(713) 527-9838
1708 Sunset Blvd
Houston,
TX
77005
29.7232
-95.4015
Neighborhoods: South Central, University Place
Reviews & Ratings for Surroundings
2 reviews
What users are saying:
08/28/06
New Surprises Every Time
by amorphousplasma
Surroundings might strike you at first as being overwhelmingly colorful and eccentric. But after a few visits to this treasure trove, you'll find yourself coming back as often as you can to see what new treats appear hidden away on shelves and in drawers. The staff is friendly and helpful, they'll even let you take something home to see if it matches your current decor without charging you until you're sure you want it. They are also well versed in the history and making of every item there. New items arrive on a regular basis, and there's even a beautiful, unique clothing shop behind the store. Stop by, relax in the comfortable rockers on the porch, and enjoy the unique vision that is Surroundings.
Former Peace Corps volunteer puts native knowledge to great use in this eclectic import shop.
by Contributor
The Scene
One day Robert Hawkins was in the Peace Corps boosting the Dominican Republic's tourist trade. Five years later, he was bringing Latin treasures to Houston to open his own store. Hawkins started with fabrics and earthenware from Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador and Peru, but after 25 years in business, he's added handcrafted jewelry, Turkish rugs and Moroccan ironwork. All the quality merchandise has its own history and culture, much like the owner and the store itself.
The Goods
Decorators enjoy the home accessories like kilim rugs from the Black Sea and Yugoslavia; a slew of lamps, some Tiffany-style, with shades made of seashells; and hand-woven cotton fabric from Guatemala. Handmade and painted pine furniture by Heights-based craftsman David Marsh sells big here, from modest shelving to big-ticket armoires.
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