The Collective in Woodland Hills Is about More than Shopping

The Collective Interior and Garden, both chic and welcoming, features a wide array of vintage and fine art, custom-designed and reclaimed furniture, as well as an eclectic assortment of one-of-a-kind objects. Browsing, one senses that each item was carefully selected by someone with sophisticated taste. And indeed, owner Danielle Decker was trained from an early age to spot tasteful items. She is the daughter of an antique dealer, and she brings that keen eye to what she calls her “shoppable home.”

Danielle started out as a hair and makeup artist for fashion and advertising, then made the pivot to interior design after moving to the Valley seven years ago. “I was nine months pregnant with my second child when we started our full-gut remodel on our new home, and it literally gave me life. Whereas I had done design work for family and friends forever, I then realized this is what I need to do as a profession.” 

The notion of creating a brick-and-mortar store came years later. “As much as I loved my new neighborhood, I missed the sense of community I would get frequenting the shops and markets in my old Westside neighborhood.” Danielle approached her husband, Carlos Gonzalez, with the idea of opening her own store—a place where customers could not only shop but also mingle in an inviting setting. To her surprise, he not only agreed but suggested that he come on board as her partner. Carlos would deal with the “practical stuff,” while Danielle would focus on sourcing objects and designing the overall aesthetic.

The duo put their vision into motion when they set eyes on a 2,200-square-foot space at the Valley Country Mart, a U-shaped outdoor mall on Ventura Boulevard, where they would be surrounded by other mostly independent retail establishments. It was love at first sight. After renovating the space to create a modern loft-like feel with exposed ceilings and unpolished concrete floors, The Collective opened last November. 

From every angle in the bright and airy space, you’re met with a visual cornucopia. Each object carries its own unique history, whether it be an 18th-century oil painting, a 1930s Turkish tribal rug or a mid-century-inspired light fixture designed by Danielle herself. The store showcases numerous items with heft. Examples include a chunky antique artist table—once the centerpiece of a Santa Barbara art studio—and a custom-made 15-foot teak and marble dining table with a modern design.

Despite the scope and scale of the store, Danielle insists that “it’s not just about the products; it’s about the experience. We’re passionate about fostering a sense of community through the love of art, design and commerce. Each object here has been thoughtfully curated to help you embellish a home that feels like a true reflection of your personality and style.”