SHOPTALK : For the Vintage Home

“THE CONCEPT of this store is based on bright colors and original finishes,” says interior designer J. J. Jenkins, co-owner of Melrose’s new 1,400-square-foot vintage haunt, Avenue Antiques. The shop features home and garden furniture (1860 to 1940), one-of-a-kind, hand-hooked rugs (1880 to 1940), original painted American furniture (1830 to 1930) and endless wallpapers and linoleums.

“The furniture is sold in its original condition,” Jenkins says. “Since much of it is American farm pieces that came from New England, they’re painted red, green or yellow. Milk paint used, and some of the pieces may have as many as six layers of paint.”

Avenue Antiques, 5641 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles; (213) 856-4245.