

My favorite decorating sources in LA are Nickey Kehoe, Nathan Turner, Dream Collective Studio, and Pasadena Flea Markets (both at City College and the Rose Bowl). Since I'm always concerned with a client's budget and invariably short on time, I'm mindful of ways to save money and energy. An online home source with free shipping and returns is rare, so I'm loving Kate Spade Saturday when I need something graphic, geometric, and affordable. If I were going to splurge on something for myself, I'd buy something handmade and avant-garde from the Waka Waka table and chairs series at IKO IKO.

I like the challenge of fiddling with supermarket flowers when I can't make it to the Original LA Flower Market. But nothing tops Mayesh, my favorite vendor.

The secret to hanging a playful gallery wall is to mix it up with prints, paintings, and photos. Choose your favorites and nothing too matchy, not even the frames! I start with the focal point and work my way out. Try mapping out the wall first with tape and play with spacing until you're feeling 100% about placement. You can always swap things in and out as you grow tired or acquire something new.
How about hanging drapery in a pinch?
When it's not possible to tape or fake drapery on a set, I'll nail a lightweight, adjustable cafe rod for an instantly breathy drape. It's minimal effort to install and costs about three dollars at Target.

Douglas Friedman / Lonny
Now to the nitty-gritty. What's in your prop kit?I bought my heavy duty vintage canvas "Stylist Kit" bag at a thrift store. The inside tag reads: "The Bag Room, Flanders Hotel, Ocean City, NJ." The outside looks like a classic Boat n' Tote, but the inside is a veritable tool kit. My secret weapons include a miniature level and removable adhesives (toupee tape, museum wax, and blue painter's tape). I rely on 3M for a temporary hang, but when I have to go for it with a hammer and nail, I love OOK picture hangers because they secure the heaviest pieces. I also carry a small putty knife and spackle, just in case!
Related Articles:
Comments