Claire’s Treasure Filled Abode

NAME: 

Claire Evans 

TIME LIVED IN: 

I have lived in my space for 2 years

GLB: WHAT DO YOU DO? OR WHAT INDUSTRY ARE YOU IN? 

Claire: My professional journey is quite unique and fulfilling. I am the proud owner of 'The Garage', a specialized boutique where I indulge my passion for vintage furniture and home decor. It's more than just a business; it's a creative outlet where each piece tells its own story.

When I'm not curating vintage treasures, my day job keeps me equally engaged. I'm deeply involved in the furniture and interior design industry, a field that's been my professional playground for over ten years. My experience spans across esteemed companies like Baker Furniture, McGuire Furniture, Cowtan & Tout and more, where I've honed my skills and developed a keen eye for quality and design.

Currently, I'm with Hanna Creative Co., overseeing their Social Division. This role blends my extensive industry knowledge with my passion for creative marketing, especially in the last few years where I've transitioned to more creatively-focused marketing roles. It's a dynamic and ever-evolving industry, and I love being right at the heart of it, bridging the gap between traditional furniture design and modern marketing strategies.

GLB: WHAT ARE 3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?

Claire: 

• Collected
• Clean
• Eclectic

GLB: WHAT MAKES THIS SPACE “HOME?”

Claire: To me, the essence of a home lies in the treasures you choose to surround yourself with. It's not just about decorating; it's about collecting – creating a space filled with items that truly resonate with you, not just things for the sake of having things. I'm a big believer in the idea that a home should evolve gradually, filling up with pieces that have their own stories and character.

When friends step into my space, I want them to feel that warm, cozy vibe, the kind that invites them to plop down on the sofa and tuck their feet under. There's an unmistakable sense of homeyness that I strive for, even though my place often doubles as a rotating gallery for the vintage pieces I curate. Despite the ever-changing landscape of furniture and decor, my space always maintains that lived-in, welcoming feel. It's a testament to the idea that a home is not just a physical space, but an emotional and personal sanctuary crafted over time with love and care.

GLB: WHAT ARE THREE THINGS IN YOUR HOME THAT YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?

Claire: There are a few things in my home that are absolutely essential to me, each with its own unique story and sentimental value. First and foremost, there's Flacko, my mini Dachshund. 

Then, there are the treasures I've stolen from my childhood home. These items are like time capsules, bringing back memories every time I look at them. I remember once smuggling a rug from our library in my suitcase – and yes, that did lead to a rather amusing call from my dad!

Last but certainly not least, are the items that remind me of my mom. There's a scarf of hers that I had framed. Then there's a small painting of her, captured beautifully when she was a model in a painting class. Then a charming little piece she painted of strawberries. These items are irreplaceable and hold a special place in both my home and my heart.

GLB: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ROOM IN YOUR HOME?

Claire: My living room takes the top spot as my favorite room in the house, hands down. It's the heart of my home, where I spend most of my time. I've always been quite the homebody, and this room has become my sanctuary for relaxation and comfort.

It's not just a space to lounge and unwind, though. With the shift to working from home, my living room has also transformed into my office. It's a multifunctional space where I can seamlessly transition from work mode to relaxation, all within the same cozy, welcoming environment. This room really encapsulates my lifestyle and preferences – a perfect blend of comfort, function, and personal style.

GLB: WHAT DID YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT DECORATING YOUR SPACE?

Claire: Growing up in Indianapolis and having lived in various cities like New York City, Chicago, and Charlotte, moving to LA was a remarkable change for me. The architectural styles here are strikingly different from what I experienced on the East Coast and in the Midwest. This is part of what made moving into my Spanish bungalow in LA such a dream come true. There's a unique allure to old homes that I've always been drawn to, and despite this house showing signs of wear and the typical 'Landlord treatment', it instantly felt like the right place for me.

When I first moved in, I faced the bittersweet task of replacing the buckling original hardwood floors. Thankfully, my landlords allowed me to choose the new flooring. Opting for wide plank, light wood floors, I was able to brighten up the space significantly. While I cherished the original floors, the new ones provided a clean slate that felt fresh and exciting.

This house, my first after a history of living in more industrial, crusty lofts, perfectly aligns with my decor style and personality. It's an ideal setting for showcasing my affinity for vintage pieces, transforming each area into a vivid expression of my personal journey and aesthetic preferences. Decorating this home has been more than just an exercise in style; it's been a process of crafting a space that resonates deeply with who I am.

GLB: WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTS? 

Claire: I've got a few local gems that I absolutely adore around my neighborhood. First up is Rocketship, my go-to coffee spot just two blocks away. The staff there is incredible, and they're always super sweet to my little Flackita, showering her with treats every time we visit. It's one of those places that just feels like an extension of my living room.

Then there's Evoken Studios, my favorite Pilates studio. Not only do they offer classic Pilates that keeps me coming back, but the decor inside is simply on point. It's like getting a workout in a space that's as stylish as it is functional.

For my wine fix, I head to Almor Wine. It's the only place in the neighborhood where I've found a great selection of natural wines, and believe me, I've looked! It's perfect for those evenings when you just want to unwind with a glass of something special.

And honestly, just walking around this side of Melrose, east of Fairfax, is incredibly inspiring. The streetwear shops, sneaker stores, and all the up-and-coming designers setting up shop right on the sidewalks—it's a vibrant, creative hub that never fails to give me a burst of inspiration. It's not just about the places; it's about the energy and the people that make this neighborhood truly unique.

GLB: PLEASE TELL US ALL ABOUT GARAGE VINTAGE!

Claire: 'The Garage' began as a personal endeavor, springing from my ever-growing collection of unique furniture that eventually outgrew my home and took over my garage. Today, it stands as a vibrant source for those in search of pieces that not only furnish a space but also tell a story, encouraging everyone to unleash their inner collector.

My home is both a sanctuary and the heart of 'The Garage', blending living space with the headquarters of my vintage furniture and home decor company. The garage merges seamlessly with the living area, forming a dynamic, revolving gallery showcasing my curated collections. This energized space is a tapestry of global travel finds, iconic furniture, and intriguing curiosities, all reflecting a lifetime dedicated to collecting and exploring, underlining our philosophy of "collected, not decorated."

Running this vintage furniture company is a unique experience. Nearly everything in my home is available for purchase. Each item is dear to me, carefully selected and cherished, yet I have come to embrace the bittersweet joy of seeing them move on to new homes. It's akin to fostering a puppy; there's love in every moment they're with you, but also the understanding that they're meant for another forever home. Sharing these distinctive pieces, and knowing they'll continue to be loved, brings me profound happiness.

With a decade's experience in furniture and design, I've created a space that's more than just a shop. It's about finding pieces that resonate, that tell a story. We focus on authenticity, quality, and sustainability, offering a range of services like styling, rentals,  and consignment.

In The Garage, every piece is a part of a journey, lovingly selected and ready to find its next home, enriching others' lives as they have mine.

GLB: WHAT ARE 3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE GARAGE VINTAGE?

Claire: 

• Timeless
• Unique
• Eclectic

GLB: WHERE CAN WE SHOP IT?

Claire: 

• Instagram - @thegarage__vintage
• 1st Dibs - https://www.1stdibs.com/dealers/emme-collective/?search=the%20garage
• Thegaragevintage.com

GLB: ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE OR ANY PROJECTS YOU’RE WORKING ON?

Claire: 

• Absolutely! One of the things I cherish most is connecting with like-minded individuals and fostering a sense of community. There's something truly special about bringing people together who share a passion for design and unique spaces.
• I'm also deeply passionate about helping others style their homes. Offering interior design services, I range from working with what clients already have to fully curating their spaces. It's incredibly rewarding to help bring someone's vision to life and see their environment transformed into a reflection of their personality and style.
• Looking ahead, I am manifesting a unique live/work space where I can set up a more permanent shop. This space would not only house 'The Garage' but also serve as a creative hub where the community can gather, exchange ideas, and continue to build connections. It's an exciting prospect, and I can't wait to see where this journey takes me next.
• Pop-up shop with Ivana!!!