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Inside Alana Tang’s Curated Home: A Vintage Touch in a Modern Space
Alana Tang, the visionary behind the Seattle vintage shop In the Comfort Of, continuously seeks out high-design items ranging from classic mid-century sofas to futuristically inspired lamps. Tang’s home reflects her keen eye for style, skillfully blending modern amenities with vintage charm. She appreciates how her newly constructed open-concept apartment harmonizes practical features, like an in-unit washer and dryer, with the distinctive character brought in by carefully selected vintage furniture.
Two years ago, Tang, alongside her partner and their small Chihuahua mix, Coco, settled into a 700-square-foot one-bedroom apartment nestled in Beacon Hill, a charming neighborhood in south Seattle. While designing her living space, she became inspired by the iconic Red and Blue Chair, crafted by architect Gerrit Thomas Rietveld in 1918. The chair’s vibrant primary colors spurred her to incorporate similar hues throughout her home, leading to a design aesthetic characterized by bright yellow Eames fiberglass shell chairs, a sleek black-and-white Vladimir Kagan Matinee sofa, a whimsical red sphere lamp from the 1990s, a blue Studio Tenjung rug, and a collection of vintage prints in bold blue and red tones, a thoughtful gift from a friend.
Tang’s approach to furnishing her stylish vintage-inspired apartment was both economical and resourceful, allowing her to create a warm and inviting ambiance for just under $6,500, a stark contrast to the estimated retail value of $18,000 for the same items. “As someone who sources vintage pieces for a living, I have a knack for spotting great deals that are often significantly below retail prices,” she explains.
In this interview, Tang discusses her journey of curating the perfect vintage living room, the essential purchases she made, and the unique finds that brought her vision to life.
Initial Vision for the Space
Architectural Digest: What was your initial vision for your apartment’s living room/dining room area?
Alana Tang: My objective was clear from the start: to incorporate mid-century influences while using primary colors as accent features. I wanted the dining and living areas to flow seamlessly, yet still feel like distinct parts of the home. Drawing inspiration from how others utilize small spaces effectively, I also owe some of my interior design instinct to hours spent playing The Sims during my childhood.
Budget Considerations
Did you have a budget when furnishing your space?
Somewhat. I often reassessed my plans as I progressed. I was aware that purchasing too many brand-new items wasn’t feasible. Fortunately, my background as a vintage furniture curator has equipped me with the skills to track down remarkable deals. I was prepared to invest up to retail prices for the perfect pieces, but more often than not, I found options that were much more affordable.
In her living area, a walnut mid-century wall unit adds warmth to the space, while an Akari Light Sculpture by Isamu Noguchi creates a striking focal point above the dining table. Tang’s home is a testament to her talent for blending old with new, showcasing how vintage furnishings can add depth and personality to a modern living environment.
Source
www.architecturaldigest.com