Timing is everything when it comes to acquiring (and letting go) of the eclectic treasures that define your abode. If you're feeling inspired to give your home decor a refresh, take stock of what you need (and what you don't) and buy or consign at the Leftover Luxuries pop-up on Lincoln Blvd., running October 15 through December 30.
"We specialize in high-end and unique furniture, home decor and designer accessories, and we are currently looking for people who want to sell their items with us, and of course, shop with us when we open," says event organizer Jennifer Lane. "Consignors can sell their unwanted furniture and make some money, and shoppers find great new treasures that are reasonably priced. We like the win-win concept for everyone."
Everything is priced to move, according to Wendi Smith, a Virginia-based interior designer who created Leftover Luxuries in 2009, and has since organized 42 events. Most have been on the east coast, and this will mark her L.A. debut. She chose Venice, and specifically, a vacant shop on an evolving stretch of "The Linc" because she liked the energy of the area and thought the concept would be a perfect fit.
The items are inspected for quality and curated for personality and style. So while someone could (and did) score a custom Avery Boardman black mohair sleeper-sofa marked down from $7,000 to $1,900, a $5 candy dish won't be far away. The high-low mix provides something for everyone, explains Smith, who came up with the idea for Leftover Luxuries as the country slid into a recession.
Her clients were much more judicious about what they spent, and she was also at a transitional point in her own life, faced with the challenge of clearing out a home full of extra pieces. In somewhat of a next-level clothing swap, she asked a group of clients and friends to send her their things for a two-day consignment pop-up experiment. She says she was shocked at how well it worked, especially in such a small 800 square foot space.
Whether it's 800 or 8,000 square feet of space, what makes her events so successful is the inherent urgency of a limited-time pop-up shop, combined with a great selection of goods from individuals, retailers, interior designers and stagers, at discounts of at least 30% to 60% off retail.
Leftover Luxuries // 712 Lincoln Blvd. Venice CA 90291