(This is a new feature from Vanessa - studio interviews with LA designers. )
I recently interviewed Kimba Hills who is an interior designer and the owner of Rumba, an eclectic vintage store that carries furniture, accessories, and art in Santa Monica.
Kimba's store is full of wonderful refinished pieces that she has redesigned in fresh and eclectic fabrics. 
In addition to carrying vintage and antique home decor, the store is always showcasing artists and art openings. Rumba is featuring art from Lynn Hanson and John Roberston until April 22, called Opposites Attract.
If you are looking for one of a kind refurbished furniture and live on the west side, and dont want to have to drive to Hollywood, this is the store to check out.
Here are some questions I asked Kimba about her experiences in the design field.
- Vanessa De Vargas (aka Turquoise)
How did you come to be a designer?
I opened a furniture store.
What's your favorite color to work with and why?
Orange, because I love it.
What color combinations do you see using in the future?
Pink and Brown.
What is your greatest source of inspiration?
Fabrics and color.
Which interior or furniture designers, past or present, do you most admire?
Billy Haines
Describe your design theory in 4-6 words.
Eclectic, clean, comfortable and affordable.
What is your signature mark that you always try to implement in a space?
Mixing furniture from different periods and making it work.
If you could redo any space, past or present, what would it be?
The Playboy Mansion.
What have you learned about having your own business that you wish you knew when you were just starting out?
Do it without a partner.
What are your best practices when it comes to client relations? Listening.
What 5 things does a well designed home need?
Art, art, art, art and more art!
If you hadn't become a designer, what do you think you would be doing now?
I would be a journalist covering breaking stories around the world.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully in good health and continuing to do what I love.
Rumba is located at, 1740 #C Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405
PH: 310.392.3103, FAX: 310.392.7145 (Open 11-6, Closed Sunday & Monday) rumba@verizon.net( website coming soon)
The interview subject is a woman of few words. The pics of the store look beautiful, but no real insight provided in the interview.
What a wonderful interview, Vanessa and she looks so happy and caring.... you know I see talent..I am very sensitive to peoples work as artists......
HI MOM!
U LOOK GOOOOD!
hahahaahahha
Kimba,
Congratulations! It was great running into you! The store looks wonderful! Please give me your personal email address...
See you soon. A.
wonderful little insight into Kimba, pray she does the Playboy Mansion soon, saw it recently again in the news, it so needs her "breath of fresh air" decorating ...