Los Angeles Design Blog | Material Girls | LA Interior Design

Inspiring vignettes of personal collections…

{Found treasures}

{Art, books, & accessories}

{For the vanity…makeup brushes & jewelry}

{Nautical}

{Artwork & photography}

{Books}

{Dishware}

{Art supplies}

{Vintage photographs}

What things do you collect?

{image via Pinterest}

Abstract artwork blends itself well in contemporary, traditional, & transitional interiors alike. I think it makes for such a sophisticated and eclectic mix!

{via Elle Decor}

{via Massuco Warner Miller}

{via Pinterest}

{via Everything Fab}

{via Pinterest}

{via 1st Dibs}

Last but not least – chair as abstract art!

{the mural in “Mrs. Doheny’s” bedroom at the Greystone Mansion, designed by Woodson & Rummerfield}

Lately I have been noticing a lot of peacocks in interior design – everything from artwork to accessories! It may be a classic motif, but it certainly has made a resurgence. Take a look!

Painted peacock feathers on a platter at a show house in Austin, TX. Image via Houzz.

Peacock pillow from Dwell Studio (we actually purchased this for a client of mine).

Peacock wallpaper from Schumacher.

A peacock on a fireplace mantle – sure to be a conversation starter! Image via Houzz.

And to have that “conversation starter” – might want to sit in this peacock print chair from The Divine Chair.

Peacock napkin rings, via ZGallerie.

Peacock bench from Horchow.

Peacock mirror from Restoration Hardware.

Peacock printed wallpaper – and wall decor. Image via Houzz.

Deco Peacock Rug from Company C.

Trina Turk peacock fabric by the yard via Layla Grace.

Peacock bedding from Serena & Lily.

Peacock pillow from Chiasso.

If you’re passionate about peacocks – there is so much out there!

{photo via Sketch42}

Early on Thursday morning I saw a tweet go past with a link to a recent blog post by Nicole Cohen of the blog Sketch42. The tweet said “Keith Haring inspired” and I was instantly drawn – and once I took a look at Nicole’s post I was instantly in love! She had created an entry with Keith Haring inspired graphics painted (by her!) on the walls. Considering I’ve been a huge fan and collector of Keith Haring since my teens, I was by far impressed with this stunning entry!

{the tweet that had me at “hello”}

Nicole’s moodboard for her bachelor client, which she featured here – note the foyer inspired walls.

Nicole wrote that she was also inspired by the work of Kelly Wearstler’s entry at her Hillcrest Estate.

{photo via Sketch42}

Makes for such a dramatic backdrop when styling! Loving this!

I actually featured this on a blog post awhile back about my visit to the Keith Haring Foundation in NYC (photo by me).

The entry at the Keith Haring Foundation in NYC (photo by me).

It was also featured on Elle Decor’s “Design Insiders’ Weekly Finds” on Friday!

{photo via Sketch42}

To see more pics (including the befores) and view Nicole in action, click here!

{original artwork by Jen Ramos of Cocoa & Hearts and Made by Girl}

I was out shopping the other day with a friend, when we came across these Kate Spade handbags (below) and noticed the use of color blocking, a trend I have seen making a comeback in fashion. I think it makes an interesting use in architecture, art, interiors, and fashion!

Loving this Kate Spade handbag!

When I see color blocking, I always think of the artist Mondrian.

The work of artist Piet Mondrian.

And also the work of Le Corbusier, which I blogged about before here.

A feature in modern architecure.

A crossover into fashion.

The Fall 2011 LookBook on ShopBop.com features an entire collection dedicated to color blocking.

I had also seen this shirt at ZARA.

And these ballerina flats, too.

Now I miss my Color Theory class I took year’s ago in design school!

{Paris}

A map as a work of art ? Created by artist Aaron Straup Cope, these pieces of artwork are a version of prettymaps. Code-named “Isola” after the Finnish textile designer Maija Isola. I could see these maps (of Paris, NYC, LA, and SF) as a framed series of artwork. Available through 20 x 200, starting at just $20!

{NYC}

{SF Bay Area}

{LA}

My city!! I know it so well, I recognize every freeway on this map!

Leave it to Kelly Wearstler to incorporate the most unique furniture and sculpture into her interiors, including the most unusual anatomical sculptures which (as quoted above) she deems “organic and sexy.”

The dining room of her Hillcrest Estate, amassed with figurines and sculptures.

The Malibu Beach Residence, with life size figures and overscaled sculpture (above and below).

If you’re ever in the hunt for antomically correct sculptures (as was I for a current design project), check out what 1st Dibs has to offer with their ever changing assortment of inventory and great connections to individual vendors.

This “Overlife sized Plaster Sculpture of a Face” measures approx 32″ w x 20″h” and is avaialbe through Talisman London.

This 1940’s Female Bust from the Czech Republic is available for $1,100 through Vintage a la Mode in San Francisco.

An Italian Cubo-Futurist Bust, circa 197o is made of tin.  Available through Dual Modern in New York.

Antique French Bust Of Diana “The Huntress” France circa 1880’s-90’s, from Moss Antiques in New Orleans.

Pair of 1930’s Deco Busts, finished in crackle lacquer from the Paul Marra Showroom in Los Angeles.

Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Artist Richard Etts in mint condition from Colin Fisher Studios.

For more online finds visit 1st Dibs (searches “busts” “sculpture” “anatomical sculpture”)

If you haven’t already visited the Serena & Lily website, then you are certainly missing out on a great collection of bedding, furniture, decor, accessories, gifts, paint, fabric and more.  They also have a more eclectic collection of furnishings called Bazaar.  The online Bazaar is a rotating collection of  finds found from flea markets, estate sales, and hidden shops around the world.  It’s worth checking back often for new items but if there’s something you like, better grab it, as it can go fast.

{Ikat Stool}

{Gold Ikat Chair}

{Rocker}

{Ikat Stool}

{Pink Carved Table}

{Green Stool}

{Kuba Sham}

{Mexican Folk Mirror}

Serena & Lily Bazaar also has art, rugs, and fun finds.  Check back for more.

I recently came across an LA-based furniture restoration company that goes beyond the typical process of restoring a piece of furniture:  they actually reinvent it to the level of an artistic creation. Whether it’s an old dated dresser, an old school metal desk, an old folding screen…whatever it may be, they will transform it into a custom work of art.  The company is Purpose Restoration, a team of two guys, Jason Fox and Guy Ellis who will provide full services from conceptual renderings to refinishing and restoration to shipping worldwide.

Check out some of these amazing transformations:

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

To see more of Purpose Restoration’s creations, visit their website!

This Thursday, January 28th join Angeleno magazine in sponsoring the Art Los Angeles Contemporary opening night reception at the Pacific Design Center.  For more info and to purchase tickets, go to:  www.artlosangelesfair.com