Ranch-N-Roll turns the old wing chair into a rocker
This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.
The wing chair is a theme with variations popping up everywhere these days: bright seats covered in Dutch wax fabric at Anthropologie, muslin-clad domed versions at Restoration Hardware. Some of the most interesting new ones are being made by an iconoclastic upholsterer in her L.A. shop Ranch-N-Roll, open less than a year.
Owner Libby Knudson’s wing chairs ($995 each) are covered with bright Mexican blankets and wall hangings of, say, the Virgin Mary or dogs playing poker. They’re topped with the kind of transparent plastic covering beloved by vintage car refinishers, and chair legs are given a coat of bright lacquer.
‘Since I was a kid, I loved horseback riding and rodeos,’ said Knudson, above, ‘then when I got a bit older I really got into punk rock.’
Today, her craft and the store that houses it reflect both interests, with objects that include Westernalia (Karen Davisson’s reconfigured vintage wear, T-shirts with Native American chiefs, Justin Bailey’s reproduction salvage signs) and pieces of rocker chic (potholders designed by client friends such as Eddie Vedder, Lucinda Williams and Exene Cervenka). Best of all, Knudson’s shop hosts revolving exhibits of visual artists and crafters.
5106 Fountain Ave., Los Angeles; (323) 913-2825.
-- Dana Dickey
Photos: John Eder
RELATED:
Voici! It’s new furniture from the store Voila!
Croft House’s reclaimed wood and L.A. story