Designers are making their contribution to the resurgence of the historic South Park District.
Together, Terrence Burns and Michael Carruba are applying their experience in retail, design and theatrical and fine arts to operate World Visual Interiors.
The new furniture and gifts boutique is fitting into the “Beech Street Square” a few miles east of Downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter. The recently revitalized area is home to an art gallery, a vintage hardware store, clothing boutiques, a quaint coffee shop, a holistic drug store and a barbershop.
Carruba said the opening of World Visual Interiors four months ago renewed the interest of neighboring commercial outlets to continue renovations.
“They’re putting in a Costco and a Home Depot within a mile of our store,” Carruba said. “They’re finally starting to put major money in the area, which is a telltale sign of growth.”
The World Visual boutique carries eclectic items from around the world, including trunks, armoires, tables, bookcases and wine cabinets. Assorted home and garden products are offered along with personal and spiritual creative gifts, from frames and ethnic masks to organic bath products and aromatherapy products.
Shoppers may not always be able to find Burns and Carruba working in the shop, though. They’re in the process of designing 16 homes now and they also set up the Metropolis Furniture stores in Hillcrest, Encinitas, Scottsdale, Ariz., and three others opening soon.
, Julie Brown
