Scenes from WestEdge Design

Last month WestEdge design came to town, for the first time ever, and was a great success for the design crowd! It took place at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica and was organized by the duo that previously put together the annual Architectural Digest show in NYC. With such a great response here in Los Angeles, it's set to be an annual event, returning again next Fall. If you missed the 2013 debut, here's some of the trends that were seen at the show. (The above image is a wallpaper design by BlackCrow Studios.)

Colorful pendants from Token.

Sunbursts mirrors continue to be popular, this one is super chic and contemporary.

These rope and tassel mirrors are really cute, hung in a fun cluster.

An amazing tear drop shaped glass and metal chandelier.

Industrial chic chain pendants at the very cool BDBW booth.

Gorgeous detailed intricate pillows.

These fab slingback chairs evoke retro yet contemporary, all in a beautiful craftsmanship!

Nespresso Boutique Beverly Hills

Nespresso recently opened their first ever flagship store here in Los Angeles, a boutique on Beverly Drive in Los Angeles. With stores in both NYC and San Francisco, it was great to welcome a retail space here in LA. I happen to be a huge fan on Nespresso (as my Instagram and Twitter followers may know) and was excited when I received an invite to the launch party this past week.

The new concept store features a slightly different vibe than previous stores. Contemporary furnishings with lighter finishes, such as the flooring is all part of the new look. The Beverly Hills location features an indoor / outdoor lounge area along with an espresso bar for ordering drinks and food, and a retail space for purchases.

Nespresso welcomes tastings, this bar set up with machines is the perfect spot to come in and sample while browsing the assortment of Nespresso machines.

The colorful array of capsules are eye-catching (& make for a great display!).

At the opening night party this past week I got to experience the great indoor / outdoor feel of the open space - perfect for Southern California weather!

The launch party was a packed crowd complete with performances by David Foster and American Idol alum Michael Johns. Along with Tim Gunn, who we had the pleasure of meeting, hosted the night's event.

If you happen to be in Beverly Hills, be sure to check out the new Nespresso Boutique at 320 N Beverly Drive.

Singer John Legend's Hollywood Hills Home

Grammy award winner singer John Legend has settled into his cozy Hollywood Hills with his newly wed wife, Christine Teigen. The home imbibes a rustic, earthy ambiance and evokes alfresco Los Angeles living.

The expansive living room opens to an outdoor deck. Details like the built-in tv above the fireplace and stunning chandelier above the piano make for a stand out living room designed by Don Stewart.

A gorgeous kitchen and dining area is simple and modern. The dark furnishings contrast with the blonde teak cabinets and translucent pendants.

A private alcove off the master bedroom features a basalt tub and wading pools - what a dreamy retreat to have in your own home!

The open master bedroom bathroom features teak cabinets (like the kitchen) and natural stone elements, for a very modern clean feel.

All images via AD magazine.

The Los Angeles Antiques Art + Design Show, Recap!

The annual Los Angeles Antiques Art + Design Show took place over the weekend, starting with a kick off opening night party along with design panels throughout the four day event. The show was located at an impressive new location in the design and arts district of Culver City. Many local dealers exhibited at the show. Here's a highlight!



The opening night party kicked off with a bang, packed full of a who's who in the design and arts industry, including a few celebs. Barbra Streisand was also in attendance. The party benefits the Decorative Council of the Los Angeles Museum of Art (LACMA).



The new location at 3 Labs in Culver City is a large scale contemporary building perfectly inviting to house the show.



Dragonette, a favorite showroom on La Cienega, had a fantastic display.



A very chic console table vignette.



A display from Paul Anthony, a dealer out of Palm Springs, CA.



Many of the vendor spaces were packed full of furnishings.



There are always some eclectic finds too!



A cool credenza from Reform Gallery.



The Off the Wall gallery always has some unique, vintage finds too. Wall murals and accessories that are distinctive.

Be sure to check out next year's show and the Modernism show that will be taking place in Spring if you are in Los Angeles!

Los Angeles Antiques Art + Design Show Opening This Week!

The 18th annual Los Angeles Antiques, Art + Design Show opens this week, kicking off with an opening night party on Wednesday. The show opens to the public Thursday, October 10th and runs through the weekend. I attended the opening night party last year as well as toured the show - have to say, it's a great event and not one to miss if you are here in LA! For a recap of my coverage from last year, check out my post here.

The opening night party benefits the Decorative Arts and Design Council of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). In addition a star-studded opening night Host Committee has been announced: Diane Keaton, Will Ferrell, Kelly Wearstler, Newell Turner, Trina Turk and Jonathan Skow, Suzanne Tucker, Clinton Smith, Kay Saatchi, Margaret and Joel Chen, Hunter Drohojowska-Philip, Michael Boodro, Nate Berkus, and Liv Ballard.

This year's event includes 43 participants (view a full list of exhibitors here) as well as panel discussions to be taking place in conjuction with the show. Design LA is a star studded panel hosted by sponsor 1st Dibs.

Looking forward to checking out this year's new locatin: 3LABS Studio in Culver City.

For more info and to purchase tickets, visit the Los Angeles Antiques Show webiste here.

Lighting Looks

Lighting can make a huge statement in design, from the overall ambience in a room to a conversational piece. Here are some lighting looks that evoke both.



A retro vibe chandelier really takes the cake in the pretty hot pink bedroom.



An overscaled chandelier adds a dramatic flair for this dining room (this demonstrates not to fear scale!).



It's like playing with pattern: multiple pendants create more interest than just a few lining a hallway.



These pretty globes create an almost surreal like sense of space.



A suspended chandelier adds glam to this dining room.



Conversational piece: what a cool industrial chic light fixture!



Pretty and serene for this hallway with a few surface mounted lighting fixtures.



A very sophisticated bedroom

All images via Pinterest.

Blog Tour LA is Here!

{Image via Cloth and Kind}

Happy to share the first ever Blog Tour LA is here! Hosted by Modenus, kicks off today with the next several days packed full of events. As an alumni of Blog Tour London I am excited to take part and follow along with the LA group. I will also be hosting a walking tour of design showrooms with my counterpart, Christian of Maison21.

Christian and I are leading a Design Tour of showrooms in the Los Angeles area of the La Cienega Design Quarter. We will be hosting showroom events at both Mecox Gardens and Dragonette Ltd. After, the group will be heading over to Kelly Weartsler's design studio and shop for an exclusive tour.

Walker Zanger is hosting one of the first events, along with Mayer Rus of Architectural Digest.

After a full first day of events, Poggenpohl will be hosting an Oktoberfest dinner with Blanco and Gaggenau. Looking forward to this!

A highlight of this week's events is the anticipated WestEdge Design Fair. It opens this Thursday to the trade and takes place through the weekend at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica. Tickets are available online, here. Looking forward to attending during trade day and the opening night party too.

Another greatly anticpated event taking place is the 55 Downing Street product presentation hosted at the West LA Lamps Plus store.

There are many more events taking place this week. To follow along on Instagram and Twitter,  follow hashtag #BlogTourLA and visit the Modenus blog.