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A Visit to Matters of Space

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We’re virtually visiting Los Angeles today, spending some time with PJ Roden and Katerina Gabbro, owners of Matters of Space, a design firm and boutique located in Highland Park. Designers for many years before opening their store, they still work with clients and offer design services, which brings a completely different approach to retail.

Why did you pick this city/neighborhood/storefront?

​We chose it because it is where we live, also, we realized at the time we opened the store 4 years ago – that the neighborhood was changing and was becoming a hot spot for first time home buyers. Buyers that are buying fixer uppers in need of renovation and our design services.

Where did you get the name for the store?

​Matters of Space- we thought it reflected everything we do, it was just simply a Matter of Space.​

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Has it changed much since it opened? How?

​It has, when we opened the store it was a place to have our interior ​architecture firm, as well as showcase our custom furniture pieces. As the neighborhood demographic has changed, so has the desire for people in the neighborhood to look for gifts and home goods. Now it has become a store that carries independent designers and artists from all over the world.

What’s one of the challenges you have with the business?

​Finding designers that are not already saturated in the marketplace. We pride ourselves on carrying unusual design.​

What other stores have you worked in before opening this one?

​We have been designers for over 15 years, working in different design firms​. We haven’t worked in retail since our teens.

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What’s your favorite item in the store right now?

​We just started carrying Armadillo and Co Rugs from Australia.​ They are fair trade, handmade in India and are absolutely gorgeous.

What is this season’s theme/inspiration/story?

​Pastels are hot. Anything Graphic.​

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Are you carrying any new products and/or undiscovered gems you’re particularly excited about?

​Concrete Cat- A design firm that makes hand cast concrete vessels.

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What’s been a consistent best seller?

Our macrame plant hangers done in collaboration with Lily King Ceramics, which we have been making since we opened 4 years ago, long before the trend hit.​

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Does the store have its own line?

Y​es, We have many pieces in our line from casework, occasional tables and lighting. Common materials in our products consist of Walnut, Travertine, smoked glass, and powder coated steel.

As seen in the photos the console, side table coffee table, desk, and floor lamp all design and made by us, the chair with the desk is a vintage piece with fabric hand painted by us. Everything is made here, in Los Angeles, and made to order (meaning custom options available).

Any special events/exhibits/pop ups/collaborations coming up?

​We have the debut of our furniture collection done in collaboration with Lily King Ceramics it is a line of tables with the planter built in.

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Do you have anything from the store in your own home?

​Yes, the Matters of Space credenza and Walnut wall unit.

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What’s next for you and your store?

​Just continue working with private clients on interiors projects as well as spreading the word about our lighting and furniture line.

Matters of Space client work

Matters of Space custom build

Matters of Space client project

Matters of Space client project

Visit Matters of Space online or at 5005 York Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90042.

Jaime Derringer, Founder + Executive Editor of Design Milk, is a Jersey girl living in SoCal. She dreams about funky, artistic jewelry + having enough free time to enjoy some of her favorite things—running, reading, making music, and drawing.