Tucked in a narrow peninsula bordered on three sides by steep, open green space, Kensington is one of San Diego’s most charming and walkable neighborhoods. Ornamental lighting luminates the streets which are framed by stone gateways and lined with Spanish Revival homes.
At the center is a miniature “main street” along Adams Avenue, where coffee shops, local restaurants, and cultural landmarks like the Ken Theatre and Kensington Café create a lively community. Just a few steps away, you’ll find the branch library and charming parks that make night strolls feel timeless.
A Neighborhood Full of Character and History
Adams Avenue and El Cajon Boulevard are Kensington’s business corridors. Filled with small shops that locals know by name: grocery stores, medical clinics, restaurants, banks, and schools. Daily life here revolves around connection, neighbors greeting each other at the café, petting dogs on morning walks, or pausing by a Little Free Library for shared books.
Nestled between the floral shop and a café on Adams Avenue, Bench Home calls, well home. The shop fits seamlessly into the neighborhood’s welcoming spirit, offering a space to browse, linger, and discover something special.
The Story Behind our Beloved Local Shop
Bench Home began as an answer to a simple question: What if Kensington had a store that felt as curated and charming as the neighborhood?
Owner Helen, who lived in Kensington for over twelve years, noticed the lack of retail spaces in the area. She envisioned a shop where locals could find one-of-a-kind gifts, home décor, and artisan pieces—without leaving the neighborhood. That vision became Bench, a store designed to reflect Kensington’s creativity and the warmth of its people.
The Heart Behind the Counter
Helen’s love for retail started early, with her very first job in Alabama. She discovered a knack for matching customers with the perfect item. After earning a degree in Fashion Merchandising & Design from Auburn University, she built a successful career with Oakley, becoming one of their top sales reps.
Her approach to curating Bench Home is part intuition, part intention:
“I trust my feeling on products I think will make our customers happy, and I like to support local artists and smaller artisans that may need an outlet for their items. I also gravitate toward vendors who are outside the US and unique to our area. Inspiration inevitably comes from special items and trends while traveling on holiday.”
Inside the store, you’ll find everything from local artwork and handmade jewelry to seasonal home décor and candles, all carefully chosen to spark joy and creative inspiration.
Come See What We’ve Curated for You
Bench isn’t just a store, it's a perfect reflection of the Kensington neighborhood. Whether you’re a San Diego local or just passing through, stop in or browse our online shop to see if you find something that feels so perfectly you.