THRIVE DECOR FINE HOME FURNISHINGS is housed in the historic Heinsbergen Decorating Company Building.
Perched on one of a pair of signed William Switzer silver Baroque chairs at his new shop, Thrive Decor Fine Home Furnishings, Randy Esada can't stop grinning. "I've always loved this building, and honestly, I'm having a blast decorating the shop," said Esada, a Windsor Square resident.
Esada recently celebrated the grand opening of Thrive Decor Fine Home Furnishings, housed in the 1928 Heinsbergen Decorating Company Building at 7427 Beverly Blvd., after closing Antiquarian Home, his shop on Melrose Ave. The castle-like structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Esada has specialized in residential interiors with showrooms in Los Angeles and Palm Springs since 1997. He began his career by renovating homes in Hancock Park. After discovering his passion for transformation, he opened his first showroom in Larchmont Village in 1998.
As his passion grew, so did his need for more space. Thrive Decor Fine Home Furnishings is the lastest venue to showcase his talent.
When he's not at the shop, Esada is out buying from estate sales. Among recent acquisitions is an 18th Century silver leaf writing table bought at auction from the estate of a British knight. He also regularly travels to Paris in search of antiques.
At Thrive Decor Fine Home Furnishings, furniture from the 18th Century to Art Deco lighting to modern art reside side by side. Esada's talent is obvious; the result is stunning.
"A room with all antiques is a room with no future," said Esada. "A room with no antiques is a room with no soul."
That is why the designer's format is a mix of important modern art and antiques. "It's all about contrast, texture, color, age, style. It's the bouncing all over the place that makes it fun."
It also makes it interesting. "Young people have walked into the shop and said 'I've never thought of antiques like this,'" he said.
Or maybe it's just that Esada's enthusiasm is contagious.
People in my business are sometimes known for their cussing and whining, but I've always been a source of positivity," he enthuses.
Esada indulges his passion for art in the north portion of his showroom, which will double as an art gallery. He plans to host several exhibits a year, beginning with "Penny's from Heaven" featuring works by his husband, artist Dave Wilcox. The show opens on Fri., June 24 at 7 p.m. "I feel like I've found my home," said Esada. "The clientele have been great, and I've made fast friends with the neighbors," among them dress designer Diane Merrick who has a nearby shop. "There's Kokomo for great coffee, the only wallpaper shop in the city is right across the street, and Shaky Alibi has amazing waffles. |
