I love browsing this place - they have so much cute stuff that makes me wish I had a sense of style and knew what to do with it. And, a budget. Whoever buys for this shop has great taste! Conveniently located - plenty of browsing & window shopping to be had in Rockridge nearby - don't be hesitate to pop in and check out Maison d'Etre, you never know what you will find! read more

Been coming here for years. I love how Fred decorates the store. The elegant glass cases, shelved with the most beautiful pieces of ceramics and glass. The layers of textiles, and the whimsical lights on display. I adore the antiques they sell - though yes, I agree with many of the other critics - prices can be quite high - though I suppose I am paying for Fred's keen eye. I am glad that this store makes up the fabric of Rockridge. The owners have worked very hard to establish this store - and it shows. read more

This store is so chic, it's almost distasteful. Everything you never knew you wanted is here. Decor, jewelry, cards, books. Quentissential Rockridge Radiance. Fred. I love your store. read more

I come here to get gifts for my female friends. They have a great selection of fun books and stationary, bedding, soaps and balms, cute things for the home, and an incredible variety of jewelry made by local artists. I would describe it as rustic french countryside with a modern twist. It's not a cheap place, but heck if you're buying a gift from someone here, shouldn't you spend an extra $5 bucks on something that's higher quality? Well, I guess that would depend on the friend... read more

I have been shopping at Maison d'Etre since it opened and these days, we are shopping local first. So, when I'm looking for something unique or fun gift...it's the the first stop. Staff is always friendly and helpful. And yes, I even buy some things for me once in a while which is always a treat. The items I've gotten there over the years are still being used (and one gets used every single day!!) And, a plus: it's the only place in the neighborhood that has treats that our pooch will eat.... Not in the area? Hop off Bart at Rockridge and it's right on the corner. Worth the trip. read more

A great local store for finding nicknacks, gifts, and style from soap, to stationary, to jewelry, to home decor and other local crafts.

I think I stepped through a wormhole to Paris. Marriage Freres tea?? Freekin Awesome! I think *maybe* this may be the only place in the bay area that you can buy heaven loose leaf and in a can. Everything else here is top notch; a real eclectic mix of original goods. read more

Wow, College Avenue has changed so much over the years. Now there are so many cute, interesting stores. Maison d'Etre is one of these stores! I was recently on College avenue trying to kill some time until I was meeting one of my friends for lunch. I also needed to find a present for a friend expecting a baby, so I walked up and down College Avenue looking for a good store to do some browsing. I happened upon Maison d'Etre and I'm so glad I walked in! The store has a large variety of items - a large assortment of jewelry, household items, jewelry, stationery, baby items, pet items, and more! I was able to find the perfect gift and card for my friend! And, the staff did a fantastic job wrapping it up! I will be back again! read more

So expensive, and I'm sure the items alone would all be less attractive without the country cottage vibe and the whimsical decor. But together, they work. They even have jewelries from the same designers you would find at the SF MoMA store. Not that I wear little carved wooden necklaces, but I find them cute on the girlfriend. A sign by the door said "buy local," and that was enough for me to use as an excuse to drop some dollars. read more

I often would walk from the BART parking lot to Ben and Nick's for dinner. When doing this one would automatically pass Maison's sexy window displays. Once, on my way back to the car after a few pints (I was not the one driving, ahem) I pictured myself throwing a large rock (perhaps I'd find it hidden in the blanket of disgusting, old ivy that lines the perimeter of the BART parking lot?) smash the window and take off with as many/first chandelier(s) that I could find. Everything is well done and expensive. So yes, there are amazing light fixtures, plates, old wooden tables refinished to aesthetic orgasm and a myriad of other eye-aphrodisiacs that fill this rather small establishment, but note that you won't walk out of there a rich man or woman even if you walked in one! I live in LA now and Maison would give Brentwood's Grace Home a run for it's money... and they have a shit ton of it. read more

I found my amazing new Molly M. earrings here!! Maison d'etre thank you for carrying this artist's lovely work. I'd seen her wood carved earrings elsewhere and since then kept wanting to buy them, when lo and behold there they were at your store. www.mollymdesigns.com!! read more

I love this store! They have so many cute things here that you won't find in other stores. They have some really nice jewelry, homewares, and apothecary. Prices are on the high side but I'm always happy with my purchases from here. read more

Anytime I am in Rockridge, I take a peek here. They have the most gorgeous table linens! Ok, yes, I know that sounds odd to get excited about table linens, but seriously, they are so colorful and pretty. This is a great place to find all kinds of knick-knacky gifty items. Most of the time, they end up becoming gifts for myself. Fancy tea, pretty linens, wallets, purses, and tableware...baby stuff (way cute booties and clothes), coffee table books to go with all. Missing a star because prices are somewhat high. But I still end up parting with money when I go there. read more

I debated on the stars... +1 for having a bunch of really interesting to look at stuff. +1 for leaving me alone to browse +1 for having just about something gifty for nearly everyone. +1 for having unique things that you can't "get at a mall" +1 for the friendly lady behind the counter (yeah after reading the other reviews I was a bit suspicious but she was very nice - not overly talkative just pleasant) So that would bring it up to 5 stars. But now the downside -1 all that unique, gifty, fun stuff is mostly useless eye-candy that although pretty no one "needs" Nothing in the store is a "gotta have it" -1 Overpriced. there - I agree with all the other reviewers who said this. I happened to find a perfect card for a friend - normal price point anywhere else would have been 2.50 - it is a very basic card - nothing fancy. Just a picture on the front and blank inside (a blank!!! card) $4.50!!!! I was shocked. I also found a t-shirt that was tres cute - $49!!! down the street at Cotton they have something very similar for $15. -1 for overpriced yard sale crap. That should bring us to 2 stars. But I bumped it up one out of the goodness of my heart. Clearly they are "trying" to have a nice shop in Rockridge and appeal to the 30 - 40 something crowd that I belong to. I also did find the cutest little stuffed fluffy toy, and it was very reasonably priced at $13. I also don't think they are long for this world - I have seen so many of these "chic and trendy gifty" places come and go along College Ave. Seriously how many useless beautiful things can one sell to make rent? One would need to sell a lot! read more

It was do-a-little-shopping-on-a-limited-budget-for-the-new-house day. After a great lunch and haircut, I headed up to what might be perceived to be Maison's "competition" up the street, Homesteader, got a little awesome something there, and then decided to FINALLY check out Maison. Well, I was suitably impressed when I walked in the door. Big, big inventory of great, cute, eclectic stuff. Some vintage, some mod, some hand-crafted wares, some very environmentally sound wares. Kids' clothing, jewelry, beautiful chandeliers, awesome clocks, antique glasses, adorable kitschy eyewear...and on.... and on. I picked up some beautiful blue, vintage little glasses that will sit on my mantlepiece and tie in beautifully with my blue curtains. I really perceive this store to be the complement to Homesteader, which has a strong emphasis on furniture, which Maison de-emphasizes. My one complaint is that I think some of the Maison items were a bit over-priced-- not all of them, but a few. Otherwise, a really fun store for browsing and shopping. read more

Avoid this place, as they are not honorable with customers. I am a long-time customer and fellow business owner in Rockridge, and purchased many items here over the years - jewelry, clothing, art work, decor, etc. This week, I made an agreement with the owner, Fred, to buy a black panther displayed in the window. We agreed to layaway terms, and he gave an unambiguous "ok" to proceed with the agreement. Then, he contacted me the next day with a text informing me that he had another customer who wanted it, and who was ready to pay now in full. He didn't acknowledge that, with this communication, he was nullifying our agreement, and did not take any accountability on his end for having broken that agreement. Perhaps he was trying to force me to pay in full by making up a fake customer. When I called him on going against his agreement and expressed the negative impact on the relationship, he responded by telling me to put it all on credit card and manage the payments myself, which he said was better for HIM. Apparently, greed trumps all, even with a long-time customer. It is sad to experience this in a long-standing relationship, where previously there was mutual trust. I have always appreciated the sense of community in Rockridge, but now I can see that the impersonal, greed-motivated values of our times have taken over what was previously an oasis of humane relating for me. I feel sad, and will never shop here again. read more

Terrible customer relations. We bought something there when we came home we realized that it would not work and brought it back the next day. The store would not refund our money and only gave it store credit. When we went back, we found items that were outrageously over-priced. The only thing we found that we could use, was hand cream. Don't go there if you want customer service. read more

The merchandise is cute and I like the punny title, but this place is more expensive than Paris. Nothing in this store is even remotely affordable. The man behind the counter looked at me like I was going to steal something. Maybe next time I WILL steal something manufactured in Thailand that you pawn off as French because you'll be too busy with the grown-ups to notice. read more

Given the fragile state of our economy, I've been avoiding Maison d'Etre because I simply cannot justify the luxury. But last weekend, the amazing window display was calling my name, so I walked in and bumped smack into Robert Reich juggling a handful of beautiful things. Alas, consumer confidence has been restored. Now, should should one pay $30 for a lone place mat, albeit a totally unique and cool one? Well, if Reich will, I will. read more

Duck when you enter Maison d'Etre. There are so many mobiles hanging from the ceiling. I bumped into one with tiny dogs. A fellow shopper laughed. How's that for an ice breaker? Great store. I found very long matches here, perfect for lighting candles. I also found an extensive assortment of Mariage Freres teas. The prices range. It's great for gift giving, or just to treat yourself! I spied baby clothes, men's silk boxers and women's PJ's here too! read more

BEWARE -- this store does "return for store credit only". I did not notice the sign stating this. I tried to return a home decor item which once I got it home didn't match colorwise. They also have a "take home on approval" policy -- but because I didn't specifically ask for that, they would not refund my money, only give me store credit. This is really about trapping people into spending money there -- they could easily have refunded my money as a courtesy, and not penalized me because I didn't ASK to take it home "on approval" when I bought it. Very poor treatment of a customer, in my opinion. I will obviously have to spend my store credit, but once I've done that, I'm never shopping at this store again. If you want return business, treat have to your customers with some respect! read more

A great place to buy gifts that are elegant, useful and artistic. I was sad when they first closed--when they were further down the block on College. But it was worth the wait (years later for them to reopen) since it is a much larger space with more selection. read more

This is a favorite place for browsing and gift (for myself and others) buying. It is always a treat to spend time here: gorgeous, obviously carefully chosen objects, books, paper goods, toys, etc., exceedingly nice people and it smells wonderful too! New things are mixed with lovely vintage household items to create a wonderful visual landscape that is inspiring. As others have pointed out, some things are pricey, but others are not ... there is a nice range that makes it a great place for stocking stuffers as well as for more significant gifts. read more

The negative comments from various reviewers about Maison's staff and offerings seem whiny and trite. Obviously these thin skinned crybabies found a soapbox to stand on and defend bruised egos and this is it, for better or worse. The owners of Maison d'Etre clearly take tremendous pride in their store, the neighborhood, and their wares and atmosphere reflect this. They work very hard, have shopped the flea markets as real dealers do, for the last 20 years, and do the obligatory product trade shows. They have amazing chandeliers, French farm antiques, locally found antiques, and a little modern (See Form Vintage Modern down the street for amazing vintage design). read more

Wonderful eclectic Frenchish flavor - a multitude of gift items...also practical items such as Chiliwich place mats and rugs, pajamas, and baby clothing. You can get really nice reading glasses, tablecloths, books, etc. It all goes together to make for a great atmosphere in which to shop. read more

It's got all things for your french decor and french inspired decor, including a $63 pillow case.

Whenever I am in Berkeley I make sure to visit Maison d'Etre in Oakland! This special store is chalk full of the latest and most beautiful home products, as well as carefully chosen books and gifts. Recently I purchased the CURVE tea cup as a gift but I ended up enjoying MY tea this morning! Sorry pal! Anyway if you are in the area, make Maison d'Etre a must on your itinerary! read more

Maison d'Etre is one of the best places to go for unique books, housewares, cards, candles, etc. Although they're a bit pricey, most of their merchandise is high quality and worth every penny. The owners are willing to help you find what you're looking for, though I've noticed they can be kind of aloof or altogether absent. I'd recommed Maison d'Etre only if you have a little extra moolah to burn or if you appreciate quirky trinkets and things. read more

Maison d'Etre gets points for the friendliness of staff, the exquisiteness of displays, uniqueness of products, and originality of name. I love this place and dream of someday owning a home to give it a slice of the flavor in this wonderful Rockridge gem. read more

I am in love with this place. I always go in to drool and wish I could buy the sheets, towels, tablecloths, etc. Everything is so luxe. I have purchased the neverending supply of plastic plates because I like how light they are. So cute! I have bought gorgeous jewelry and basically want to move in there. Can I? read more

By far one of the most refreshing retail spaces I've seen in a long time. Quality product, excellent selection and fun.

This boutique has been my favorite go-to for years!!!! Weather I'm looking for a gift, or looking to update my decor/accessories in my own home this store is my jam! They have a beautiful mix of new staples and vintage one-of-a-kind finds. There is ALWAYS new merchandise. It is so fun to pop in every time I'm in the neighborhood and just see what's new and fun. And honestly, one of the best parts is the owners daughter Lily. She is such a ray of sunshine every time I walk in the door. I always feel welcome and she is extremely helpful with anything I'm looking for,... or random things I never knew I needed. Ha ha. The family who owns this amazing store is a reflection of the amazing merchandise. A must see in Rockridge. read more

A lovely, upscale boutique in Rockridge. It is a great place to pick up a gift or a treat for yourself. I purchased a gorgeous bracelet and a ridiculously expensive S'well water bottle that I love there. They have a large selection of Chilewitch placemats and floor rugs. The store is jam-packed with delightful goodies. Check it out. read more

Adorable store with a cool selection of stuff for kids, home decor, kitchenware.. love that they carry swell bottles !

Cute store. They actually had the Swell Bottles that I have been searching for!! They had all 3 sizes but colors were limited. On the Swell website, they sell for $35 and at the store they sell it for $32 plus you don't have to worry about paying the $6- shipping fee which is nice. They also had lots of cute gift worthy stuff. read more

Great store to visit for unique gifts! I love their selection of gifts and jewelry. Items can be pricey depending on what you're looking for, however items are special and not mass marketed. A nice place to pick up a gift for yourself. read more

I haven't ever bought anything here - but I've been in twice and they have very cute things. And they are always really nice to my doggie.

I could drop a ton of $$ in this store. Really lovely merchandise...all sorts of interesting, hand-picked, things for the home and personal use...a good range of prices too. The thing I LOVE about this store is that I went in there during the Christmas mayhem with my 3 yr old and 7 month old, the latter of whom had just lost the plot after a lady stuck her head in his stroller and bellowed 'he's so cute!'...the store owners didn't pounce on me or glare in our direction, instead they offered to find a quiet spot in case I needed to feed him. A truly stand out customer service moment in my books. read more

They have a really good eye here for the odd antique object or things like a piece of wood re-purposed from some other life. This store really stands out from other somewhat similar stores that have gifts and cute objects. The owner chooses the best example of each kind of textile that they have towards the back of the store. read more

Sensory overload - lots of cute things packed in a small space so it's a bit cluttered and hard to find things. You'll need to spend some time browsing but it's a good spot for cute and unique gifts. They had nice teas/tea acoutrements/tea towels, a great assortment of beautifully packaged soaps/lotions/candles, lots of things for baby. It is pricey and I am not sure how these types of shops survive with several others like it all on the same street or block but they seem to be doing well. read more