Alana Tang, the founder of Seattle-based vintage store In the Comfort Of, is always on the hunt for high-design products—from mid-mod sofas to space-age lamps—to add to her shop. It’s no surprise that her home is equally well curated. But unlike the decor and furniture she sources, which shows its patina, her open-concept apartment is in a new building. “I like the juxtaposition between modern and vintage, where you get your needs met with things like an in-unit washer and dryer, but then bring in character with vintage furniture pieces,” Tang says.

Two years ago, Tang, her partner, and their six-year-old Chihuahua mix, Coco, moved into their 700-square-foot one-bedroom unit in Beacon Hill, a neighborhood in south Seattle. When crafting her space, she came across a photo of the Red and Blue Chair, a famous De Stijl piece designed by architect Gerrit Thomas Rietveld in 1918. Drawn to its primary color palette, she used the chair as a reference point for the hues in her own home. Today, her space is complete with yellow Eames fiberglass shell chairs, a black and white Vladimir Kagan Matinee sofa, a red sphere lamp from the 1990s, a blue Studio Tenjung rug, and a collection of vintage blue and red prints gifted by a friend.

In total, Tang was able to furnish her laid-back, vintage space for just under $6,500. However, she estimates the retail cost of the room to be closer to $18,000. “I source vintage for a living, so I always have my eyes open for items way under retail value,” she says.

Here, Tang shares how she was able to score deals, her essential purchases, and favorite vintage finds.

Architectural Digest: What was your initial vision for your apartment’s living room/dining room area?

Alana Tang: I always knew I wanted midcentury influences with primary colors as accents. When I moved in, I was eager to make the space flow naturally from the dining area to the living area while ensuring they felt like distinct parts of the home. I spent time looking at how others maximized their small spaces, and I credit playing The Sims growing up for giving me some interior design skills.

Did you have a budget when furnishing your space?

Sort of. I would reassess as I went along. I just knew I couldn’t buy too many things brand new. Luckily, being a vintage furniture curator, I know how to find deals. If something were perfect, I’d be willing to pay up to the retail price, but luckily, most of the time, I could find things for less.

What is an example of something you sourced under retail? And how much would it have cost at retail prices?

If I were to sell my couch, a Vladimir Kagan Matinee sofa, at In The Comfort Of, it would be listed for $6,800. My midcentury wall unit would sell for $2,500. However, I was able to find both for $1,200 each on Craigslist. The dining table is originally from IKEA and retails for $279, but I bought it second-hand for $15. Another IKEA product—a walnut bench—sells new for $349, but I only paid $50. I found both of them on Facebook Marketplace. I also scored a Tizio floor lamp at an estate sale for $95, but regularly see it on the resale market for around $1,000 or more.

Do you have any tips for others looking to find similar deals?

Check online reselling platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist consistently. Try visiting estate sales and the thrift stores regularly. For example, I found my sofa on Craigslist six years ago when I first started In The Comfort Of. I initially sourced the sofa from Craigslist to sell. However, as soon as I received it, I knew it had to be mine.

That’s the beautiful thing about buying used things: there are always people looking to get rid of their stuff. Since I do this for work, I go to way more [thrift stores and estate sales] than the average person would. However, the more you check various reselling platforms, the higher chance of finding something you’d want to take home.

What was the biggest splurge?

My biggest splurge was my Studio Tenjung Indigo Plash area rug, which I bought for $1,920. But buying it was an easy yes. My friend, Tenzin Tsomo, designed it. It’s a four-foot by six-foot area rug made from 100% Tibetan highland wool that was naturally dyed and hand knotted. I loved the juxtaposition between the traditional technique and the modern drip-like shape. Not only had I never seen anything like it before, I felt compelled to have it because I believe the quality will stand the test of time. Eventually, it’ll become an heirloom, which is special.

What was your best deal?

Although the Matinee sofa is one of the most expensive things in my home, I’d also consider it the best deal. I also think it’s my best find in terms of overall design and rarity. I love that it can be converted into a daybed, which makes it great for napping.

Was there anything that turned out to not be worth it?

In the last few years, I’ve been able to train myself to make intentional decisions about what goes into my home, so luckily, I haven’t made any “mistakes” in a while.

That’s impressive! What advice do you have for others who want to make better, more intentional purchases?

I would suggest starting with a mood board. It’s super helpful to get your ideas out there. It can be tempting to buy something just because you found a deal, but it may not be exactly what you need. Having something to reference is super important.

Is the room complete at this point, or are there still pieces you’d like to purchase?

I’m not looking, but at the same time, I’m always looking. I’d love to fill the space with smaller objects, things like architecture and furniture design books or sculptures, pottery, and art. Maybe even something as simple as a paper weight.

Shop products inspired by Alana Tang’s home