design sense. Or just walking around can give one some excellent ideas for when you finally do hit the antique market. -
Review from Trixie J.
San Francisco, CA
6/11/2006
If you're too lazy to scour the flea markets and hunt for shabby chic-style vintage treasures on your own, come to Scout. You'll have to pay a mark-up, although they have reasonable pricing for a number of items.
Expect the inventory to change, since they sell many vintage items. Other items include new vintage-inspired reproductions, limited edition stationery, original artwork featuring old finds, and new printings of old/rare books on interesting subject (children's books, etiquette, old style catalogs).Listed in: Second/Third/Fourth-hand Stuff
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Review from SatisFahYing A.
Oakland, CA
6/9/2007
Yes SCOUT has moved. To an edgier roomier hipper place in the trendy Temescal area. Need a restoration for your hardware store?? this is the place to shop for all your remodelling stuff from gloves to pretect one's delicate hands to fabric for curtains, paint and siding to add that interesting touch to your last room. All thumbs when it comes to decorating? Fear not the Scout interior design crew can help set you right. on Telegraph Avenue at 51st Street (just a few doors down from Bake Sale Betty).
Prominently displayed is the "Weapons of Mass Decoration" article that won them their 15 seconds in national headlines.
They served Moet Chandon champagne and Bake Sale Betty cupcakes - if that's not fantastic gala opening style then check it out for yourself.
minus 1 star for being pretty expensive. -
Review from Chris K.
Oakland, CA
11/4/2010
Had an absolutely terrible experience working with this place. Please read my review before deciding to use them for staging , or patronizing their retail store, as it is run by the same people. I should have read the negative reviews before signing with them. My realtor suggested having a home staged that I was selling in Montclair. I was on a tight timeline and they happened to be the only place that could get us staged in time, so I went with them. I truly regret making this decision, as the frustration and expense lost on this excuse for a decent company was really not worth it.
Initially, the proposed staging was to be for 60 days at a cost of $4,850, with an option to extend for another 30 days at an additional cost of $350. When I received my credit card statement, I was charged $5,200. When my agent inquired about this, she was told that $350 was a discounted rate, and to receive it, you had to pay up first. We were clear that we only wished to pay for an extension if we needed it. Why would anyone want to "prepay" for an extension when the home may very well be sold in one week?
When the staging was installed, my wife and I were very disappointed with the quality of their objects. The furniture was all chipped and scratched. They delivered a patio set that would not stand up and they never replaced it. Everything was low end, contrary to what they had represented.
However, this was not even the biggest issue. About three weeks into the contract period, a few items turned up missing. The home was vacant, and I suspect things were stolen. The only people who had a key to the home were me, my agent, and Scout... Turned out to be missing a few hand towels, some small seashells, and a few decorative suitcases. Well, turns out Scout carries no type of insurance, and wanted to be re-imbursed $1,000 for these items. I was shocked that they had no type of policy in place, other than to gouge their client for 10x the true replacement value of anything lost or damaged. I requested them provide me invoices or receipts to justify the expenses they were demanding and I was provided with a rude email by Laurie Argenti, the Project manager, stating, "We are sorry if you and your client do not have an appreciation for the vintage and other décor items SCOUT uses as part of staging...and for your edification and education we cannot find comparables...because they are SO VERY RARE."
Before I ever agreed or even received a satisfactory reply, they charged my credit card for the missing items, citing that they have the right to do so according to the contract I signed.
These people are clearly crooks who have no business preying on the people of this community. I even had an email exchange with P Scott Silvera, the owner. He offered no help, other than to say that everything they did was within the terms of their contract. How about within the terms of morals and ethics?Comment from P. S. of Scout 11/16/2010
SCOUT disputes the above representation of the facts given… More » -
Review from Brian B.
Oakland, CA
6/16/2009
Scout is one of those places you work for. Money is ok, but the stuff you can buy at Scout is better. Way better. They have environmentally sound paint, which I didn't know I wanted. Bad. They have very unique looking if not truly unique. (I did not asked and would hate be wrong if it were mass produced) furniture and all around I envision my life looking much better sitting in what they have to sit on.
They have lots of decorative stuff, which is their focus, and some really offensively funny greeting cards, which is a nice irreverent treat.
All around I like them because they have style and I need some advise on that particular subject. -
Review from Mandy L.
10/11/2009
I was literally stopped in my tracks by a window design here and the items in it the other day.
I just want to decorate my house in this shop. I felt compelled to browse and spend all my money in there, good thing we had dinner plans near by and friends waiting.
Unique, fun, beautiful and interesting items await your purchase in this gem of a shop. -
Review from Callie K.
12/9/2009
Super cute!
Fancy candles in unusual scents like bonfire and boudoir, AMAZING vintage reproduction diner style clocks (really want to grab a red one for our kitchen!), and some of the cutest vintage inspired christmas ornaments around.
Finally made it in this last weekend and ended up shelling out a little over $100 for a xmas gift for my mom, and a couple of smaller gifts for extended family. Not terribly expensive, but not cheap either. I found the customer service to be not super warm & fuzzy, but not terrible either, just a bit standoffish. Granted there was only one employee and he may have just been trying to give me some space.
I pretty much want one of everything in the store although it's really the kind of place where if you are purchasing something like a antiquated bedroom mirror, you can only make one purchase at a time.
Great for gifts although I was bummed they don't do gift wrap, not even tissue paper in a cute Scout bag. :(
Next time I visit, If they offer to wrap my purchase and become a little more friendly I just may consider upping my review to 5 stars. -
Review from Gwen H.
Alameda, CA
12/15/2008
Love it! All sorts of fabulous little vintage and faux-vintage tchotchkes. And some really snazzy xmas ornaments I would've bought if I hadn't already procured my 2008 ornament.
Minus a star because they were out of G in all but one of the different kinds of letters they had. MORE G'S YO. Especially the big rhinestone-studded wall-hanging ones, I would've totally bought that. -
Review from Gourmet G.
San Francisco, CA
9/9/2005
Yelpers may recall that a few years ago, this shop became national news when owner Paul Silvera's window display - a few daisies in the end of a bolt of fabric entitled Weapons of Mass Decoration - was destroyed by two rocks tossed by someone who didn't think the tongue-in-cheek homage to peace activists of the '60s was amusing. When not stirring up controversy, Silvera is busy stocking his store with pricey merchandise related to travel, home, and garden, much of it acquired during seasonal vacations. Items include pillows made of vintage fabrics, notebooks, travel journals, trellises, terra-cotta pots, planters, and French marble-topped tables. He also provides information about accommodations, restaurants, and hunting for antiques in places he's visited far and wide.
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Review from Chris C.
Emeryville, CA
3/15/2009
Wow, I really can't get over how much I dislike this store. I mean, so much of me wants to like it - it's in a cool neighborhood, has an interesting concept, and it carries a nice mix of vintage and modern home accessories. But jeez, this store seems to go out of it's way to hire the most snobish hipsters I've ever seen. In my four visits, I've never been greeted or asked if I needed help. When I ask for help myself, I'm told that they're busy - even when I'm the only one in the store. I even had an employee stop me mid-sentence to answer his cell-phone. Yikes.
But in the end, it's a probably good thing that I haven't had any positive experiences here. When you get over the cool concept, there's really nothing there. The selection is mediocre, the prices are terrible and the exchange/return policy is non-existent (all sales final). With the economy the way it is, it's nice to have a reason to save money. Thanks, Scout. -
Review from stacey f.
Berkeley, CA
3/12/2009
This store and the owner are overated and a lot of hauty tauty junk that costs to much money. The owner is aloof and condescending. He is dishonest and I would not have him stage my garage if I were selling it.
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Review from krys s.
5/20/2011
if i could live anywhere in oakland, it would be in here. seriously!
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Review from David M.
Piedmont, CA
10/20/2010
My family has enjoyed this store - the items, the design and the whimsy - since it opened.
This, however, is about the paint.
I just completed four rooms in my house. Different colors, glosses, amounts. All beautiful, except for the yellow, which became pinkish, greyish, yuckish when applied to the bedroom wall. Odd light, we figured, and certainly not the paint's fault. After hours of (free) consultation and patience and many knowledgeable suggestions I got my fourth beautiful room.
Great things; smart people; amusing and enlightening store. Michele and Donovan know their stuff and enjoy sharing it.
Go to here. -
Review from Val G.
Belmont, CA
12/1/2007
KEEEYOOOOT! Very stylish, reasonable priced and full of great ideas. I love the recycled paint idea. I find the place an inspiration.
Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Asia N.
Berkeley, CA
12/2/2004
A cute boutique-y gift shop whose theme is "travel". They have frivolous things like passport holders and bound journals mixed with fancy merchandise like an old-old-school globe and antique desks. A really great place to get a gift for someone who has everything.
Listed in: Top Places To Shop
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Review from Yo K.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 3/22/2011
Was finally able to get in to buy the Mythic Paint I was looking for, good paint. Went back a second time for another color, their machine was down, couldn't tell me when it would be up and running. Seriously? It's like their 'only' product. Go to Eco Home Improvements on San Pablo instead. They have the same paint brand & more, better reliable hours and their machine works.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/2/2010
The website, yelp and the store hours posted on the door all say they are open until 7pm. Ive tried… Read more »
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Review from Michael M.
Sacramento, CA
12/16/2009
By the second or third home you visit, you'll recognize Scout Staging's landscaping from blocks away--it really is that awful. My last two home visits (Oakland 54th street) suggest that they are in league with the soulless real estate hucksters who feed on the desperation of Californians to own a home. I hope that from now on the sight of a Scout placard in the foyer will jar me back into reality--and remind me that shameless house flipping is in process.
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Review from R. M.
Oakland, CA
1/7/2008
Cute but small home decor place filled with stuff that looks great in those old Oakland homes. Worth checking out if you are in the viciinity of Telegraph and 51st. Go to Bakesale Betty's afterwards (it's a few doors up).
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Review from Michael H.
Hayward, CA
12/23/2008
There actually isn't a lot in this store. Yet what it does have is presented in a cohesive manner. This translates into a lot of potential ideas for your own home layout. Scout isn't exactly an ideal gift shop but more of a bite sized DIY home furnishing, accessorizing, spiffy-up store.
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Review from Kate M.
Point Richmond, CA
1/20/2008
Note to my family and friends: I adore everything in this store. The end.
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Review from Beth G.
Oakland, CA
1/29/2008
I love this store. The decor is beautiful, and I found myself touching everything, envisioning it in my own home. The pricing varies from reasonable to maaaaybe-a-little-pricy, but the one-of-a-kind feel of everything makes it worth it.
Oh, and the staff? Fabulous. -
Review from Maggie Baggie H.
San Francisco, CA
4/16/2008
actually....
everything in here belongs in my house. if you happen to wander in be sure to purchase all said items (again, everything) and return all items to me at once. thank you for your cooperation in this matter. -
Review from Farah S.
7/20/2009
I don't even own a house, but I couldn't walk out of this pretty place without buying something. Oaklanders have such good taste.
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Review from Joey C.
Oakland, CA
3/23/2009
I have used Scout to stage several of my own houses. Not only do they do a terrific job staging, but they could also assist with choosing paint colors, kitchen layout, finishes, and fixtures to ensure that all aspects of the home come together to make an amazing product.
As a bonus they give staging customers 20% off from any items purchased in their store. It's very useful for lighting, address numbers, and stylish mail boxes.
I would recommend (and I have) them to anyone looking for home staging. -
Review from W B.
Emeryville, CA
1/27/2011
I have used Scout Staging for my last three projects after a bad experience with another local staging company. Scott and his team have done a fabulous job creating a different décor to match each home. I have had nothing but a good experience working with Scott to help nail the design of each project. He has done a great job picking paint colors, tile, and counter tops. Scott and his team have been able to tie it all together in the end with great furniture and a mix of vintage and modern accessories that give each home a great feel.
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Review from Gordon J.
Oakland, CA
2/3/2009
My partner and I had been cruising the open houses in this neighborhood, and noticed that the best staging of the classic Rockridge bungulows were being done by this store. So, upon entering the store, it became obvious that the store serves several purposes - one, to display and sell some of the items used to stage open houses in the neighborhood; two, to entice local homeowners (or other people populating similar style homes) to furnish them similarly, and finally, three: to provide customized, made-to-order pieces for your cozy piece of heaven. It's a great business model - when the housing market is hot, they make money doing the staging. When there is a downturn (you know what I mean), they can sell to the homeowners/renters who have decided to dig in for the duration. The custom order business is just picking up, but we have been pleased with their service. Just remember that your taste or sense of aesthetics matters more than their taste!
