Inside a Los Angeles Studio Paying Homage to the '80s

Shoko Wanger

Hannah Park is a self-professed hoarder of coffee tables. There are two in her 600-square-foot apartment, located in the Little Armenia neighborhood of Los Angeles: one, made of travertine, is positioned to the right of her bed; the other, a mirrored 1980s number shaped like a kidney bean, sits at its foot. “It’s a little excessive for a studio,” she admits.

“I wanted to include lots of round pieces in this space,” says Hannah. “A lot of things in my apartment are white, which can seem hard-edged and not especially cozy. Rounded details make the room more inviting.”
“I wanted to include lots of round pieces in this space,” says Hannah. “A lot of things in my apartment are white, which can seem hard-edged and not especially cozy. Rounded details make the room more inviting.”

But in Hannah’s case, an avid interest in furniture is more than just a hobby—it’s a job requirement. This year, the fashion designer, who founded the loungewear label Oori Ott in 2018, has teamed up with florist Ida Lamberton for the launch of an interior design and vintage furniture sourcing business called HIDA Modern. “I initially got into vintage furniture when I was living in New York in my 20s and needed to furnish my apartment on a budget,” she says. “I didn’t want to be buying IKEA furniture all the time. I like pieces that reflect something from the past, and it’s a more sustainable way to shop, too.”

“I didn’t hang much art because mirrors take up most of my wall space,” says Hannah. The sole exception: this poster, found at Wild Bill’s Nostalgia, a now-shuttered curiosity shop in Middletown, Connecticut.
“I didn’t hang much art because mirrors take up most of my wall space,” says Hannah. The sole exception: this poster, found at Wild Bill’s Nostalgia, a now-shuttered curiosity shop in Middletown, Connecticut.
Colored light bulbs cast a bright pink glow on an awkwardly sized nook, once used for a Murphy bed. “The triptych mirror fit perfectly," Hannah says.

Though she once favored the retro stylings of the 1960s, Hannah’s current apartment takes cues from the '80s, an era that informed the look of Oori Ott’s inaugural collection, and the decade of her birth. “I was inspired by Scarface, The Sopranos, Miami, and ’80s postmodernism,” she says. “So things came full circle in this space.” To create the look, the designer opted for warm colors, tropical greenery, and, of course, period-appropriate furniture, much of which was found on eBay, Craigslist, or at flea markets. Mirrored surfaces add to the apartment’s shine (a half-moon-shaped vanity mirror stands in for a traditional headboard, for instance), creating an illusion of a bigger, brighter space. “It almost feels like I added an extra window,” she says.

A profusion of flowers and greenery, arranged by HIDA Modern cofounder Ida Lamberton, adds to the apartment’s Miami-inspired look.

With two young businesses, it’s no surprise that Hannah spends much of her time at home working. “I’m developing the second collection of my clothing line now, and I’m focusing on growing HIDA Modern with Ida. We want to make our own pieces someday and maybe even open a store where we’d carry work by independent designers.” Downtime for the designer doesn’t look much different. “Honestly,” she says, “I’m usually looking for more furniture.”

Hannah Park at home, wearing a knit set from OORI OTT, her Los Angeles-based clothing label.
Hannah Park at home, wearing a knit set from OORI OTT, her Los Angeles-based clothing label.

Handpicked by Hannah

The designer shares a few of her favorite places to shop and find inspiration.

Instagram feeds to follow: @communedesign, @newagecocaine, @maisonnue, @park_hyun_gi, @totallygourmet

Destination for design inspo: The Standard Miami Beach

Dream buys: A sectional by Vladimir Kagan, a Wabi Lounge Chair by Studio Guilherme Torres, a Smile Chair by Studio Giancarlo Valle, a Docked en Rio upholstered bed frame by VIDIVIXI, stackable candles by BIENVENUE 21, and a Metafora coffee table by Lella and Massimo Vignelli

“I have a big kitchen, but it doesn’t have much counter space,” says Hannah, who remedied the issue with a bar top found on eBay. “It came with stools, which is great for when friends come over.”
“I have a big kitchen, but it doesn’t have much counter space,” says Hannah, who remedied the issue with a bar top found on eBay. “It came with stools, which is great for when friends come over.”

Favorite detail in your apartment: "My mirrored headboard"

Biggest design inspirations: "Terence Conran books, and my mom's style—in both fashion and interiors—in the '90s"

Favorite thing about your neighborhood: "It’s centrally located, and walkable to Sunset Junction in Silverlake and Vermont Avenue in Los Feliz."

A vintage bench provides additional storage, and serves as a makeshift bookshelf.
A vintage bench provides additional storage, and serves as a makeshift bookshelf.

Last thing you had delivered: "Mountain Valley water"

Favorite Sunday activity at home: "Hanging out at 5 p.m. with the windows open, listening to the birds chirp, doing research for my clothing line or HIDA Modern. The light is a warm, orange-yellow tone around that time. It shines through my apartment and bounces off all the mirrors."

Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest