Dabito’s Modern Meets Classic Mix
Name: Dabito / Graphic Designer + Photographer / Old Brand New
Location: Carthay Circle – Los Angeles, California
Size: 1000 square feet
Years lived in: Five months
Dabito’s apartment is in a beautiful historical building with original detailing. I love how he contrasted that classic architecture with his mid-century modern furniture and decor. What also makes his place so amazing is that almost everything was thrifted or purchased second hand. Talk about creating the ultimate look on a major budget!
Dabito is constantly adding to the decor and changing up the place; he just can’t sit still. In the short while I was at his home, he had hung a number of art pieces, styled his credenza in his bedroom, and switched out a few accessories. I can’t wait to see how his place has changed by the next time I visit!
Apartment Therapy Survey:
My Style: The foundation of my style is pretty Mid-Century Modern, but I like to infuse it with prints and patterns, a bit of whimsy and color, and a mix of different eras, old and new. It’s constantly evolving as I move from place to place. That’s right, I’ve moved to a different place every year for the past 5 years! While some people think I’m crazy, I enjoy moving every year so I can test out all the vastly different neighborhoods in LA before I eventually settle on a place to call my forever home. I’m like an urban nomad! I’m also really drawn to sculptural pieces, such as the harp chair by Jorgen Hovelskov. It’s a beautiful work of art.
Inspiration: I get inspiration from David Hockney’s Calfornia colors, Justina’s Jungalow, the Eames’ House living room, the desert, and, like Mondo from Project Runway, I love the beauty that you can find by mixing unexpected patterns, colors, and shapes.
Favorite Element: This house was built in the 1930s, and I was charmed from the second I walked in. I love the windows; it’s the first thing I look for in any home to see how much natural light gets absorbed into a space. The beams in the living room add a nice element too.
Biggest Challenge: My biggest challenge is probably working with a super low budget. I don’t think I spent more than $2500 for all the furniture and accessories in my home. I’m always trying to find a balance between maximal and minimal. I’m always editing.
What Friends Say: “I’m moving in!” They all love it. They say it’s fun and homey. Also, they wanna steal Beatrice from me!
Biggest Embarrassment: This is kind of embarrassing — I no longer have a dining table! I turned the dining room into a media room since I went about four years without ever eating at my dining table. Instead, I prefer to eat in front of the TV and catch up on Modern Family, Mad Men, and my new favorite show, The Killing. It’s much more entertaining than sitting at the dining table with Beatrice — she may be cute, but she isn’t the most talkative one out there!
Proudest DIY: This is a small one but I love my happy accidental drip planter.
Biggest Indulgence: The Persian Kilim rugs I got from the flea market add so much personality to my home. Also, my Y-base bench is pretty awesome — it’s the most I’ve spent at a flea market, but it was worth every penny.
Best Advice: Take your time to get your place together. Shop secondhand. Don’t be afraid to use a bit of color. Most importantly, have fun. Here are four things that will make your home infinitely cozier: rugs, plants, art, and pets!
Dream Sources: Rose Bowl flea market, thrift stores, Craigslist, and that’s it!
Resources of Note:
FURNITURE
- Crate&Barrel Petrie sofa – Craigslist
- Purple sofa – Craigslist
- Coffee table – Modernica Warehouse sale
- Y-Base Bench – Rose Bowl Flea Market
- Eames LCW chairs – Goodwill
- Eames rocker – Modernica Warehouse sale
- Dipped side table – West Elm
- Helix bookcase – CB2
- Ikea Stockholm TV bench – Craigslist
- Nordiska Kompaniet coffee table – Goodwill
ACCESSORIES
- Planter – Modernica Warehouse sale
- Beatrice – West LA Animal Shelter
LIGHTING
- West Elm branch lamp – Goodwill
- Pendant light – Flea market
- All lamps from Thrift stores
- Wall sconces came with the house
RUGS & CARPETS
- Jute Wool rug from Target
- Kilim rugs from Rose Bowl Flea Market
- Kilim rug 3×6 – Kazoyan Brothers Oriental Rugs
WINDOW TREATMENTS
- Ritva Curtains – IKEA
- Woven stripe curtains – Urban Outfitters
ARTWORK
- Henri Matisse The Heart – Thrifted
- Photographs, etchings, lithographs are my own
- But the Sun always comes out – Rifle Paper
Thanks, Dabito!
(Images: Marcia Prentice)
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Re-edited from a post originally published on 4.18.12 – AB