Poketo has been operating from a loft here since 2007, right before many of the current business’ moved in, right around the time change was happening…and if you may or may not have noticed on our Instagram, Poketo will be opening its first brick and mortar right here in the heart of it all. But, more on that later.

This is Jeremy of District Millworks. He runs a custom fabrication shop here in the Arts District, specializing in acquiring and breathing new life to reclaimed wood from across the country. Whether it’s wood from railroad depots in Alabama, old barn siding, bowling lanes in Nebraska, or old homes that no longer have a life… that wood ends up here at District Millworks. It’s right here in this seemingly cavernous, endless warehouse that he and his team design furniture and objects for homes, retail, restaurants, and commercial properties. Their latest endeavor, that newly opened, much talked about UMAMIcatessen in Downtown LA.

We got a rad tour of District Millworks… or rather, we ended up walking aimlessly and getting lost in the myriad of rooms in this huge space.

A view into the open sky courtyard…

We stumbled into areas most people won’t see. If you do go and visit (and you should), you’ll walk through their storefront showroom and will be instantly surrounded by beautiful, handcrafted furniture, tables, beds, and even a playful swing hung from 20 + foot tall ceilings. District Millworks designs and fabricates all their pieces here. You can pick what you like from their showroom, or you can come in with an idea… they’ll help you envision it… they’ll make it come to life.

More at DistrictMillworks.com.

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.

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!

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

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.

We know you love designing and building things, but how did you first discover it?
I’ve been building my whole life. When I was in Jr. High, I ran a small business making skate ramps for all the kids in the neighborhood. Then, I majored in Sculpture in college, and since then the direction of my work has taken a more applied design direction.

You’re a born and raised here, how do you think Southern California influences your work?
I think that the year-round outdoor living culture has greatly influenced the way I think about entertaining, hospitality, and home-making. So, making objects that work well indoor and outdoors is a natural part of my design/thought process.

Being a designer/builder, you must get a lot of work done at your studio. Could you tell us what your favorite part of your space is?
The whole thing! The giant roll up door makes for great light. And because I’m in an industrial area, I can make as much noise as I want, as late as I want.

Tell us about the three-ring mountable planters and plant stands you made for us. Share with us some of your inspirations.

Inspiration is something that I like to keep at the sub-conscious level. I’m not consciously aware of what pushes my work in one direction or another. I really like to look at raw materials. The lumber yard, metal shop, and salvage yard, are probably the biggest sources of inspiration for me. I came upon these rings and I thought to myself, what else could I use these for?

Lastly, what personal project are you proudest of?
I love the Canvas Cabin I made earlier this year for our annual camping trip.

Check out Eric’s creations at poketo.com
Find more of Eric Trine at etrine.com

Balancing is a delicate artform, just ask the guys who captured these makeshift monuments.

Photo by: James Jordan

Photo by David Wan on the beach of Bay Area San Francisco

The balancing act requires sensitivity and calm. “It seems impossible,” says the rock balancer in this video, “but once you get that impossibility. It seems like magic.” Indeed.

You may not have massive rocks to play with, but you can still add a little Zen to your life with our Balancing Blocks. Recreate the Great Wall of China or the Eiffel Tower using these colorful blocks repurposed hardwood scraps collected from Brooklyn furniture shops. Here’s Ted breaking out some blocks for fun.

Ted stacking the balancing blocks

Success!

Below, subtle butterflies emerge in vibrant color under spilled wine. A stain is no longer a blemish, but a blessing.

(via) Mocoloco conducts an interview with Kristine, in which she discusses her process, more ingenious pieces, and future plans for the “Under” line.