Los Angeles Design Blog | Material Girls | LA Interior Design

As the countdown to Blog Tour London begins (just less than three weeks away!), we have officially been presented with our itinerary (it’s jam packed full of design events and showroom visits!). Thought I would share a preview of what’s to come and what’s on the agenda!

Day 1: Meeting the Team & Welcoming Dinner

We’ll kick off the start of Blog Tour London with a welcoming dinner and orientation, taking place at our hotel Citizen M Bankside. While, of course, I know Christian of Maison 21, and have met Lynn of Decor Arts Now on multiple occasions, I look forward to meeting the rest of the team: Igor Josif of Happy Interior Blog, Maryam of My Marrakesh, Nyla of Nyla Free Designs, James of James Bedell Lighting Design, Robin of Urban Gardens, Raina of A Stylist’s Life, Jennifer of Dec-A-Porter, Patti of Chatti Patti Talks Design!, Vitania of Verdigris Vie, Cheryl of In Detail Says, and Rashon of Mr. Goodwill Hunting. We’ll be convening in London from all parts of the globe: Canada, Germany, Morocco, and coast to coast from the US.

Day 2: 100% Design, Kings Road, & Brompton Design District

 

The next day, we’ll spend the morning touring 100% Design, taking place as part of the London Design Festival. After exploring 100% Design, we’ll have lunch at Amtico and then off to attend a High Tea at the Lapicida showroom – along with a meetup with London bloggers! Lastly, we’ll be winding down the day with a champagne reception at And So To Bed (no pun on the winding down part, but if jet lag is hitting me I know where I can take a nap!).

Day 3: London Brunch, Design Junction, and Long Night Walk

We’ll begin Day 3 with a brunch hosted by blog tour sponsor Mr. Steam then after head over to Design Junction, the largest destination for design & culture during London Design Festival. We’ll have the afternoon to explore before meeting up in the evening for a “Long Night Walk” (and by  long, I mean a 10 and 20 mile walk – when I first read this I immediately wondered if 10 and 20 miles were the same in the UK as in the US). In all seriousness, it is actually in support for charity, and offers the chance to see many of the most iconic and landmark buildings in London – and what better way to do that then by foot! The fundraising event is for Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres.

Day 4: Modenus MyCity Tour, Tent London, and Super Brands

Day 4 begins with a tour of Brick Lane and Spitalfields market hosted by Katie Tregidden (of Confessions of a Design Geek). From there, we’ll head over to visit Tent London, one of the largest trade shows participating in the London Design Festival. Tent London features over 200 exhibitors showcasing the latest in furniture, lighting, ceramics, textiles, materials, and accessories. Co-located with Tent London is Super Brands London, an interiors trade fair exclusively for established global design brands. We’ll be spending the rest of the day exploring these two fabulous events!

Day 5: Design Centre Chelsea Harbour and Decorex

The last day of Blog Tour London 2012 begins with a champagne brunch hosted by sponsors Samuel Heath and Victoria & Albert at the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour. Our afternoon will be spent at Decorex, the interior design show for professionals, another event taking place during the London Design Festival. While at Decorex, we’ll attend a tea and talk with Christopher Guy followed by a TweetUp at Cecil Beaton’s booth. Culminating all the day’s events, we’ll end with a farewell dinner before departing the next day to return home.

Looking forward to experiencing the above five days on behalf of Modenus fully immersed in all that London has to offer in design!

As I am eagerly awaiting my trip to London next month, as a particpant of Blog Tour London 2012 with Modenus, I have become in awe of the hotel that we will be staying at. The citizenM Hotel is a boutique hotel located at the Bankside, near to the Tate Modern Museum and London Bridge. It features 192 luxury rooms, in addition to it being a super stylish hotel!

{The lobby living room}

{Hotel interior courtyard}

{Courtyard seating}

{Living Room with bar behind}

{canteenM – bar and cafe}

{Lobby sitting room}

{The lobby with it’s own bookstore: Mendo}

{Self service check in kiosks in the hotel lobby}

{All rooms feature XL king size beds, ambient lighting, rainhead showers, furniture by Vitra, electronically controlled window shades, along with several other amenities, wi-fi and global plug outlets included.}

{And the fun might just begin with the tablet mood pad included in every room: controls the room, tv, window shades, temperature, lighting and more – plus Internet browsing and access to Facebook, Twitter – the important things to keep connected to while traveling!}

Looking forward to my stay at citizenM London!

Visit the CitizenM website for a listing of all their hotels.

CitizenM London Bankside was designed by the award winning Dutch Design Firm Agency Concrete.

All images via CitizenM’s Facebook page.

This past week I attended an event at Cisco Home in Brentwood (one of their many store locations) to check out the launch of their new signature line, the Cisco Home Signature Collection. A line that features unique, vintage, & repurposed limited edition creations with a focus on style and sustainability.

The front entrance to the two showroom space Brentwood location.

Colorful and chic pendant lights are featured in the street side storefront window.

Unique vintage tins become scented candles.

Overview of the Cisco Home Brentwood showroom.

LOVE these “Made in LA” wood block letters!

My friend Morgan goes for the “M.”

The girls hanging out on a chic daybed, left to right: Shirry of ASD Interiors, Erica of EMI Interior Design, Maurishka Pinedo of Cisco Home, and Morgan of ML Deisgns.

All of us girls loved this vintage chaise!

Group photo with proprietor Cisco Pinedo, left to right: Shirry, Morgan, Me, Cisco, Maurishka, and Erica enjoying a “feel good” night out!

The fun “Feel Good” lighted letters adorned the food table. (Photo by Erica)

“Cisco and the girls” – Morgan, Me, Maurishka, Erica, and Shirry.

Cisco Home in Brentwood is located at 11975 San Vicente Boulevard

Earlier this past week I attended the Hospitality Design Expo & Conference, a three day event taking place in Las Vegas. It was my first time ever attending, and I definitely think it’s worth a visit!

The show was also presented by Hospitality Design magazine – one of my favorite magazines for all things on the latest in design and architecutre for commercial spaces, such as chic hotels, restaurants, and bars.

At the show I saw lots of cool lighting, furnishings, and flooring aplications. While I didn’t have the opportunity to see all that was showcased, I am featuring most everything that I did get to see in a short amount of time. Hopefully, I’ll be back in the future to cover more of the show!

Milliken Carpet had some amazing carpets – vibrant colors and patterns!

Really love the colors in this rug from Milliken Carpet!

Eye cathcing lighting from Swarovski and designed by Tord Boontje, the chandelier called “Blossom.”

An absolute stunner – this area rug from Swarovski with Swarovski cystals, love love love!

It was neat to see Thomasville and Drexel Heritage at the Hospitality Design Expo as I had just toured the showroom headquarters at High Point Market last month.

Bover lighting, a company out of Spain, had some unique and interesting lighting, much of it with an organic flair.

A pendant from Bover lighting.

A “wall of lights” – stunning lighting from a company called LZF.

A large pendant from LZF where their slogan is “touched by wood.”

And a bit of whimsy, gold, & glam – from LZF!

It was good to see Los Angeles based Modernica had a space at the Hospitality Design Expo.

Also, the salespeople from the Los Angeles La Murrina showroom were at the Hospitality Design Expo – definitely going to take them up on their offer to visit the Beverly Boulevard showroom for an espresso!

An exquistie chandelier from La Murrina!

Glass lighting from a Northern California based company called SkLO Studio.

More colorful glass blown from the very cool SkLO Studio.

Newly released from Blu Dot are these colorful powder coated outdoor chairs – retailing at just $99 each!I want one in every color!

Another piece of chic from Blu Dot are these copper chairs!

I haven’t seen the movie, but as I was touring the Hospitality Design Expo with CasaSugar, I was told this chair from Philips Collection was featured in the movie “The Hunger Games.”

From Atlas Carpet Mills are some beautiful patterned carpets.

Kohler had some great bathroom vanities on display in their space at the Hospitality Design Expo.

While in Vegas, I also attended an exclusive luncheon hosted by Messe Frankfurt and had the opportunity to learn and hear about the company (which also happens to be the oldest company in history for putting on trade shows and events). They specialize in design, gift, technology, & more – related trade fairs worldwide. Messe Frankfurt is also home to the huge exhibitor center located in Frankfurt, Germany and hosts the popular design show Ambiente. Another design show I hope to attend one day!

Thank you to Messe Frankfurt for hosting a great presentation and luncheon!

{All photos by Jill Seidner Interior Design}

It’s been such an incredible week here in Los Angeles, celebrating “Legends of La Cienega” these past few days with fellow designers and bloggers. It was a week full of events and parties, and the highlighted “Windows to the World” event, featuring highly selected designers from all over the world, to create window displays in the showrooms that line La Cienega Boulevard.

The two day event started with a kick off party at the Rose Tarlow Melrose House showoom.

Designers Ron Woodson of Woodson & Rummerfield and Christian May of Maison21 at the Rose Tarlow kick off party.

Fellow blogger Typhanie of Shoebox Decor with her sister Khadine at the Rose Tarlow party.

The packed showroom at the Rose Tarlow Melrose House party.

Friends & bloggers: Typhanie from Shoebox Decor, Morgan of ML Designs, Khadine, and Richard of BluePRint Brands.

Yummy champagne, by Veuve Clicquot, a sponsor of the evening’s party.

Leaving the Rose Tarlow party, the elegant courtyard at night.

The next day, before heading to events, I walked La Cienega Boulevard to check out the window displays and eagerly made a beeline to see my blogger BBF and design partner in crime, Christian May of Maison21′s window at the Morrell Showroom.

Seeing the window in person was so stunning! The colors, the custom made screen from Grace Home Furnishings, the custom wallcovering applied to the screen from Black Crow Studios, the gilt coffee table from Gray Morrell, the chic yellow chairs from Gina Berschneider, and more (see here for a full list of credits!). Christian did such a remarkable job! So proud! For more pics of his window display for Legends of La Cienega, click here.

After checking out the windows, I headed over to the Compas Showroom for a luncheon hosted by Elle Decor magazine.

Inside the Compas Showroom on La Cienega Boulevard.

Enjoying the Elle Decor luncheon: Christian of Maison21, me of Material Girls, Jami of Imagine Design Blog, and Sara from Decorative Carpets.

The elegant courtyard at Compas Architectural Stone on La Cienega, the setting for the Elle Decor luncheon.

Later that evening, I attended the very packed and happening Traditional Home magazine party at Lee Stanton Antiques.

At the Traditional Home / Lee Stanton party: Kevin of Fuse Lighting, Shane of Gray Morrell, and Christian of Maison21.

Christian and I at the Traditional Home / Lee Stanton party.

{All photos by Jill Seidner Interior Design}

 I recently had the pleasure of attending a book launch event at Los Angeles based interior designer & showroom owner, Kishani Perera’s chic shop, Rummage.

The event was hosted by model/actress Molly Sims (along with a surprise appearance by actor Gary Oldman!) For proof, just check out this pic of Erika from Small Shop Studio with actor Gary Oldman!

An interior view of Kishani’s cute and chic shop, Rummage, from the upstairs mezzanine (where she also has her very cool studio space!).

Kishani’s book, Vintage Remix, is a must have!

I managed to get a copy of the book – and when I sat down to flip through it, I was awe inspired! Page after page of inspiring interiors, including Kishani’s projects and design philosophy. I really enjoyed seeing her own work space which is feautured in the book as well.

Kishani with Christian of Maison21 at her book launch event.

Another interior pic of Rummage, from near the front entrance.

Stylish vignettes and yummy desserts at the party!

If you’re in LA, defintely go visit Rummage!

All photos by Jill Seidner Interior Design

And a very special Happy Birthday to Kishani – as today is her birthday!

{The official High Point Market Spring 2012 poster}

I’ve just returned from a fabulous trip to High Point Market Spring 2012! Hardly made a dent in all that there is to see – but here’s a highlight of some of the things that did catch my eye!

 

Seeing a lot of the natural and organic, this rope chandelier at Regina Andrew really caught my attention!

And these little side tables too, also from Regina Andrew.

Noir Furniture had a ton of great accessories, furniture, and lighting – Katie of Matchbook Magazine was eyeing some of the accessories!

Oomph was fresh and vibrant – lots of colorful items in their collections!

Pretty sure this is the prettiest backgammon table I’ve ever seen!

All the little side tables from Oomph are fun in their assortment of colors and patterned tops!

Dransfield & Ross had some very pretty bedding, bathroom accessoires, and pillows in their space at High Point. I loved some of the soft muted colors in their bedding collections.

All of these bathroom accessories from Dransfield & Ross are gorgeous!

This nautical pillow in their collection has been a long time favorite of mine, perhaps stemming from my year’s of being around boats.

The Halo showroom is always where it’s happening…gotta love that edgy industrial chic vibe with a British edge by Timothy Oultan.

The fab lighting at the Halo Styles showroom.

“Kids in the window” – at the Oly showroom with Christian of Maison21, Ashlina of The Decorista, Crystal of Rue Magazine, Mandy, & Cassandra of Coco + Kelley.

So fresh and pretty and Spring-like at Oly!

There were some very pretty upholstered pieces, like this headboard from Thomasville.

And this side chair too, from Thomasville.

Loved this headboard at Drexel Heritage!

This console table from Drexel Heritage with the tie dye effect fabric and nail-head trim really caught my eye – and so did the whole vignette, love the Arabesque mirrors too!

Over at Hickory Chair, these “painterly” textiles from Hable Construction were a favorite of all of us.

The painted effect seems to be popular, as also seen on this chest at Hickory Chair.

More vibrant colors on the fabric in this Hickory Chair.

As one of the featured designer collections at Hickory Chair, Suzanne Kasler’s girl’s room vignette was oh so pretty!

As always, the Currey & Co showroom space was magnificent, filled with all their amazing lighting (& furnishing) pieces!

I spotted these fun and colorful pendants at Currey & Co from across the room!

Loved this elegant table lamp from Currey & Co named “Cassandra” after our own Cassandra from Coco + Kelley!

We had the most fun and fantastic tour of CR Laine given to us by Holly. All of us enjoyed visiting the showroom – we even got to pick out fabrics for pillows that are being made for us! Can’t wait to share that! This is the entry to the showroom space. Again, seeing lots of pretty colors and a fresh, Spring like look!

Cassandra of Coco + Kelley and Ashlina of The Decorista fit right into the CR Laine showroom!

Global Views was filled with so many great accessories & furnishings – it was like being a kid in a candy store! And lots & lots of color!

Thought this tall headboard at Global Views was very chic.

In awe of this credenza from Global Views, too – love the detailing and hardware.

The ever so cool Four Hands showroom had a lot of great things going on (& not just because they throw the best party in town during High Point Market!) – loved these cluster of pendants and the round dining table.

These colorful Moroccan lanterns were seen all through out the Four Hands showroom.

And if you are looking to catch a breath of fresh air, step out onto the balcony at Four Hands which is filled with beautiful outdoor furniture and overlooks the buildings of High Point!

All photos by Jill Seidner Interior Design.

Stay tuned for more blog posts about High Point and my tours of Thomasville, Drexel Heritage, and Hickory Chair!

It has been quite a few eventful days this past week with WestWeek taking place, two days and three nights of back to back showroom events and parties! Here’s a recap of my WestWeek highlights!

 

Starting with a kick off party at interior designer Michael Smith’s showroom, Jasper, hosted by Margaret Russell and Architectural Digest magazine.

My friends Morgan and Christian of Maison21 at the Jasper Showroom / Architectural Design party.

Interior Designer Michael S Smith with Margaret Russell of Architectural Digest magazine.

Morgan, Me, Christian at the Jasper Showroom/Architectural Digest kick-off party.

Christian enjoying the Jasper Showroom party.

The next day I ventured over to the Pacific Design Center to take part in the events as an “official” blogger for WestWeek. (Thanks to Crestron and Andrew Martin for sponsoring.)

One of my first stops was to drop by the Thomas Lavin showroom to check out the new lighting pieces designed by Kevin Kolanowski of Fuse Lighting. Kevin was at the showroom to give a tour of his new selections – loved this wall sconce!

Next stop, was the Duralee Fabrics showroom for the John Robshaw textiles preview and an event with HipSwap co-hosted with Turquoise. I met up with Alissa from The Goods Design and Christian of Maison21 (standing in front of the new John Robshaw fabrics).

Vanessa of Turquoise and Typhanie of Shoebox Decor at the Duralee Fabrics showroom / HipSwap event.

In between events, Christian and I browsed a few of the design showrooms, stopping in at the David Sutherland showroom. While he was checking out the Perennials outdoor fabrics, I was checking out some of the dramatic lighting like this chandelier.

Following the California Home + Design “Rise of the Rock Star Designer” keynote, the Andrew Martin showroom held a reception party. Pictured here is Typhanie of Shoebox Decor, Christian of Maison21, & Matt Locke of Design Star.

Eileen of Christopher Guy with Typhanie of Shoebox Decor in front of the “sexy” tables at the Andrew Martin showroom.

After the Andrew Martin cocktail party, we decided to leave the PDC and “hit the street” where we walked down Melrose Avenue to the Dennis & Leen open house.

While the interiors of the Dennis & Leen showroom are gorgeous, I took respite in the courtyard with the koi pond.

Next we headed back up Melrose Avenue to stop by the Rose Tarlow Melrose House cocktail party.

 

Turns out, there was a little surprise at the Rose Tarlow showroom – fashion designer James Galanos (also known as Nancy Reagan’s dress designer) happen to be there. Here he is pictured with Christian.

Our last stop of the first day of WestWeek events was the House Beautiful party hosted by interior designer Peter Dunham of Hollywood at Home.

 

With more events and showroom open houses taking place on day two of WestWeek, I held out for the grand finale “rock star of parties” – the coveted Restoration Hardware party, complete with greige “red” carpet arrivals and guest list only invites.

 

The event was also to benefit LACMA (The Los Angeles County Museum of Art) and celebs came out to lend their support. Pictured here is actress Elizabeth Banks with model/actress Milla Jovovich.

Also in attendance, Restoration Hardware Chairman and Co-CEO Gary Friedman.

Party ambiance inside the Restoration Hardware store located on Beverly Boulevard in West Hollywood.

Typhanie and I at the Restoration Hardware party.

Tula of the blog Whorange with Typhanie of Shoebox Decor and Richard of BluePRint Brands at the Restoration Hardware party.

The real rock stars of the Restoration Hardware party: Typhanie, her sister Khadine, and Richard.

My favorite: the graffiti wall in the courtyard at Restoration Hardware.

All photos by Jill Seidner Interior Design

It’s an exciting week here in Los Angeles with WestWeek (the west coast’s design week) taking place over the next few days – starting with a kick off party tomorrow evening with Architectural Digest and Margaret Russell, followed by two full days of back to back lectures, open houses, and of course, parties!

I am happy to announce that I will be taking part in the events as part of an exclusive group of bloggers featured as the “best design voices in LA” – collectively we will be tweeting and blogging about all the happenings taking place over the next few days!

Happy to be a part of this great group of fellow designers and bloggers:

Christian of maison21

Vanessa of Turquoise

Tamara of House of Honey

Alissa of The Goods Design

And, of course, me for the Material Girls Blog, Los Angeles!

Follow me on Twitter for all the happenings!

(And look forward to seeing you at the PDC if you are attending WestWeek too!)

The other evening, I had the pleasure of attending a dinner party at the George Smith furniture showroom located here in Los Angeles. The occasion for the event was a pre-WestWeek gathering that I attended with Christian of Maison21. The evening included cocktails, live music, and a five course sit down dinner by the amazing chef Keven Lee. In attendance were several other local Los Angeles interior designers including Liz Dinkle, Gary Gibson, Donna Livingston, Kerry Joyce, Peter Dunham, and Christian’s “design crush” – Pamela of Commune Design.

 

The evening began with cocktails and socializing, while we also took a look around the showroom to view some of the lines that George Smith carries – including fabrics from Raoul Textiles, lighting from Best & Lloyd, fabrics & wallcoverings from Bennison Fabrics, & of course, furniture from George Smith.

A Chesterfield Sofa in the showroom at George Smith.

Just a sampling of some of the lighting collections carried at the George Smith showroom.

Several tables were set up to accommodate all the guests for the evening. All of the dining chairs (stunning!) were made just for the occasion!

The table setting and menu for the dinner party.

I was absolutely loving the blue tufted dining chairs…so much in fact, I wanted to take them home with me! The chairs are also incredibly comfortable (something about those high backs)!

Thank you to the George Smith showroom for including us for a wonderful evening!

{All photos by Jill Seidner Interior Design}