Since its inception in March of 2009, One Kings Lane has grown to be a household name and daily destination for all types of design aficionados. The company celebrated its fifth anniversary this year and over the course of its first five years, One Kings Lane has attracted millions of regular customers and has completely revolutionized the way in which we shop for products for our homes. One Kings Lane was born out of co-founder Susan Feldman’s very real need to furnish her home in Los Angeles after living in apartments in New York since her college years. Susan found the process of finding exactly what she wanted and needed for her home extremely daunting and longed for a one-stop-shop of sorts. As fate would have it, Susan met her business partner and co-founder of One Kings Lane, Alison Pincus shortly thereafter. The rest, as they say is history—in this case, trailblazing, game-changing history.
I have long admired Susan for her business acumen and moxie—it takes a lot of courage to try something so huge that no one has done before. I’ve recently had the pleasure of getting to know her on a more personal level and she is one of the sweetest, most upbeat people in this industry. If I had her busy travel schedule, I don’t know that I would have such great energy, so kudos to Susan! Susan is exactly the type of woman that young girls should look up to and aspire to be like. She is kind, intelligent, forward-thinking, and had the ability to identify a true need in the marketplace, subsequently creating a truly unique company that continues to differentiate itself from the competitors that have come along over the years. Susan and I recently had a conversation about her decorating style, travels, and favorite things. Enjoy!
Paloma Contreras: Has living in Los Angeles influenced the way you decorate?
Susan Feldman: Living in a home in LA after living in an apartment in Manhattan for so many years has definitely changed the way I decorate and think about my home. Living in LA is just easier and more laid back.
{Susan’s Living Room in Los Angeles}
PC: What do you think your home says about you?
SF: My home is warm, inviting, and comfortable. I think it becomes apparent that my family is my number one priority when you look around. I enjoy entertaining in a relaxing and easy-going manner, and my home has many great nooks in which to unwind. I think you’d also be able to see that I love decorating with a good neutral palette.
PC: What do you love most about your career as Co-Founder and Chief Merchandising Officer of One Kings Lane?
SF: The amazing team of people that I get to work with and be inspired by every single day.
{Susan has an active hand in selecting the merchandise for One Kings Lane. Here she is atop a stack or rugs she selected!}
PC: Where do you turn for inspiration?
SF: I love to travel. I’ve found that visiting new places and destinations always gets my creativity flowing.
{Susan on a Recent Visit to India}
PC: What is your guilty pleasure?
SF: Accessories. A girl just can’t have enough.
{Susan on the hunt for more great accessories!}
PC: What trait do you most admire in a person?
SF: Integrity.
{Susan’s Office in Los Angeles}
PC: You travel a lot, scouring the globe for fabulous finds for One Kings Lane. Do you have a favorite destination that you never tire of?
SF: It has to be India. I have been there eight times since starting One Kings Lane. Every time I go, I am so inspired and discover something new and fabulous about the country.
{Susan with Famed Designers Martyn Lawrence Bullard and Mary McDonald during a Trip to India that was featured on Million Dollar Decorators}
PC: What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
SF: On a personal level, it is my family. Professionally, it is founding One Kings Lane.
{Personal and Professional Mementos in Susan’s Office}
PC: What is your idea of living “la dolce vita”?
SF: I dream about living in a villa in Tuscany and having a constant stream of family and friends come to visit. I imagine exploring and allowing my creativity to go wild.
{Musician Ned Lambton’s Spectacular Tuscan Villa in Siena, Italy via Architectural Digest}
PC: What can we look forward to next from you?
SF: We debuted two proprietary brands named Celandine and Delfinia last year. They are two distinct lines of bedding and bath products that our customers have absolutely loved because of the quality and style. This year, we are working on introducing more proprietary product that continues to be an incredible expression of the One Kings Lane brand. I’m excited about what we are developing.
{Susan’s Desk in her Los Angeles Office | Office Images via One Kings Lane}
Go-To Outfit: Fall/Winter—Jeans, Navy Silk Blouse, Black Leather Jacket, Hermes Belt, Black Suede Boots; Spring/Summer—Grey T-Shirt, White Jeans, Strappy Sandals
Style Mantra: Classic with a Twist
Scent: L’Artisan Premier Figuier and on the weekends, Shalimar—a throwback to my younger days
Jewelry: diamond study, Rolex watch, and wedding band
Color I Never Tire of: Navy
Flower: Peonies
Indispensible Design Element: Gorgeous doors
Era for Design: It’s hard to pick one. My aesthetic is so eclectic that I gravitate to many types of design
Dream Project: To Build A House
Hostess Gift: Vintage Lassi Cup from India or a Mint Julep Cup with a Lottery Ticket inside of It
Meal: Breakfast at the Chateau Marmont
Drink: Water with Lemon or Wine
Way to Unwind after a Long Day at Work: Dinner with my Husband, Bob
3 Things I Love about LA: the weather, creativity, and the fact that everybody wants to come and visit.
Weekend Destination: I enjoy trying lots of different places. Cabo, Colorado, Big Sur, Malibu, and Paris
Hotel: Pavillion de la Reine in Paris
Museum: The Tate Britain in London
Artist: Robert Rauschenenberg
Song that Always Puts Me in a Good Mood: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”
Actor/Actress: Audrey Hepburn
Prized Possession: My Kids
Greatest Extravagance: Getting my hair blown out a couple of times a week