Scandi-Euro comes to Issaquah | Splendid Avenue opens in Gilman Village

Published 4:58 pm Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Monika Claassen still has her Swedish accent even though she’s been in the United States for many years. She’s had a passion for design since she was 4-years-old, and greatly appreciates European and Scandinavian design — so much so that she has brought her sense of style to Issaquah’s Gilman Village with her new store, Splendid Avenue.

Claassen is originally from Stockholm, Sweden, but she ended up in California’s Silicon Valley in the field of public relations for a technology firm. There, she met her husband, Peter, who grew up in Sydney, British Columbia. The couple moved here from California and settled in Sammamish for the schools and because it’s close to Peter’s work. It was a perfect place to raise their three children, Frieda, Elsa and William.

“I love being a mom, but I have a lot of energy so I started importing Swedish antiques,” Claassen said.

That was in 2008-2009 – then the crash came. Shortly thereafter, Peter suggested she start a design blog. She didn’t know what a blog was, but it took off and soon she had 50,000-60,000 readers per month. As the blog grew, Peter suggested she sell something. So, she decided to start with Isle Jacobsen handmade rubber boots and coats from Denmark. After all, this is the Pacific Northwest and people do need to keep warm and dry.

As she kept adding to the now website, splendidwillow.com, people started asking her why she didn’t have a storefront. She thought about Kirkland or Bellevue, but then it occurred to her that Gilman Village might be worth a look.

“Lucky You really inspired me, along with the other shops,” she said.

Rather than be in a “newer” space, there was one open in the village with an abundance of windows and light. She knew this was it. The couple began renovating the space, including very light colored hardwood laminate floors. It’s dark in Sweden in the winter, and she wanted to keep the setting bright and inviting.

Since opening Oct. 24, her expectations have been more than met she said.

“I have regulars! People who come back,” she said.

“Scandi-Euro” is a term she made up, and that is what she calls her decor and clothing inventory. Not everything is imported from Europe, but the majority is. She has many U.S. exclusives, with some products made in the U.S. that have a Euro-feel.

“I would describe it as a lifestyles shop,” Claassen said. “I have jewelry, home decor, toys and clothing.”

She also carries a few antiques, including an exquisite chest and some old framed documents.

Claassen said she is extremely happy in Gilman Village; her goal is to attract people to the village as a destination.

“I love it here, I really do,” she said. “I’m here to stay.”

European toys and children’s clothing adorn this display at Splendid Avenue.

Isle Jacobsen handmade Danish boots were the first item that Monika Claassen starting selling on her website splendidwillow.com.

Home accessories include pillows, candles and much more.