David’s House of Curiosities

Name: David
Location: Echo Park/Angelino Heights; Los Angeles, California
Size: 1,000 square feet
Years lived in: 3 years; Rented

On a street filled with beautiful old homes, David has filled one unit of a beautiful old fourplex with every trinket, memento, and piece of quirky art that can fit under one roof. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the Spanish revival details ooze charm; the beauty of the windows, the arch between the living and dining rooms, the fireplace, and the gorgeous hardwood floors cannot be overpowered, even by David’s extensive collecting habit.

David, a friend of a friend, has a life that is as full as his apartment. In addition to his day job, he does side work for a watch company and plays in multiple bands, but tells me his main project right now is called Old Toy Trains. Somehow, he still finds time to travel to far corners of the country, always managing to come home with a new book or trinket that helps bring his home to life.

Indeed, every corner of David’s home is full of hilarious and unexpected pairings. A skull from a movie set here, a zombie doorstop there — every item has a story behind it, every piece a conscious choice to add to his collection. The result is a wonderland waiting to be discovered. Sharks swim in the bathroom, while his cats nap in their own little teepees in the living room.

My Style: Eclectic, Whimsical Mid-Century

Inspiration: None in particular, I just put together things I like

Favorite Element: The archway

Biggest Challenge: Lack of wall space

What Friends Say: That the place is beautiful and comfortable

Biggest Embarrassment: No shame here.

Proudest DIY: I really like my collections/displays/vignettes of tchotchkes/traveling finds/souvenirs

Biggest Indulgence: My art collections

Best Advice: Take advantage of what you already have and fill your space with things that have meaning to you

Dream Sources: I don’t actually try to buy anything for my space anymore — I just always seem to come home with art from my travels, and then have to find a spot for it.

• “Landing strip”: a handblown glass bowl made by a friend

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