LACMA’s “California Design, 1930-1965″ is part of the Pacific Standard Time, a collaboration of museums and galleries across Southern California coming together to celebrate the birth of the L.A. art scene. There are 46 exhibitions all over Southern California, this one at LACMA showcases designers, architects, architecture, and everyday objects that shaped the California aesthetic that is so prevalent today.

The exhibition is divided into four categories: shaping, making, living and selling. The Selling of the California Dream- its grandness and optimism- was the most interesting to me. The California lifestyle was represented in the design of furniture, clothes, publications, toys for kids, and more- Not much different than it is today. Quoting photographer Julius Shulman, “Good design is seldom accepted, it has to be sold”.

California played a key role in defense and aerospace during WWII. Breakthroughs in fiberglass, molded plywood, and other materials were key to modernism, post-war. These materials for the first time were being used inexpensively for the home and lifestyle products.

Art & Architecture, 1946.

The Barbie Dream House, propogating the California dream at a young age.

These wooden blocks intended for kids back then, reminds me of the Balancing Blocks for the kid in us now.

With the start of fall (and school!) comes one beloved annual tradition…. the Back-to-School Shopping Trip. We may not be in school anymore, but it’s a great time to find deals on small items to perk up our living spaces.

If you’re moving into dorms, apartments or little corners this fall, don’t forget to get in on our 50% off sale on art prints and wall decals. And keep these easy tips in mind:

Blank walls are white canvases, add your style and go!
Keep your walls neutral, but add a row of framed art to create a great contrast without chaos.

Art prints bring a pop of color into a neutral space. A great piece can also be a conversation starter.

Shop for space savers
Look for furniture that does double duty or folds into a compact space, so you can maximize the space in your apartment. Some pieces might be made especially for close quarters, but exercise your creativity and you can often find other uses for pre-existing items.

Swap out one plant for utensils on this mountable planter and you instantly have a bit of green with extra space.

Do without walls, but do divide your space
Walls constrict and nobody ever wants to run into them. Divvy up your living area by adding a visual element. Why not use a plant, a stack of books or wall decals as a divider?

Have you found some great tips to spruce up a small space? We’d love to hear them! Share your photos and tips on the comments below!

Tanya Aguiniga’s signature Rope Knot bracelets and necklaces make a huge fashion statement. We met Tanya years ago, picking up a number of her pieces for ourselves. All of the objects in her collection are designed, hand dyed, hand sewn, all of it put together by hand, by Tanya and her team. We’ve been been fans since day one, so no doubt, it was an honor to visit her studio in Atwater Village, Los Angeles, to see her process and catch up on all the new goods and projects she’s been working on. Check out those chairs!

See her bracelets on Poketo.
More of Tanya Aguiniga at Aguinigadesign.com.

You know that gorgeous A-Frame plant hanger you’ve seen on Poketo? A little bit about that piece… the straps are vintage military, the hardware is quality brass, and the wood is a beautiful, Brazilian hardwood. It could be hung on a hook or wrapped around a beam, both indoors and outdoors… And the designer, meet Danny Simon.

Do you yourself more as a designer, builder, furniture maker?

I am a designer and a builder. My ability to build is a result of wanting to accomplish a particular design to meet my own standards. I love to conceptualize but I also really love working with my hands.

When did you start ?

I’ve been an artist my whole life. I used to design space ships when I was a kid. I’ve shifted slightly to more practical things that I can actually build myself.

What types of pieces do you usually create?

Well, I love space and how we interact with it. I like homes the most, so the majority of stuff I’ve made is for the home, inside and out. I’ve built decks and pergolas, coffee tables, benches, planters; both standing and hanging, amongst other things. I usually create pieces that are rustic in material but modern in design.

If there was one thing that you think makes your work a different from others, what would it be?

I embrace “flaws” in materials and sometimes even showcase them in a piece to add character.

You were born and raised in Southern California. How does California influence your work?

California has everything as far as nature is concerned. I try and make stuff that speaks of some golden-era that has been or could have been. Something that makes people think about that nature.

What inspired you to design the A-frame plant hanger?

A-frame in Architecture and the fact that I’ve really never seen a plant hanger that I’ve liked.