I always seem to find myself inspired on vacation. The change of scenery, regardless of where I am, provides me with a fresh design perspective and renewed inspiration at a minimum. Great shopping cities are a treasure trove of inspirational vignettes, as are stylish hotels and restaurants. If the place where I am currently resting my head is beautifully scenic or richly historic, then my creative juices really start flowing.
I was in Los Angeles on family vacation a couple of weeks ago, and spent some time mentally rearranging my living room and bedroom. I rearranged my living room my first day back and it is wonderfully transformed. When I can, I will show you some pictures. On my last full day there, I was able to steal away from the crew to spend a morning shopping. My first stop was at Velvet & Linen’s Giannetti Home. I had a chance to spend a few minutes with Brook, who is just delightful in person. Her shop is truly lovely. While she is always generous in showing images of her store, they somehow don’t do it justice. I think it’s because you can’t capture on film that moment of walking into a place and having it sort of take your breath away. And I am pretty confident that this is how most people feel when they walk into Giannetti home for the first time. Brook recently did a post on some wonderful pillows that she has in the store, you should go and visit it here. Since Brook is a wonderful blogger, photographer, and designer extraordinaire, I didn’t feel comfortable taking pictures of her shop. She does such a lovely job of keeping her readers up to date on what’s new there. So, for images of the store, visit her blog and feast your eyes.
My next destination was La Cienega Blvd, which is fabulous design district. All of the names that you might be familiar with from the West Coast – Lee Stanton, Lucca Antiques, etc. are all there. I only had an hour and so I was laser-like in my focus and desire to see Maison Au Naturel No. 819 which is where Dan Marty currently displays his wares. I first became aware of Dan Marty when Megan from Beach Bungalow 8 wrote me that she thought I would love his shop. I promptly did some research and fell in love with the images that I saw. He recently relocated and I was anxious to see his things in person. So that feeling I described having in Brook’s store was much in evidence when I walked into the shop. Each vignette sort of unfolded upon the next and I loved walking that path of discovery between them and among them. Even more fun is that I took lots of photos for you and here they are:
This is the first vignette that you see when you walk in the door. It is so fresh and yet blue and white is a classic. I think that the pillows made from vintage fabrics give this vignette a very of the moment feeling. The store is full of vintage textiles, whether grain sacks, batik or ikat. Heavenly, all of them.
More blue and white, displayed with great panache. I really liked the trunk in the photo above, which was covered in a great fabric stripe.
See how many vintage textiles they have? You can buy them by the piece or roll, or better yet, get one of their pillows.
Like this one, or
one of these. The painted doctor’s bag is a hoot. They also have taken vintage look suitcases that are painted white. I have no idea whether these are truly vintage and have been repurposed or are a new line, but they are fun.
But it’s the vignettes at the store that really make it magical. Here are some that I think are just fantastic.
The placement of the pictures is just masterful, and you get to see more of those great pillows on the sofa.
A closer view. That crane is fantastic.
This vignette really packs a visual punch.
I have never seen a chair back like this before. What a contrast. The whole scene works for me, though.
This is just wonderful. I think that what makes these vignettes work is the element of fantasy. This is a potting table as only a designer would have one! If I could have just one thing from this store, it would be that crane. Or maybe one of those wonderful pillows. Although the trunk was pretty fantastic, too. Hmmm. Obviously, I am torn. What would you get, and where would you put it?
More tomorrow. Carpool calls…
Kristin
ps. I don’t know why this site is garnering so much spam in the comments section. I keep trying to adjust my settings more stringently to avoid it. I know it’s irritating and I am so sorry. I will keep working on it, though.
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I love Dan Marty. I think is a genius. I first met him when he had his show room in the Pacific Design center. The darker beige/grey color on the back wall is a wonderful backdrop to his unique things. I haven’t made it up to Maison Au Natural yet, thank you for giving us a sneak peak. I must put it on my list of things to do. Sue
Wow! Love these pics–can’t wait to see your living room!
Like you, I loved every single thing from the pictures of Dan Marty’s new space that you shared with us! And I thought the crane was SPECTACULAR, placed in front of that mirror as it was. Wonderful styling!
Now I can’t WAIT to see what you have done in your living room…which was perfection BEFORE! You have CERTAINLY inspired me repeatedly!!!
Can’t tell you what to do about the Spam. It is so D’ irritating. Think you may need to add a moderation to comments. Love this post. Lots of good information and spot on info on the latest in the design world. Keep up what you are doing. Enjoy the Labor Day weekend!
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