July 2009

Written by Holli Thomas

Photographs by Coleen Rider

Upon entering Raygoza's handsome studio, you'll find shelves on the right displaying his unique collection of trims, all designed by Raygoza.  The various baubles that hang below the gimp will blow your mind.  Colorful porcelain beads, 3" chinese medallions, 3" wood tassels, dense pom-poms and luscious acorns.  A blue and white porcelain beaded trim configured to resemble tiny ginger jars, hangs below a bright blue gimp.  This has been applied down the leading edge of a sample drapery alongside a graphic blue trim tape.  The way it dangles beautifully is no accident, it's been carefully engineered to do just that.

There is a great deal that goes into the manufacture of these trims, whose inspiration comes from nature, architecture, travel and his grandmother, who made exquisite pieces of jewelry.  Once Raygoza has an idea it's drafted into a blueprint that details every aspect of the finished product, from the design of the carving to the weave of the gimp.  Yarn colors are carefully chosen with percentages of intensity specified with samples given to the manufacturer.  A canopy bed with a top treatment trimmed with one of Raygoza's large scale trims, such as the medallions or wood tassels, would be extraordinary.

The custom furniture in the design studio exudes quality and craftsmanship.  Raygoza learned all about this from his family's furniture manufacturing business in his native Guadalajara, Mexico.  He settled in Los Angeles after visiting many times as a rep for his father's company.  The skills he learned there have translated into making the perfect custom sofa or chair.  The design is modified for comfort with the right pitch, depth and density of foam.  The dimensions of the room and doorway are measured as well, resulting in a perfect fit for the house and client.

The accessories that punctuate the studio are created by Raygoza as well.  They are beautifully designed objects taken to that next level.  One example is a hand carved marble candle holder with a removable base.  This insures we don't burn our fingers when lighting the candle.  A brass candle holder in the shape of a lotus flower opens and closes when the challis inspired base is twisted.  The various states of the blossom can be enjoyed with a twist of the wrist.  The custom ottomans with nail head designs are worth mentioning as well.  The designs are inspired by ethnic motifs and architectural features, some have as many as 3000 nail heads, all beautifully tacked into place by hand.

Raygoza can execute any design.  The answer here is yes, we can do that.  With his solid background, ingenuity and voracious appetite to design and create with detail and craftsmanship, the Roman Raygoza Design Studio is a must see.  Once inside, the elegant proprietor will take it from there.

Roman Raygoza Design Studio
5118 West Jefferson Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90016

(323)933-3921

Written by :

Balustrade and Bitters

 

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