Out on his own

AFTER years as a former partner and furniture designer at stores such as Plantation and Bamboo Colony, interior designer Craig Olsen has opened his own home furnishings emporium in Los Angeles. “I like contrast, 20th century classics done with a 21st century design sensibility,” says Olsen, pictured here in his Library wing chair with mix-and-match striped and diamond-embroidered fabric. The designer has reinvented the spindle-back bobbin armchair and the classic Klismos dining chair in an antique white finish and eye-popping stripes, above. Playing off hard lines and soft surfaces, Olsen also mixes plump square sofas in Paul Smith suit fabric or silk green velvet with industrial metal tables and shelves. For sheer luxury: the silk Paradiso collection of coverlet and pillow covers in rich paisley and animal prints. “You spend eight hours in bed,” Olsen says. “You might as well make it nice.” Craig Olsen, 130 N. La Brea Ave.; (323) 677-2111; www.craig-olsen.com.

-- David A. Keeps