New inventory, familiar faces

Barbara Diamond

The divided doors that gave a new store its name opened Saturday in

the Lumberyard Mall.

“Family and friends have all chipped in to make this happen,” said

Diann Shirley, owner of the Dutch Door.

Home decorations, garden items, collectibles, antiques, baby

gifts, greeting cards photographs, ceramics and art glass are

displayed at the store. Some are seasonal, some not. Many of the

items are one-of-a-kind and once sold cannot be replaced. However,

new pieces will be brought in as they catch Shirley’s fancy or her

instinct for what will please customers, honed by nine years as a

gift buyer for McCalla’s Pharmacy.

Perhaps the most unique item in the store on opening day was an

antique porcelain baby bath, big enough for a two year old -- or

champagne bottles stashed in shaved ice. Another unusual item was an

expandable baby or pet gate made from twigs. A seamstress’ dummy also

attracted attention.

“This will be a work in progress,” Shirley said.

Some familiar faces will greet customers. Longtime McCalla

employee Teresa Nall will be working with Shirley. Bruce Buyers is a

consultant.

On opening day, the staff was augmented by Shirley’s husband Kim,

a real estate broker, and their daughter, April.

The Shirleys have lived in town since 1982. They also have a son,

Brett. Both children attended Laguna Beach schools.

The Dutch Door is located in Suite 9 at the Lumberyard, replacing

the Laguna Flower Co. The florist plans to move into a remodeled

space in the front of the complex.

Shirley divided the shop into three distinct areas by content. A

gracious, parlor-like front room, complete with fireplace and wing

chair, looks out on the courtyard. Cards are displayed in a smaller

space in the back of the store. The Nest has baby items.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m.

to 5 p.m., Saturdays; and noon to 5 p.m., Sundays.

For more information, call (949) 497-7899.