8 Design Stores in Los Angeles That Are Worth a Visit
Where interior design truly becomes an art form.
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My parents have always been interested in interior design, so I spent a lot of my childhood trailing them through design stores across Los Angeles while they perused furniture and light fixtures. My job? Sitting in different chairs and sofas with a book, testing each one out. After so many weekends like this, I grew to appreciate some of L.A.’s most unique places to shop for—or simply admire—interior design pieces. Here are some of my favorites.
1. OK the Store
Walking into the OK location on Third Street is like walking into a museum: glass cases line the walls containing small vintage figurines, gemstones, and jewelry. The store carries everything from glassware to mirrors to sculptures to jewelry. Some of my favorite necklaces and earrings are from their collection of designers, and much of my parents’ home decor is from OK. Pop in to see works from artists like Walter Bosse and Yuta Segawa.
2. Nickey Kehoe
Nickey Kehoe’s Beverly Boulevard showroom has beautiful textiles, wallpapers, vintage rugs, daybeds, table lamps, and thoughtfully chosen antiques. Their prints and artwork, like this vintage Shipyard Oil Painting, are also not to be missed. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s a gallery worth wandering through for inspiration or entertainment.
3. Lawson-Fenning
Founded by Glenn Lawson and Grant Fenning, who began their design careers as furniture design students at ArtCenter College in Pasadena, Lawson-Fenning has become a defining furniture brand of L.A. Lawson and Fenning first established their studio workshop in Pasadena, creating high-quality and thoughtfully hand-crafted furniture. Their West Hollywood and Silver Lake showrooms feature not only their own collection, but also a selection by Los Angeles and European creators, including lighting, hardware, and artwork.
4. Garde
My mom is fiercely loyal to this store—she bought a gold-and-marble Tom Dixon mortar and pestle here years ago that still lives on her kitchen counter with a brass coffee and tea service set. Garde carries work from an impressive list of artists and designers, balancing classic and minimalist pieces with more adventurous designs like this collection of fine bone china tableware by artist Max Lamb.
5. Heath Ceramics
My parents have been devoted to Heath’s plates, bowls, and kitchenware for as long as I can remember, which meant I probably spent at least an hour a week in their store on Beverly Boulevard growing up. While they browsed, I always settled into the same leather oval chair with steel legs by Garza Marfa, reading a book while they made their rounds. Eventually, my parents took the chair home with us, and it’s been with me ever since, through dorm rooms, apartments, and every move in between.
6. JF Chen
JF Chen is all about exceptional 20th-century design and antiques, and there’s really nowhere else like it in Los Angeles. My parents have a giant snakeskin mirror from here that’s moved with us to several homes. The store is full of one-of-a-kind and museum-worthy pieces, which is why so many collectors keep coming back.
7. Sunbeam Vintage
Sunbeam Vintage in Highland Park is the place to go if you’re after mid-century modern furniture. The showroom is filled with vintage furniture, lighting, artwork, and home décor, with inventory that changes constantly. Browse here for stunning antique dressers or vintage light fixtures.
8. + Coop
Founded by Jenna Cooper, +COOP is one of my favorite stops on Beverly Boulevard. The store is full of warm-toned furniture and home pieces that are timeless, comfortable, and easy to live with. It’s also a lifestyle store, with clothing, jewelry and accessories that share the same style.
