Updated Interiors with Claire
From an elegant Spanish style interior to Mid-Century Modern, Claire has been carefully, methodically re-curating and updating her cozy LA apartment with vintage gems.
Her latest TikTok content covering her latest furniture finds and home decor caught my eye again and I wanted to dive deeper into her interior design transformation.
So sit down, grab a coffee, and go on airplane mode while I talk interior design updates, fashion, and chic decor essentials with my dear friend Claire.
Model. Cat Mom. Interior Design Enthusiast.
“I am a firm believer in the phrase ‘less is more.’ I’d rather have less, with every piece being intentional than thrift too much cheap decor.”
— Claire
Thank you for taking the time to chat with me. I’ve been loving your new additions to your home lately. The transformation from romantic Spanish, Jenni Kane-like interiors to more mid century modern has been inspiring. I’d love to dive deeper into your latest vintage finds, home inspo, and tips for creating a cozy space:
Can you reintroduce yourself? What have you been up to?
Yes! I’m Claire, I am 26 and live in Long Beach, CA. I am a content creator focusing on interior design, fashion and lifestyle. I also do a few other things, such as sourcing vintage and selling my curated collection. My 9-5 is in hospitality and marketing for a small business. I am finishing my bachelors degree in business this fall/winter and am very much looking forward to it.
What vision did you have in mind for your interior transformation? What was your inspo?
When I initially moved into my 1930’s Spanish style apartment a few years ago, I didn’t know my true interior style. I had a sixpenny sofa, boucle chairs, a huge rustic pine armoire, something along the lines of a coastal farmhouse. I had always loved mid century design- so I bought secondhand pieces, mostly from the 60s and 70s. I realized then that having too much of one era of design can look trendy; it still wasn’t feeling like myself or matched my apartment style.
I sold a lot of those pieces and used that income to slowly bring in antiques that I absolutely love. I am a firm believer in the phrase ‘less is more.’ I’d rather have less, with every piece being intentional than thrift too much cheap decor. My main inspo for my apartment is based on a lot of antiques I see in the galleries in LA. There are so many ways of getting inspo, and seeing it in person can give you a better idea of how to bring some of those elements into your home.
What is your favorite piece that you’ve sourced lately?
One of my favorite pieces is this beautiful vintage wood armoire with carved wood etchings that I found on Facebook Marketplace for $200. I knew I wanted something big for my living room to bring some height in, and this was the perfect find. I also store all my wool and fur coats in here, along with my beloved collection of ballet flats.
As with fashion, accessories can make the look. Which home accessory of yours (candle stands, vases, book stands, etc.) are you currently obsessed with?
It is all about the details! This vintage brutalist candle holder is my recent obsession. It was $40 and is the right size for underneath my “fireplace.” Since I don’t have a working fireplace, I still wanted the feel of one. This candle holder does the trick and is perfect for the fall/winter season.
What is a piece that you are currently selling that you’d wish you’d be able to keep for yourself if you had the space?
I just sold a 1960’s Danish wood coffee table that I loved and wish I had another space for. I randomly stumbled upon a brutalist, dark wood with stone top coffee table from FB Marketplace and I knew I had to make a choice. The Danish coffee table had to go. The thing about finding so many cool pieces is that they can’t all fit in my one-bedroom apartment.
What little additions/amenities have you added to your home to make it feel cozier?
Along with candle holders, I think lighting is everything. Now that it gets dark at 5pm in LA, this is essential for the body and mind to slow down. I recently switched out my ceiling light for a Noguchi Akari and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Its color and warm light bring in the perfect amount of coziness to my living room. Along with lighting, the right scents and music go a long way. I burn palo santo every morning, light my Maison Louis Marie no. 4 candle, and listen to mixes on Spotify.
Okay now on to fashion. What’s your go to look for a LA winter?
In LA, the winter here is basically just overcast and not cold enough to wear heavy coats. However, it did rain recently and has been freezing. My go to everyday look would be my favorite black wide leg trouser, a knit cardi or wool sweater, and a black trench coat. I also love silk and lace for winter, especially for a night out.
What’s on your holiday wishlist? (Fashion, home, beauty, etc.)
I do have my eye on a few things this season that I’d love to try. Here are some gift ideas, from fragrance to home:
Eau de Parfum- Tears Regime des FLeurs: I tried a sample of this scent and fell in love. It smells like the air after a fresh rain-it has a feminine, melancholy feel.
CHANEL Essentiel Balm Glow Stick: As someone who loves glowy skin in my everyday makeup routine, this has been in my cart.
Repetto Camille Ballet Flats: I mean, these are perfect. The pommard red color… insane. I can imagine wearing these for a holiday party. If you’re like me and these are out of budget, Mango has very similar ones that are a dark brown.
For the home… Anything from Elementi in Pasadena. Their curated collection, from ceramics to lighting to furniture, is all so good. I have yet to stop into their store in person, but plan on it soon.
We visited a bunch of galleries and beautiful homes when I was back in LA. Which top 3 places would you recommend to someone visiting LA?
That was such a treat to spend the days with you touring the LA architecture homes! My recommendations:
MAK Center for Art and Architecture at the Schindler House- This home is a hidden gem, private and tucked away in Hollywood. Start here, it will give you a good idea of the architecture of homes in LA. The brutalist style of the home is a main source of my inspo.
Seventh House Gallery 7001 Melrose Ave- They feature vintage & contemporary furniture designs in their hidden gallery. Appointments are required, but the vibes are immaculate.
Galerie Half 6911 Melrose Ave- This gallery is a showroom, featuring vintage and antiques, & mid century designs. Every piece is eye candy.
As always, thank you so much for taking the time to talk home decor, interiors, and fashion with me.
Happiest holidays to you & chat soon!
Kiana
