Bungalow West
Guest Editor
Owner Brooke Hansen had over 25 years in luxury design and beauty manufacturing, catering to resorts, luxury hotels, salons and retail stores when she started designing candles with a specific vintage cabana vibe. Her burgeoning candle business led to a year of hosting successful pop-up events and taking in honest customer feedback. This prepared her and her husband, Don, to take a leap and launch their beloved brick-and-mortar boutique, Bungalow West, when the perfect downtown State Street location became available. The initial line of candles quickly evolved into a fully curated mix of East Coast preppy and West Coast lifestyle goods featuring exclusive in-house designs and global gifts, resulting in a masterful blend of elegance and casual comfort. And although the boutique's beach vibes are strong, there are plenty of sophisticated goods that work well for a landlocked lifestyle.
Each visit to Bungalow West promises to be a unique experience. The enticingly merchandised open-air alcove at the store entrance, which harkens back to the business's outdoor market beginnings, sets the tone for the fun found inside the shop. The welcoming and joyful atmosphere of the space is reinforced by the playful selection of home decor, clothing, gifts and games that range from perfect picks for those with a well-developed sense of humor to sweet sentiments on ceramic mugs and uber-soft baby blankets and sweet board books. Olfactory treats in the form of clean-burning candles and aromatherapy bath steamers abound, along with the tactile pleasures of cushy linen pillows and super-soft sweatshirts. There's also jewelry, tea towels, coffee table books and even cute tees for the doggos you adore.
The mingling of international visitors, loyal locals and friendly staff members often creates the air of an impromptu party. Pop in and experience the charm of Bungalow West, where all are welcome, and no invitation is required.
