Los Angeles Design Blog | Material Girls | LA Interior Design

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:

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

This past Thursday evening, I met up with friend and fellow blogger Christian May of Maison21 for an event at TableArt on Melrose Avenue featuring Kelly Wearstler and her line of dinnerware for Pickard.  It was an intimate event and Kelly was on hand to sign copies of her latest book, Hue, among chatting with many of the guests.

The highlight of my evening (aside from M21’s ability to silence a room) was seeing Kelly inspired by the fashion of other guests.  With M21 & I standing beside Kelly, she picked up her iPhone to snap a picture of a girl in a slim fitting camel colored coat with over size, unique textural buttons (I think it was the buttons that intrigued her). I overhead someone say something to the effect would it be inspiring the next project.  Like many of us designers, being able to capture a photo of something (whether it’s architecture, a textile, nature, or in this instance, fashion); these are the things that lead us to be inspired and create.  I can’t help but wonder what is on Kelly’s iPhone camera and would love to see the images she captures and how that translates to what she designs.  So Kelly – if  you are ever so inclined to share with us what you photograph on a daily basis, I am sure many would love to see what captivates and inspires you!

On the subject of inspiration, here is the line of china for Pickard designed by Kelly:

Table setting and guests at the TableArt event.

{For more on the event and to see a picture I took of Kelly & Christian, read M21’s post here.}

I thought I would share a project from a designer that I used to work for.  The wonderful Michael, of View Design Studio, a commercial design firm based in Los Angeles specializing in corporate office design and planning. I have actually known Michael for quite some time and freelanced with him (up until just a few years ago) before going on my own.  He recently completed a restaurant design project in Downtown LA called Bottega Louie.  The project was a collaboration between Michael and his client, who had a lot of ideas in regard to concept and design.  Michael worked with the client to achieve his vision and provided input where needed.  The result? An absolutely amazing and beautifully designed restaurant (which also includes a gourmet market, patisserie, and bar).

{the Dining Room}

{the Bar}

{the Kitchen}

{the corridor leading to the restrooms}

{the Restrooms}

{the Gourmet Market}

Photography Credits: Vam with Y.K. Cheung Photography.  Images courtesy of  View Design Studio.

Interior Design by Michael Rominske of View Design Studio

Bottega Louie

If you haven’t already seen the January issue of Town & Country magazine with Kelly Wearstler on the cover, here’s a little excerpt that includes some cute photos with her and her children along with an interview on some of her favorite and inspiring things – who knew giraffes are her favorite animal and she loves her iPhone!

Be sure to read her “Words To Live By”

I came across this article in the Los Angeles Times about Bordello Chic and was instantly intrigued.  It did occurred to me that I have seen more of this look out and about recently.  The trend is described as something that “lies between 19th century English gentlemen’s clubs and Parasian brothels.”

As quoted in the article by style scout David A. Keeps, “The look incorporates the glamorous vintage furniture popularized by Hollywood Regency decorating and modern interpretations of ornate rococo furniture, then takes it all to a darker, more dangerous place. It’s steeped in old-world classicism, but it plays into the sexually provocative culture at the heart of night life and fashion.”

In interiors, the look has been seen in such night clubs as Voyeur in West Hollywood, Bordello Bar,  and The Edison in Downtown LA.

In furniture, designer Ted Nemeth features this chair at Voyeur.

London based designer Christopher Guy also features the look of bordello chic in many of his furniture designs:

{An elegant banquette}

{a chaise}

{a high back seat}

{a circular banquette}

{a headboard}

For more bordello chic, see the article by David A. Keeps here.

Loving this room by interior designer Alessandra Branca that I  came across on The Skirted Round Table blog!  Such a well designed kid friendly play area that makes great use of space. The tented ceiling is fabulous! The pendant lights are sophisticated yet playful too! And, of course, the built-in storage with baskets for toys and books completes the space.

Traditional Home magazine featured an inspirational section on bathroom vanities and when I saw them it was like I died and went to vanity heaven!  Not only are the vanities themselves beautiful but the bathrooms are too.  I’m definitely feeling inspired by these! Looking forward to some bathroom projects in 2010!

This bathroom in Texas features antique mirrored tiles on the face of the vanity (what a great idea!) and Carrera marble (my favorite all time classic).  I think the wood floor really gives this bathroom warmth.

Using a trestle table as a vanity is so completely unique and different! In this Atlanta bathroom, the wood frames used for the mirrors were imported from France and the pavers are stained concrete to give this bathroom an overall Old-World look. I love the pendant lighting and the addition of pieces of furniture flanking either side of the vanity.

This bathroom was designed by Larry Laslo for the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club Showhouse in New York.  The walls are amazing – they are covered in heavily veined Italian marble tiles. I think the frameless mirrors were a good choice – nothing too overly stated, just the right balance, makes the black-crystal sconces stand out on their own.

In a master bath, this custom vanity was installed at each end of the bathroom (with tub in the middle).  The mirror is imported from London.  The sconces are really interesting (not sure of their source).

These vanities are from Kohler and appear suspended (!) against a wall of silver-leaf glass tiles at a beach house in New York. I like the mix of contemporary elements with traditional accessories in this bathroom designed by Eric Cohler.

Are these not {some} of the most gorgeous bathrooms you have ever seen? Click here for more!

Interior designer Mary McDonald has done it again – producing a bold and theatrical room full of vibrant color and dramatic details.  In this living room for a movie-mogul client, she created an old-Hollywood glamour. Colors consist of high contrast black, yellow, and offset by a deep taupe.  Symmetry reigns in this living room with pairs of lamps, tables, & chairs – anchored by a big pouf.  Check out the rest of the project and read the interview here at House Beautiful!

{Kelly Wearstler on the cover of the January 2010 issue of Town & Country}

It’s reported (via FabSugar) that Kelly Wearstler is venturing into fashion design.  Apparently, she will be launching an accessories collection next Spring which will include scarves and a jewelry line, ranging from the avant-garde to classic.  Word has it she is interested in clothing design, too.  There have been so many fashion designers that have transitioned into interiors, what do you think of interior designers merging into the world of fashion design?

So have any of you readers picked up a copy of Kelly Wearstler’s anticipated new book Hue? I finally ordered the book today on Amazon, feel as if I may be a bit late in running out to grab a copy but I’m patient enough to wait for mine to arrive in about a week or so.  I have yet to read many reviews but I did see a post on another blog that was a rave review.  Despite much circulation of excerpts, I pulled off these preview images via Amazon.  If you have seen the book – let me know what you think!