A change of Atmodsphere 

It’s no secret that SLO’s streets can harbor some rather offensive smells stemming from late-night bar crawls.The wonderful earthy and fresh-laundry-infused scent that pours out from Atmodsphere’s doors is the perfect antidote. It’s the type of smell you want to crawl inside of and live in forever.

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• PHOTO BY STEVE E. MILLER
• DESIGNING SLO : Carla Wingett, manager of Atmodsphere, offers quality home products.

But even if the scent doesn’t draw you in for a shopping adventure, a cursory window-glance at the merchandise will.

Manager Carla Wingett said that since opening the doors in November of last year, Atmodsphere has provided downtown San Luis Obispo with something unique.

“It’s really different from anything in the county. Before, you’d have to go to San Francisco or Los Angeles to find a place like this, but we’re really happy to be here,” she said.

Wingett manages Atmodsphere for the owner, Kyongmee Kim, who lives in Austin. It’s an unconventional move that takes tremendous amounts of trust, but Wingett said the arrangement works very well.

“We have very similar styles, and we both have the same vision for the business and what we hope to do in the future,” Wingett explained.

While Atmodsphere caters to a modern design palate, the space avoids feeling stale or concrete. Wingett constantly varies the products, and new merchandise comes in weekly.

From hummingbird feeders to Pablo design light fixtures, Wingett tries to find products that are not only humane, but also sustainable.

“We have light fixtures in here that are Cradle to Cradle certified, so that focuses on creating objects that are functional, beautiful, and will have life beyond their original purpose,” she said.

There’s something for everyone in Atmodsphere, and Wingett said the products are an investment for the future.

“You might pay a bit more upfront, but everything in here is built to last for a very long time,” she said. “I try to pick pieces that are functional, beautiful, and well-designed.”

Atmodsphere carries local designers and artists like Jory Brigham, who has several handcrafted wood pieces available.

The recently retrofitted store is light-filled and the original masonry is exposed beneath the occasional industrial pillar, giving it that New York loft feel. Wingett said this makes the space perfect for the various events she has planned in the coming months, including using an upstairs floor as a space for book signings and design lectures.

“I like to think of this space as a gallery, so we’re going to be doing a lot with the art and design communities, like holding an artist reception for Art After Dark and hosting workshops,” she said.

Atmodsphere’s event calendar is quickly filling up with a wide variety of activities to engage the community in design, including a terrarium workshop and acrylic painting workshop with Sandra Saenz. On Feb. 10, there will be a Valentine workshop taught by the folks from Paper Sky.

Wingett is excited to see where the coming months will take Atmodsphere.

“We really want to get connected to the design community and continue to reflect that principle of supporting things that are made well, designed well, and are sustainable,” Wingett said.

Atmodsphere is at 1119 Chorro St. in SLO. Hours and other information can be found at their website, atmodsphere.com, or by visiting their Facebook page.

Fast fact

Heaven Can Wait, a Paso Robles- based equine sanctuary, is looking for horse sponsors or patrons willing to offer a one-time cash donation. A one-month sponsorship costs $50, a three-month costs $130, six months cost $250, and 12 months cost $350. If you don’t have money to give, consider becoming a volunteer. Equine-lovers are needed to care for animals, provide maintenance for the facilities, and offer administrative support for the nonprofit. For more information, visit heavencanwait.us or call 368-5702. ∆

Intern Maeva Considine compiled this week’s Stroke and Plugs. Send your business news to [email protected].