Design & Consign
By Gina Dostler
Shawn Rettig’s new enterprise is an upscale furniture consignment store that serves as a platform to acquire and repurpose fine furnishings. Her clients benefit from excellent furnishings at affordable prices.
Q: How has being a real estate investor and developer helped you with interior designs?
A: Actually, way before I started in real estate, when I was just a tiny little girl I was moving the furniture in my room around making things just right. My father was a marine carpenter, so I learned a lot from him, watching him work with teak, mahogany, rosewood and shape them into beautifully finished woodwork. I learned so much from him. I’m also sure it’s in our blood, the eye for spacing and how things fit. It comes very natural to me and maybe that’s why I love interior design so much. Getting involved in real estate and redoing homes actually was a perfect fit where I utilized my love and appreciation for many diverse styles of décor.
Q: You also design the interior for yachts, which obviously must be a carry over form your father.
A: My father worked on many yachts, including John Wayne’s Wild Goose. So a mariner’s life is no secret to me and making the best use of spaces available on a boat comes from the many years spent growing up with my father and watching him work. He was a big man, 6’2” and I remember he always had dings on his head from hitting a beam or something while he was moving around in the boats he worked on.
Q: What was your most fun and challenging job?
A: (Composer Mark Mancina house and recording studio.) I got on a fast track learning all about acoustics, how sound vibrates and absorbs into the surroundings. I had to incorporate all that into a design that was not only pretty, chic and cool but still kept to its purpose as a place where multiple artists came to record.
Q: How is consignment a compliment to your interior design?
A: The consignment shop is a great place to showcase fine furniture and accessories. And with my interior design on premises, someone coming in to look for pieces for their home usually has questions and truly enjoys the expertise received, whether it’s just consulting on one room or undergoing a full remodel. This consignment is really an upgrade to many consignment shops.
Q: What’s your plan?
A: My plan is to do this completely right, keep it efficient yet fun and community oriented. There will be a kiosk out in the front to promote women in the arts. Being a mom I know what is like to run a business and a family at the same time and will keep it very family based and supportive to my staff.
Q: Where can the public see your design work?
A: At La Fonda, between Rosarito Beach and Ensenada. It’s been there for over 60 years and we’ve owned it for the last 10 years. I kept the funk but made it new and clean. We also have a house there that I designed all in Hemingway style, a romantic hacienda 1930s style.
Q: When does your store open?
A: Look for a soft opening Aug. 5. We’ll keep you posted on our website www.rpdeco.com
Contact Information
Shawn Rettig
Rettig Portfolio Design
1646 Superior Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
949-287-6367
Consign@rpdeco.com
