KISHANI PERERA

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1SEARCH SMARTS When shopping online sites like eBay, Kishani says, you “have to sort through a lot of junk.” Her top tip: “Don’t search designerly words like Hollywood Regency or you’ll turn up expensive stuff .” Instead, genericize. A search for vintage could turn up a fi nd that’s far below market value.

vintage treasure

Flea markets, antiques shops, eBay, Craigslist— designer Kishani Perera prowls them all for one-of-a-kind finds to use in her LA bungalow.

by sally finder weepie | produced by jessica thomas photos joe schmelzer | styling joni noë

IT’S ALL says Kishani Perera, designer, IN THE MIX, author, and owner of the LA boutique Rummage. She’s always on the lookout for great secondhand finds. Her discoveries—layered with new pieces retail and custom, high-end and bargain-basement—are the spices in her recipe for personal style.

“You can’t throw everything together and call it eclectic,” she says. “You need balance. I’ll pile stuff on a table to create a vignette, but I make sure there’s breathing room—a stillness between each focal point.”

The focal points in Kishani’s 1930s bungalow are pieces she didn’t have the heart to sell in her shop. “Some things are too amazing,” she says. “I love them, and they make me happy. That’s what good design is: a home that makes you happy every time you walk in the door.”

Stone Hearth 984 Benjamin Moore 2 COMFORT ZONE Secondhand furniture and a petfriendly home go together like kibbles and bits. “Vintage pieces already have dings, so there’s no worry,” Kishani says.

3SHOW AND TELL Kishani’s vintageremix style shows it’s OK to put your favorite books, art, anything out there. Just remember to vary scale, color, shape, and texture. And, yes, neatness counts.

4COLOR MADE EASY Kishani likes grayed-down shades to set a warm, interesting backdrop on walls and large furnishings. These neutrals let you accessorize vibrantly with collected accent pieces: drip-glaze pottery, old books, and colorful fabric.

TOP IT OFF Kishani had the super-glam chandelier made and offers look-alikes in her shop.

5LAYER ON PERSONALITY Kishani snagged a deal on a sleeper sofa, then dressed it to fit her look by draping the back and seat with a sari. She added a riot of plum shades and textures with pillows.

6FUN SURPRISES Little vignettes of vintage flair define Kishani’s style—the oil paintings, the elephant lamp, and the oldfashioned reading glasses topping a stack of books.

STEP UP Create levels by using a footed tray.

“So many pieces from earlier times were made to LAST FOREVER. That’s the beauty of vintage.” Kishani Perera

BRASS ACT Antique brass lighting gives any room a sense of history. This patina is a winner!

Cabin Fever 1540 Benjamin Moore

7MOOD SWINGS As Kishani’s palette flows into the bedroom, the taupy gray goes restfully deeper, to a dreamy gray-greenbrown that meshes with an antique dresser, nightstand, and lantern. “I wanted my bedroom to feel like a cozy cave,” she says.

8METAL EDGE Whether it’s seductive copper, sophisticated matte brass, or sparkling chrome, a mix of metal finishes adds surprise, and a little sparkle, to any decor.

9MAKE YOUR OWN RULES When Kishani finds a great vintage bargain, sometimes she keeps the aged patina. Other times, she switches it up with new fabric or paint. Benjamin Moore’s highgloss black is a favorite for giving old wood pieces a cool new vibe.

10 FEELING IT Contrasting textures make Kishani’s home compelling. Nubby meets velvety; cool metal mingles with warm wood.

LOVE A GOOD FLEA MARKET?

These are the nine you must visit in your life. BHG.com/FleaMarkets

Kishani Perera

I START MY DAY WITH “A pug or two or three, forcing me to wake up.” FAVORITE ESCAPE “Anywhere with clear turquoise seas. Mexico is my paradise. I just splurged on a trip to Cuixmala. It means ‘where the soul can rest.’ At night the stars go all the way to the ocean. Seeing ginormous birds and sea turtles was magical for me.” CAN’T SAY NO “I love anything Moroccan and exotic, and anything turquoise and brass.” BEST STORAGE TIP “Little cubbies keep INSPIRATION CAN BE FOUND “Everywhere. People, music, art, books, nature, color, textiles, and so much more. Music is my soul. I’m always listening. It can be anything from indie to world to old punk to ’40s tunes.” BEST DECORATING ADVICE “Style is innate. Embrace your look, and be fearless!” FAVE FOOD “Because I have food allergies, I’ve had to become good at cooking for myself— and I love it. I make a chocolate-raspberry cake you wouldn’t believe is vegan. My cooking is infl uenced by my Sri Lankan heritage.” Q

fl air,” she says. $97; shop.ensoie.com Eliza Gran’s Venice Sunrise Basket exudes happy. $88; elizagranstudio.com FRAGRANCE Molecule 02, a subtle scent perfect for everyday. $130; escentric.com GLAM ACCESSORY “Gold pots take gardening to the next level,” Kishani says. From $14 each; anthropologie.com

What do a stylist, an artist, and a fashion designer have in common? Impeccable taste! Meet three trendsetters who fi nd beauty at work, at home, at play— in every facet of their lives.

by jody garlock photo adam albright