Alana Tang, the founder of Seattle-based vintage store In the Comfort Of, is always on the hunt for high-design products—from mid-mod sofas to space-age lamps—to add to her shop. It’s no surprise that her home is equally well curated. But unlike the decor and furniture she sources, which shows its patina, her open-concept apartment is in a new building. “I like the juxtaposition between modern and vintage, where you get your needs met with things like an in-unit washer and dryer, but then bring in character with vintage furniture pieces,” Tang says.
Two years ago, Tang, her partner, and their six-year-old Chihuahua mix, Coco, moved into their 700-square-foot one-bedroom unit in Beacon Hill, a neighborhood in south Seattle. When crafting her space, she came across a photo of the Red and Blue Chair, a famous De Stijl piece designed by architect Gerrit Thomas Rietveld in 1918. Drawn to its primary color palette, she used the chair as a reference point for the hues in her own home. Today, her space is complete with yellow Eames fiberglass shell chairs, a black and white Vladimir Kagan Matinee sofa, a red sphere lamp from the 1990s, a blue Studio Tenjung rug, and a collection of vintage blue and red prints gifted by a friend.
In total, Tang was able to furnish her laid-back, vintage space for just under $6,500. However, she estimates the retail cost of the room to be closer to $18,000. “I source vintage for a living, so I always have my eyes open for items way under retail value,” she says.
Here, Tang shares how she was able to score deals, her essential purchases, and favorite vintage finds.
Architectural Digest: What was your initial vision for your apartment’s living room/dining room area?
Alana Tang: I always knew I wanted midcentury influences with primary colors as accents. When I moved in, I was eager to make the space flow naturally from the dining area to the living area while ensuring they felt like distinct parts of the home. I spent time looking at how others maximized their small spaces, and I credit playing The Sims growing up for giving me some interior design skills.
Did you have a budget when furnishing your space?
Sort of. I would reassess as I went along. I just knew I couldn’t buy too many things brand new. Luckily, being a vintage furniture curator, I know how to find deals. If something were perfect, I’d be willing to pay up to the retail price, but luckily, most of the time, I could find things for less.
