Matt’s Eclectic Luxury

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published Feb 6, 2009

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Name: Matt Sams
Location: HelMel (Heliotrope/Melrose) Los Angeles, CA
Size: 900 sq/ft
Years lived in: 1 year

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Matt’s sunfilled apartment with its mix of hollywood regency formality and boho accents had us at Hello. We love how he went bold with the dining room, using one of our favorite Ferm Living wallpapers but that he wasn’t afraid to mix up styles in the rest of the house opting for a simple zen bathroom, a soothing bedroom with refined accessories and an eclectic living room perfect for entertaining.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

When Matt first contacted us (he’s friends with Wendi and her Pioneer Modern place) we asked for some sample images to see if he was house tour candidate worthy and when he sent along a shot of the dining room, we were sold. Wallpaper has hit its stride and Matt’s choice is right on the money: bright and bold and classic. And because the dining room opens onto the living room, we love that you can see bits of it peeking out from different spots around the house. Its presence makes the more neutral colors in the rest of the house feel just right.

We also couldn’t help but notice that he’s only lived in the place for a year. We have enough trouble getting a place functional, let alone amazing in a year. His use of antiques and thrift store finds mixed with shiny glass and chrome keeps the place feeling modern and luxurious.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

AT Survey:

My style: Confused. I love so many things so I buy them all and through them together. Maybe my style is Rainbow Coalition?

Inspiration: I look at magazines, go to auctions and showrooms, and have talented friends. Basically, I rip any and everybody off.

Favorite Room: The dining room. I love the wallpaper. It changes color as the light changes.

Favorite Element: The Mao statue on the sideboard. He was a gift from a vendor. Demented and beautiful.

Biggest Embarrassment: The kitchen countertops. Super cheesy granite. I want zinc ASAP.

Proudest DIY: Not really a DIY kind of guy. Look, the economy is terrible, This is no time to stop employing tradesmen. Is that simply justification for being lazy?

Favorite Store: Ebay. I love finding amazing pieces for cheap, then spending some dough on having ’em fixed up.

Best advice: Don’t watch HGTV. It’s like a design vortex.

Dream source: I have a new piece of dream furniture everyday. Buying things fills the aching hole in my soul. Is it too early for a cocktail? Love going to Lawson Fenning, Blackman Cruz, Orange, Twentieth. But above all else, I love ebay. Cant get enough.

Best Organizing Tip: Hire a housekeeper. I’m lost without mine. Lupe! I love you!

Oldest Item You Own: Cane desk in the foyer is ancient.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Resources:

Accessories: Nickey Kehoe on Highland

Lighting: L7 on Melrose

Tiles and Stone: Ann Sachs, of course

Window Treatments: Find a fabric you like and have them made by your local tailor.

Artwork: For reasonably priced photography check out photographersgallery.com. my ex owns it. He’s the devil but there is some good stuff.

Paint: Benjamin Moore. always

(Thanks, Matt!)

Photos by sean galland

And check our archives of ATLA’s past house tours HERE

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)