By Katy B. Olson
The Los Angeles design district is experiencing its latest shift. Consort, an offshoot of the high-end interior design firm of designers Mat Sanders and Brandon Quattrone, opened last week at 6918 Melrose Avenue.
The 2,000-square-foot space offers up custom furniture, reimagined vintage pieces, small decor items, and artwork, including partnerships and collaborations with a number of big names: upholstered pieces from Estee Stanley, custom furniture and lighting from Sabin, photography from Andrew Arthur, textiles from Shilo Engelbrecht, ceramics from Lux/Eros, lighting from Pletz, decor pieces from Moving Mountains, and bedding from Parachute, among others.
“The Internet has been pivotal in growing our design business, and after receiving so many requests for work we weren't able to take on, we knew we had to open a space to bring our casual-cool look to the homes and spaces of anyone wanting a fashion-forward home without sacrificing comfort and livability,” explains Sanders.
Sanders and Quattrone, who opened the store in collaboration with partner Marie Goble, chatted with EAL about the venture, L.A.’s emerging design scene, and what visitors can expect at the new shop.
How did you two originally connect?
Sanders: We met at my going-away party in Brooklyn, when I was getting ready to move to California to launch Domaine Home, which is now MyDomaine. Brandon was on the design team at SoulCycle at the time, and the company moved him to L.A. six months later to manage their West Coast expansion.
What gaps in the L.A. design scene does Consort address?
We saw a white space for a trend-driven design shop that appealed to young creatives. While Consort Design services a high-end clientele of all varying styles, the shop leans more playful chic. We love splashes of color, like with our bright blue Babe bed, graphic moments in the form of black-and-white cashmere pillows, and edgy surprise elements, like studded handmade ceramic dinnerware in black and blush.
What does a brick-and-mortar location deliver that an online store can’t?
An immersive experience! The first thing people say when they step foot in the store is, “I want to live here!”
Why did you pick this particular neighborhood?
The adjacencies are incredible. Across the street we have Cliff Fong’s Galerie Half empire, next door are our friends at Lawson-Fenning, and around the corner on Highland, you’ll find Blackman Cruz and J.F. Chen. It feels like where all the cool kids are hanging out.
What are three of your favorite products available right now in the store?
Ceramic Deviled Eggs by Katie Kimmel, who is our client Jimmy’s daughter, and who is equally as hilarious and talented as her talk-show host dad.
Ruby Chair, named after our partner Marie’s daughter, because it looks like a baby with chubby cheeks.
Shilo Engelbrecht Textiles, which are wildly playful!
Shilo Engelbrecht Textiles
Mat, you must be especially busy between serving as editor at large at MyDomaine and doing your own design projects! How do you manage your time?
We have an amazing, all-star creative team at Consort, and I couldn’t do it without them. Also, lots of deep breaths!
