Spring 2015

Old and New Treasures By Julie McCallum

Kymberley Fraser’s specialty boutique, A Beautiful Mess Home, opened in October 2010. Located 10 miles north of Malibu, California, A Beautiful Mess Home displays industrial, primitive and European antiques. Her store creatively showcases antiques, artists, one-of-a-kind jewelry, a large antique vellum book collection and Fraser’s own textile line, 3 Fine Grains. Featuring the artistic creations of The Junk Girls and Jenny K, Fraser’s store is frequented by designers and A-list celebrities.

Gift Shop recently interviewed Fraser about opening her dream store and how she creates “a beautiful mess.”

GS: What inspired you to take the leap and open your own store?

KF: I felt the community in which I live was lacking a store where people could shop for their homes and find unique home furnishings, accessories and gifts. I dreamed of creating a space for people to visit and shop and no matter what their style. I always wanted it to be a place that left an imprint, making them want to come back for more.

GS: How do you want your customers to feel when they visit your store?

KF: I want them to feel inspired and at home. I have quite a few customers that tell me that they love to take their lunch breaks in my store to feel a sense of escape.

GS: Your store carries a unique mix of unexpected finds and new items. How do you go about sourcing your vintage goods? Can you tell us about your buying process?

KF: I love to search high and low for things that speak to me. I travel in and out of the state attending art shows and flea markets in search of new artists to feature as well as one-of-a-kind finds. I also have several employees throughout the states as well as Europe that work for me searching for treasures.

GS: Do you attend any gift and home furnishing trade shows?

KF: I occasionally attend local trade and art shows, but love to travel to Las Vegas and High Point.

GS: How would you describe your display and merchandising style in your store? How often do you change your displays?

KF: My style incorporates spatial awareness, the interactions between old and new and how I would like to see pieces placed together in a home. I don’t have a set schedule nor formula, most times the displays get changed because pieces have sold.

GS: What is your most successful event?

KF: My most successful event is my yearly Holiday Party where we serve cocktails and host giveaways; it makes a fun night out for our customers.

GS: You have created your own textile line, 3 Fine Grains. How did that come about? Is it exclusively at your store or is it also available wholesale to other retailers?

KF: 3 Fine Grains started in 2008 from a passion for antique, European textiles and my desire to share their history with my customers. 3 Fine Grains is sold at A Beautiful Mess Home and to designers across the country.

GS: What is your favorite part of owning your own store?

KF: Besides the buying, designing and merchandising, I love the way I feel when I walk through the front door knowing that I’ve created this “Beautiful Mess.” It’s such a rewarding feeling knowing that you’ve brought to life a place for people to come and feel inspired.

Julie McCallum

Julie McCallum is publisher of Gift Shop Magazine. She is formerly the editor-in-chief of the publication, as well as editor of Museums & More, and she has more than 25 years experience in publishing.