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We know what design-minded Los Angelenos will be doing this weekend. Drew Michael Scott, aka Lone Fox, opens his eponymous vintage furniture store in Mid City today, with 7,000 square feet devoted to a retail shop and warehouse that will give his virtual world a physical presence. “This city has an endless number of customers who are excited to discover their next treasure,” he says enthusiastically. “Online shopping will never replicate the in-person experience, so I am excited to be able to give people that.”
Over time, he envisions hosting book signings, artist shows, artisan workshops, and furniture releases here. “I would love for it to become a place where the city’s creatives can unwind, network, and get inspired,” he says. In honor of the opening, Scott shares his four guiding principles for a successful vintage shopping trip, below.
Consider What’s Not Your Style
Scott designed Lone Fox like a lived-in house, hoping to give shoppers ideas for how to style—or not style—the furniture and decor in their own homes. “A customer might see a couch they adore, but not love how it looks with the oversized coffee table it is paired with,” he explains. “That shows them they should look for a coffee table with a smaller scale.” Buyers regret, avoided.
Move Pieces Around
“I have heard hairstylists say that when someone brings in an inspiration photo of a celebrity or model, they cover the face and ask if the customer actually likes the hairstyle or just likes the face and overall vibe,” Scott says. The same practice can be applied on a vintage furniture hunt, he notes. If a side table or armchair catches your eye, but you’re unsure if you’re ready to invest, place it against a blank slate in the store—does it still appeal on its own, or is it attractive because of how it’s arranged with other pieces? You’ll have your answer pretty quickly.
Bring In a Visual Aid
Scott encourages people to arrive bearing samples, like a curtain swatch or marble tile, from their decorating project to look at side by side with what’s on the floor. Even furniture is welcome. “If you have some amazing dining chairs you need a table for, bring one of them in!” he says. “We love to see the creative process in action.”
Trust Your Gut
In the end, when it comes to vintage shopping, listen to that little voice in your head—your initial reaction is usually all the guidance you need. If you’re really unsure, Scott advises taking a few hours, grabbing a bite to eat, and, if the item is still on your mind, hustling back to scoop it up.