Cynics might call it stunt retailing, but industry watchers see a method in the madness witnessed at some of Los Angeles home furnishing stores. In the no-longer-bulletproof luxury decor market, some showrooms are experimenting with ways to attract and keep customers. One of the newcomers on the scene is Limn, a San Francisco-based operation that recently opened its first L.A. store on La Brea Avenue. Among the things shoppers will see: a red velvet rope preventing access to VIP client meeting rooms. (Annie Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
Limn is one of several showrooms to market home furnishings as art and to stage the spaces like a museum. Here, Kiss Me Kate, made of pine and bronze by Harry Siter. (Annie Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
The velvet rope at Limn. (Annie Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
Limns installations include the Magic Box by Jun Ueno. The 1,000-cubic-foot glass-and-steel piece sells for $95,000. (Annie Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
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At Twentieth, long considered one of Los Angeles most exclusive showrooms, the owner has selected certain designers for extra attention. Here, a horse lamp and custom sofa by the Dutch design collective Moooi. (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Twentieths store-within-a-store concept includes a space to showcase British lighting sensation Tom Dixon. (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Twentieth store owner Stefan Lawrence, under Droog lighting. (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Murray Moss is credited with redefining the high-end furnishings shopping experience. Indeed, his new Melrose Avenue showroom feels more like a museum than a store, complete with please-dont-sit signs in front of the furniture. (David A. Keeps / Los Angeles Times)
