As a magnet for some of the most innovative designers in the world, Los Angeles is full of shops and showrooms that showcase the endless imagination of its residents. Awe-inspiring furniture showrooms, L.A.-maker-dedicated pop-ups, a vintage lover’s paradise and other specialty stores offer items big and small that capture the spirit of L.A. design
By Teena Apeles
SALVARE GOODS
We can’t say enough what a wonder this store is. Its collection of beautifully staged vintage furnishings delight, but the real pleasure here is the treasure hunt. Visitors are invited to scour every inch of the main space and small back warehouse. Architectural salvage, exquisite furniture pieces and an array of items from your childhood lost and found greet you everywhere you turn. Don’t miss the opportunity to open drawers and dig through boxes; you’ll be charmed by what you might find. 2439 Riverside Drive, Frogtown, 323.486.7785, instagram.com/salvaregoods
NEWMADE LA
Great, affordable design? Yes, there is such a thing, and you can find it at this showroom inside Amsterdam Modern, located in a warehouse in creative neighborhood Echo Park. Everyday items get a midcentury spin here, including a brass geometric toilet-paper holder and a triangle wall planter. Pair a piece with Amsterdam Modern’s vintage midcentury-modern furniture, sourced from all corners of Holland. 134 Glendale Blvd., Echo Park, 213.221.7380, newmadela.com
LA ORIGINAL AT LAX
For gifts that truly embody the city’s relaxed yet upbeat vibe, look no further than the LA Original pop-up stores at terminals 1 and 4 at LAX. Find a wide range of L.A.-branded products by local makers, such as ultracool men’s accessories by Pocket Square Clothing and home decor by Wolfum, Concrete Geometric and Made by DWC (Downtown Women’s Center). Most of LA Original’s offerings are produced in the city as well, and each purchase comes with the added feel-good benefit of supporting creative entrepreneur programs. Los Angeles International Airport, 1 World Way, L.A.: Terminal 1 (Southwest Airlines), 424.200.0148; and Terminal 4 (Tom Bradley International Terminal), 424.200.0009, laoriginal.com
THE HÄNGAR
For an eclectic mix of contemporary furniture, art by emerging and noteworthy L.A.-based artists, and rare threads curated by Lulu Filipino Vintage, head west to the Hängar’s massive, 7,000-square-foot design space. Spend the day drifting from one beautifully curated dream “room” to another; the looks range from industrially inclined to boho-inspired. 2408 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.392.6111, thehangarla.com
POKETO
Joyous items for your home and life—bursting with bright colors and patterns—await at Poketo, which also hosts monthly workshops that cultivate creativity. This month’s lineup: Oct. 5, “Photoshop 101 with Puno” of ilovecreatives, at the store’s Line Hotel location, and, on Oct. 26, “Painting with Natural Dyes” with Liz Spencer of Dogwood Dyer, at Poketo Project Space at Row DTLA. While you’re there, don’t forget to pick up the founders’ new book, Creative Spaces, which explores the lives and spaces of, you guessedit, creatives. The Line Hotel, 3515 Wilshire Blvd., Koreatown, 213.381.7411; Row DTLA, 777 S. Alameda St., #174, downtown, 213.372.5686, poketo.com
KNOLL LOS ANGELES
Home Design Shop
Sure, Knoll has its flagship location in New York, but the way its L.A. outpost’s modern furnishings are presented reflects a very Southern California attitude: welcoming and laid-back. The shop is located on Robertson Boulevard, and its coveted designer furniture—such as Eero Saarinen chairs and Warren Platner tables—is fitting for the celebrity clientele who live in the neighborhood. 314 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.620.2680, knoll.com