11.08.24 | KATE’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY
^Los AngelesI love L.A. 4-years-ago me would find this take highly controversial, (there was a brief period in 2021 where I test-drove moving before promptly hightailing it back to Brooklyn), but a lot can change in a few years and my feelings toward California certainly have.
I spent the month of October out West, romping around the city. There are so many places- these are just a few noteworthy if you’re looking for lamps, or doorknobs, or ceramics or mirrors.. the list goes on and on.
1. The Rose Bowl Flea
1001 Rose Bowl Dr. Pasadena
Somehow between revisiting old Freunde von Freunden profiles and California daydreaming via Ray Kappe, I ended up on an interview with Australian jewelry designer Lucy Folk mentioning the Rose Bowl as a favorite source for furniture and cool pieces. I had never been to the Rose Bowl. Admittedly in all my time floating around the city, I had never really thought about it. Arriving two days before the 2nd Sunday, I bought a ticket for October’s and was off to the races.
There’s a strategy to fleas and I read up beforehand. Internet sources recommended a concentrated goal and said the real ones go early (general admission starts at 9a, but you can go as early as 5:30a). I went to bed Saturday with high ambitions and visions of a table lamp, slept through my alarm, and got there at 8... Maru coffee in hand.
Despite my FOMO, it still felt quiet and while huge, it’s organized by section (I obviously stuck to antiques / vintage/ furniture) and was easy to navigate. However, I didn’t find the table lamp of my dreams or anything I felt I couldn’t live without, so maybe it is true that the good things go fast.
TL;DR I don’t think you need to kill yourself to get there before dawn, but at $7 more than general admission, having an extra hour or two to peruse sans sensory overload makes the early bird ticket feel worth it. I cosign all the advice about a “shopping list” or vague idea of what you’re looking for also; it helped to have a filter.
1837 Hyperion Ave.
Counter-Space’s inventory feels both California and also the closest you can get to the Paris Flea without being in Paris. Lots of neutrals, woven, wood and always distinct (I mean look at this). I usually look to them for unique side chairs and smaller accessories; when I stopped in they had a ton of mirrors that made me wish I was working on a bathroom. If you’re not in LA don’t fret- their online inventory is regularly updated and a little less overwhelming than shopping irl.
3. Twenty One Tonnes
200 N. San Fernando Rd.
Twenty One Tonnes makes baskets that feel sort of like an Inès Bressand bag for your home. You’d think a good basket would be easy to find but it’s somehow not, and this is always a great place to find something simple, but sculptural and unexpected. Imagine this in your living room or on the floor of your closet. Bonus points: It’s a woman-owned small business.
West Side
4. Galerie Half & Seventh House
6911 & 7001 Melrose Ave. (respectively)
Neither one of these are secrets. Galerie Half specializes in 20th century vintage and antiques and Seventh House is their more modern counterpart, featuring contemporary designers alongside vintage. Currently looking at Louise Roe Champagne candle holders (if this were a gift guide, they would top it) and a 1940’s René Prou side chair. Spaced half a block apart on Melrose, both are 100% always worth the trip- even if just for dreaming.
5. Raum
200 N. San Fernando Rd.
Raum LA sadly slipped under my radar while I was out West but I know about it now and it’s on the top of my list for when I’m back. Their online inventory is limited, but everything is good- eyeing this unreal pair of slipper chairs, and a Poul Kjaerholm chaise. If you’re reading this, please go for both of us.
Off Topic // Everything Else
I went to the Marciano Art Foundation and no one I’ve spoken to seems to know what I’m talking about? A gem hidden in plain sight with a knockout collection. Staklena Kuća is a new vintage store on N. Virgil that is now a favorite alongside Sleeper on Sunset. Zodiac Pictures is a gallery in Santa Monica and a part of LACGC, a collective of galleries and spaces on the West Side of the city. Chase Hall and Ruby Neri are on view at David Kordansky. I mentioned Florian Krewer before, and there’s still a week left to see his show at Michael Werner (closing 11.16).
I have so many ideas and objects bookmarked for the perfect project, and I would love to help with yours. Book a consultation here, or contact me regarding working together on larger projects or styling in New York and LA.
Furniture For Thought
These chairs, which 100% belong on someone’s front porch or balcony, and the pendant light I really wish I’d known about before I bought an Akari. $2,333 | via Chairish
Price on Request | via Spazio Leone