Walk down the stairs of Scusi! in Excelsior, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Europe in the early 1900s. The decor and design boutique caters to those who love this kind of elegance.
The walls of Scusi! are as historic as the items that fill the space. After removing the pegboard walls during renovation, owner Debra Antone discovered the stone walls from the original building. And, says Antone, 75 years ago, the 3,000-square-foot space was used as a four-lane bowling alley.
Antone, who has collected antiques since she was 17, finds Scusi’s unique items through consignment, at auctions and in her travels around the world, as well as through local and international reps. She also supports local artists whenever she can, displaying and selling their work.
At night, the cavernous basement is transformed into a cellar-style music and event venue. With acts like the Excel Jazz Co-Op, Antone hopes to turn Scusi! into a go-to music destination. “It’s kind of becoming a speakeasy,” says Antone.
Scusi! also offers landscape, homescape and tablescape design services. Antone works with local decorators, landscapers, florists and caterers to bring her clients’ desires to life.
