Nestled in the iconic Sunset Plaza in Los Angeles, the newly opened Studio OSKLO invites design enthusiasts into a world of extraordinary antiques and bespoke pieces. Co-founded by the talented duo Arya and Michael Martin, this beautifully curated gallery embodies the spirit of Paris’s Left Bank, transporting visitors to a realm of elegance and nostalgia.
Sunset Plaza, with its storied past, once hosted renowned interior designers like Billy Haines and Nicole Miller. This protected shopping area, built in 1934, showcases stunning deco and streamline modern architecture, making it the perfect backdrop for Studio OSKLO. Housed within a charming 1940s townhouse, the bi-level showroom offers an intimate setting that encourages exploration and inspiration.
The Martins have meticulously curated a collection sourced from their travels, private collectors, and international auctions. “These pieces are collected as a labour of love for the most beautiful decorative arts pieces in the world,” they explain. This commitment to quality creates a museum-quality experience that captivates every visitor.
From 18th-century marble torsos to striking cubist bronze sculptures, the collection features items that can transform any space. “When curated and arranged perfectly, they showcase their inherent beauty and grandeur,” the designers assert.
A Transformative Experience
As you step into Studio OSKLO, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere rich with the scents of incense and aged wood. The gallery’s design blends exquisite antiques with custom furniture creations, crafting an evocative salon experience.
The gallery’s debut collection, aptly named ‘Collection One,’ represents the first in a series of rotating exhibitions. Each collection is documented in a collectible book, allowing visitors to take home a piece of the experience and appreciate the artistry behind each selection.
Parisian Inspiration
The Martins draw inspiration from their time spent wandering the antique salons of Paris. “We often lose endless afternoons on the Left Bank,” they recall, admiring the intimate and curated spaces filled with history. This vision shapes Studio OSKLO’s identity, offering a distinctive alternative to more conventional furniture trends.
The duo’s extensive experience in crafting custom homes in Beverly Hills has further influenced their approach. “Each house we design is fully furnished by us, which has shown us the demand for our ‘OSKLO look,’they explain, emphasising their commitment to creating spaces that resonate with style and character.
Navigating the vibrant market of antique and custom furniture in Los Angeles posed challenges for the Martins. They dedicated significant time to defining Studio OSKLO’s unique identity, ensuring it reflects the brand they have built over the past decade. The gallery’s interior, painted in Farrow and Ball’s Elephant Breath, creates a serene backdrop of earthy tones that enhances the curated selection on display.
The Layout
Designed like a private salon reminiscent of Paris’s Left Bank, the space strikes the perfect balance between a museum and an art gallery. Visitors can engage with pieces that spark joy and conversation, from a Royere console to the custom bar stools envisioned during a stormy morning in Madrid.
In addition to the main showroom, the studio features The Annex in Hollywood, an overflow space that showcases additional collected pieces, ensuring there’s always something new to discover.
Signature Pieces
Among the gallery’s standout offerings are the DeGaulle Sofa, a limited-edition masterpiece inspired by mid-century French design, and the Baobab Chair, a robust piece that marries functionality with sculptural beauty. Each item is crafted in Los Angeles, reflecting a commitment to local artisanship.
As the Martins conclude, “Our space allows these amazing pieces to tell their story, creating a unique ambiance that engages the senses.”
As you wander through this enchanting gallery, prepare to be inspired by the beauty of curated design, where every object holds a tale waiting to be discovered. Studio OSKLO is not just a showroom; it’s a celebration of history, artistry, and the joy of home.
