Los Angeles Design Blog | Material Girls | LA Interior Design

I’ve  just returned from an amazing few days at High Point Market in North Carolina! I was invited to attend and tour the Lexington Home Brands headquarters (more on that in an upcoming post). But first wanted to share some highlights of the past few days’ events and experiences!

Had the best time ever hanging out with these fabulous bloggers: (l-r) Christian of Maison21, Julieann of Create Girl, me, Cassandra of Coco + Kelley, Ashlina of The Decorista, Crystal of Plush Palate & Rue Magazine, and Katie of The Neo Traditionalist & Matchbook Magazine.

On the very first evening upon arriving at High Point, we were invited to meet Charles, the 9th Earl Spencer (Princess Diana’s brother) at the Theodore Alexander showroom.

The Althrop Collection features over 500 years of English tradition and heritage.

Theodore Alexander hosts the opening of the new Althorp Living History Showroom at High Point.

On Day 2, we went over to the IHFC (International Home Furnishings Center) to check out the Elite Leather Company space.

A vignette at Elite Leather Company.

Cassie testing out a chair at Elite Leather Company.

And another chair!

Next, we headed over to Visual Comfort where Paloma (also of the blog La Dolce Vita) gave us a tour of the Circa Lighting collections.

Each & every individual fixture from Circa Lighting is exquisite!

Cute pic: Paloma & Katie!

From there, Katie & I headed over to Market Square for a book signing event hosted by Rizzoli featuring Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Mary McDonald, Suzanne Kasler, Bobby McAlpine, Michael Connors, Henrietta Churchill Spencer, & Florence de Dampierre.

Interior Designer & Bravo TV’s Million Dollar Decorator star, Mary McDonald signing Katie’s book.

Both Katie & Mary share a love for pugs!

Back at High Point headquarters, I took a group shot of Julieann, Crystal, Christian, Katie, & Ashlina before we left for the Architectural Design party.

photo via The Decorista

The party scene at the AD party hosted by Margaret Russell.

We wrapped the night up at a super fab party at the Halo showroom!

The ambiance at the very cool Halo party in it’s amazing space!

Early the next morning we were invited to attend the press breakfast with Martyn Lawrence Bullard where he gave us highlights and excerpts on his most famous client’s & their interiors!

Viewing the work of Martyn Lawrence Bullard from his recent book, “Live, Love, Decorate.”

After the press breakfast, Katie & I, along with Erin of the blog Elements of Style headed over to Lexington Home Brands for an exclusive tour (more on that next!).

Back again at High Point headquarters, we happen to meet Deborah Needleman, former editor of Domino magazine and current editor of the WSJ magazine. She had just spoken at an event at High Point & given away copies of her book, “The Perfectly Imperfect Home.”

The rest of the afternoon, we checked out InterHall at the IHFC wrapping up with cocktail hour at the very cool Global Views space – thanks to Erin for hosting us!

“Chair model” Cassie at the Global Views space.

The last event of our few day’s at High Point was the anticipated (& packed!) party hosted by Four Hands in a very cool industrial showroom.

Thanks to the High Point Market Authority for an amazing experience! More to come!

Awhile back I spotted this beaded chandelier on Pinterest. Shortly after I came across it again on the 2Modern Blog which linked to a blog post on Gus + Lula about a how to tutorial DIY project to make the beaded chandelier.  Check out the easy steps here!

{The DIY version by Gus + Lula.}

{The version by Marjorie Skouras Design.}

{Up close in a dining room.}

{One of my favorite rooms with it over a rustic dining table.}

{Just as pretty in a more contemporary setting.}

{Love a yellow version too!}

{Pretty and elegant in a smaller size.}

{Works for outdoors too!}

All images via Pinterest.

Lamps Plus is now offering you the opportunity to customize your own lighting designs!  The new service is called “Design Your Own” .  The tool allows you to customize your own fixture from many of their assorted pendants, floor lamps, table lamps, and shades.  You start by selecting a pattern, then select a color scheme, then a trim color – and it shows you the process along the way.  Save your selections for later or check out other matching combinations that can go with your own design.  Really great for finding just the right combo color/pattern you are looking for…and not to mention kind of fun!  (The best part, most are all under $200.) I can’t wait to use it for a client!

Here’s how it works:  (I started by selecting the above fixture)

I then chose the same pattern but opted for the black and white pattern (there are many other colors to choose from).

Then I selected a white trim color.

But also looked at a few other trim colors, such as this tan trim.

And in the end it will show you some matching items, such as pendants, table lamps, floor lamps. etc.

{Lamps Plus is also having a contest to win $500 of your own creations, enter here.}

I came across these collections of pouffes by Dutch Designer Nicolette Brunklaus via nook and thought they were interesting.  After viewing the collections on her website, I discovered she has a range of products that includes lighting, pillows, curtains, ceramics, and silk paintings.

House of Anne pouffe

Her own house was featured here.

House of Anne light

A project in France with one of her pendant light fixtures.

Maze Restaurant in London with the Shady Tree Light.

For a list of dealers in the US, click here.

In addition to accessories, pillows, and rugs – check out these fun Thomas Paul lighting selections.  (They all come in an array of color & fabric choices too! Click on the links for more options.)

Bridgett Pendant Lamp

Nevin Pendant Lamp

Shea Pendant Lamp

Thor Pendant Lamp

{*I love this one!}

Vic Pendant Lamp

And sconces too:

June Sconce

Pierce Sconce

Eloise Sconce

Is it that time of year already?  Back to school!  I’ve seen the signs, the sales, the supplies…and since I am not out there buying back to school clothes (I wish!) nor supplies (those days were fun!) – maybe a bit of back to school furnishings?

Looks like study hall: Trig Desk from CB2 retails for just $149.

Old school desk:  School Days Desk from Urban Outfitters

Stack your text books and notebooks on this bookshelf from Anthropologie.

When I think of schoolhouse style, I think of lighting:

Schoolhouse Electric sells period light fixtures both online and in their Portland & Tribeca stores.

Also, check out the Classic Schoolhouse Shades from Rejuvenation – they come in an array of colors!

And schoolhouse pendants are so pretty in a kitchen:

How many science classes did you not spend sitting on those very uncomfortable stools?  This one from Crate & Barrel should definitely get you through first period chemistry:

These stools look great in the kitchen, too:

What a great place to sit and do homework – no excuse when you can store books right below the counter!

Pottery Barn sells the Schoolhouse Chair:

Time for recess!

A client was in need of a new light fixture for her nondescript narrow stair landing, a hanging fixture from the ceiling. Her look and style is Contemporary Asian. Here are some unique finds that can work in a narrow landing and have a streamlined Asian look.

Reed Pendant from Y Lighting.



Koshi Pendant from Y Lighting.



Pendant from Lighting Universe.



Pendant from Lighting Universe.



Coco Bead Pendant from Modern Dose.



Teardrop Lamp from Spacify.

Bamboo Tranquility Pendant Chandelier from Lamps Plus.



The George Nelson Triple Bubble Lamp Fixture by Modernica available at Velocity Art And Design.

Check out this amazingly unique chandelier made from a Chanel scarf (there is also a Cartier version). It’s made with 22 kt gold plated, draped with gold plated vintage beads and chain with real pearls. Measures 19″ high and 15″ diameter. Now who says fashion and interiors can’t be friends? Dress your interiors!

Available thru the Suzan Fellman Showroom in Los Angeles.

Artecnica has opened a new LA showroom that features their line of lighting along with accessories, interior elements, stationary, and other decor. The products are a contribution from designers around the world. The Los Angeles showroom is open now but their products can be found in various showrooms across the country (listed on the website).

MIDSUMMER LIGHT:

GARLAND LIGHT:

GARLAND LIGHT (in Brass):

BOOK OF LIGHTS:

They also have a unique line of accessories in their showroom:
UNTIL DAWN CURTAINS: Made from a paper material that can be hung as panels.

PUDDLES: Decorative surface tiles cut from mirror polished stainless steel that are self adhesive.

IVY PANELS: Decorative panels that can be hooked together for modular configuration.