Lafayette's Zeeba adds timeless zest to home interior settings


Owner Simin Lalefar of Zeeba, a store for Antiques and much more

As they stroll Lafayette’s downtown, passersby are entranced by what they see in the window of Zeeba. Antique furniture, gilded lamps, framed artwork, an array of collectibles and more, much more. It’s no wonder that many of them are tempted to walk right in. And what a feast of treasures awaits! As customer Sharon Oliver of Benicia says, “No matter how much you see, there’s always more to discover. Every time I go in there, I find something I love!”

Zeeba, (Persian for beautiful) is owned by Simin Lalefar, a talented businesswoman who has been in the field of interior décor and furniture for many years. She also managed a consignment store in Pleasanton in 2006 and later opened her own store in Dublin. Lalefar had always dreamed of locating her business to the Lamorinda area, and when the opportunity came up, she was very excited. “I love the Lamorinda area,” she says and tells us that she still has family and friends who live here.

In the one short month since Zeeba opened its doors, the store has attracted a great deal of interest. “Everyone has been very welcoming,” says Simin Lalefar, with enthusiasm. Zeeba’s mix of high-end consignment pieces, as well as brand-new merchandise, seems to be the ideal mix that shoppers are looking for today. Says Sharon Oliver, “I admire how Simin has set up her store. It’s very tasteful, very high class!”

Indeed, Zeeba’s interiors remind you of a high-end interior décor store. But at prices that are much more affordable. The selection of furniture on the floor ranges from a gorgeous 3-piece settee in the Louis XV style to a classic Thomasville dining set, armoire and dresser that all came from a mansion in Santa Rosa, Ca.

Lalafer points out the Karges china cabinet with its elegant workmanship, that sells for a fraction of its original price. There are also some very unique pieces in her showroom, like the Asian hunting chair, the Chinese Tansu step chest and coffee tables inlaid with brass. And you can’t miss the huge, carved 4-poster canopy bed, that’s certainly a focal point of interest.

Juanita Proctor-Williams loves antiques and purchased a beautiful, antique French chair with a burgundy velvet seat from Zeeba. “The quality and selection are wonderful,” she says “You are sure to find something there that you won’t find anywhere else.”

If you’re looking for the perfect accessory to accent your interior décor, you will probably find it in this store. There’s the antique 100-year old vase that came from a private home in Orinda. Or the gorgeous Italian tole lamp with its gilded lilies and crystals. Perhaps one of the framed pieces of art will catch your fancy. Or, maybe you’ve always wanted to own a genuine Persian rug! At the other end of the spectrum, Zeeba carries some modern pieces as well. Like the blue glass sculpture signed by the artist. Or take your pick from new silk and brocade cushions that make a wonderful display in a corner armoire. Stairs lead to an upper floor with even more merchandise displayed here. It’s a veritable Alladin’s cave of fabulous finds. Including an array of women’s accessories like brand-name bags, purses and boots.

Roshon Williams’ home has a purple-themed palette and she found a striking, large vase with purple flowers at Zeeba. “I also bought a chaise-lounge here,” she adds. “I like the fact that you can find so many different, classy things in one place at Zeeba.”

Decorative items that attract the eye include collectibles from Lladro, Baccarat, Fenton and Giuseppe Armani. Music boxes from Italy and Germany, delicate Belleek dishes and beautiful Chinese tea sets are among the wide array of items you can find at Zeeba. There is even a men’s section with vintage and newer pieces including rings, an Agfa camera and sheathed dagger with a crystal handle.

How does Simin Lalefar find all these treasures? Many of the pieces come from high-end estates, and, over the years, she had also established a network of contacts in the antiques business. In addition, she has two valuable assets…her friends Patricia Hawkins and Aurora Georgiou who work with her. Hawkins helps manage the store and has years of experience in the business. Georgiou’s forte, we’re told is jewelry. She selects the high-end, unique estate pieces, both antique and vintage, that you see on display in Zeeba. Together, the three ladies make up a terrific team. Bringing their customers the variety of merchandise they appreciate. And, as Sharon Oliver tells us, they will even keep an eye open for the kind of piece that you request. “As customer service goes, they are wonderful,” says Oliver. “That’s one of the many nice things about Simin and Zeeba that I love!” 

Philippa Coelho
Zeeba
3574 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Lafayette, CA 94549
925-299-9400

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