A Home That’s ‘Totally Me’

When friends walk into Natalie Tass’ Costa Mesa home for the first time, they usually emit one sound: “Wow!”

It’s not just the vibrant colors or the leopard prints, says Tass, 36, who owns the popular vintage store, the Front End, in Newport Beach. It’s the stuff.

Stuff like her dice and bowling ball collections, old pinup photos, lamps made from vintage car parts and ‘50s bar stools covered in sparkly vinyl.

Her Web site, https://www.frontendvintage.com, communicates it best, but here’s Tass’ story:

“I like stuff from the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s. I don’t collect them because they’re now valuable but because the stuff is so well-made and beautiful.

“I collect Sputnik lamps that flash, old hot-rod movie posters and 7-inch-tall nude figurines made from chalk. I love the way they’re posed and their ‘40s hairdos.

“The front room has an iron table frame with a boomerang-shaped glass top. Metal dice are wedged between the frame and the glass top. I created it because I love the gambling theme.

“There’s also a vintage couch that’s been reupholstered in a fabric decorated with decks of red, black and white cards. And I have vintage ottomans reupholstered in leopard print.

“The floors are hardwood, and I have old dental cabinets in the front entry that hold my collection of bowling balls, shoes and memorabilia.

“I just like the look. Nothing really matches, but somehow it really does. People just love it. It’s totally me.”

“Been There, Done That” is a recurring feature in Saturday’s Home Design section that highlights how our readers accomplish their home and garden projects. If you wish to share your experiences--or, even to brag a little--call (714) 966-7883. Or send photographs along with your name and phone number to Home Design, Los Angeles Times, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, Calif. 92626. Or e-mail to ocsocalliv@latimes.com.