More Windows and Keynote Snapshots from Legends 2013 at the La Cienega Design Quarter

Hello, design aficionados!  As I ready myself for a whirlwind trip to New York, I leave you with highlights and eye candy from Legends 2013 at the LCDQ.  I'll be off the grid for a few days, but rest assured - as always,  I'll have a lot to report once I return.

If you missed my post last week on the designer decorated windows at Legends , I am following up now with yet more pictures to leave you pondering this year's  theme of "TIME CAPSULE: Past, Present, and Future Design". 

Karina Oldemans' window for Tufenkian was a sure treat and in my opinion, ingenious in its execution.  I did not see this particular window in person, nor did I read the board out front which discusses the  designer's inspiration behind her window design.  Instead, I let the design and what I saw through the pictures below tell the story and left it to my own observations to interpret the story.  

Well, let me tell you what I see.  You know the old saying of "what is old is new again" and that "design is cyclical"? Well that couldn't be more true when analyzing Oldemans' window design.  In the center is an image of "The Tea House", which once sat on the Malibu estate of legendary Hollywood designer, Tony Duquette, before it tragically burned to the ground in the 1990s.  Oldemans' keen eye to the past realizes that even though Duquette's "Tea House" was executed in the 1950s, it is everything that is trending in design today: chinoiserie, red lacquer, brass, honeycomb, malachite (emerald, afterall, is Pantone's color of the Year!).  In fact, the mirrors on the honeycomb screen almost serve as portals to the past...or present, depending on which way you are looking.  Ingenious, wouldn't you say?  As designers, we oftentimes reference the past as inspiration for our designs, as Oldemans does with hers.

{Tufenkian Artisan Carpets, window designed by Karina Oldemans}

Legends had its fair share of windows that made reference to the ancient past up to the present using images from classical Greek and Roman antiquity to convey their message.  

{The Rug Company designed by Kelly Wearstler}

{Reborn Antiques, window designed by Bonesteel Trout Hall}

{Nathan Turner, window designed by Eric Hughes}

The other extreme opted to reference the not so distance past to the future with their comparatively more modern, futuristic design elements.

{Mehraban Oriental Rugs, window designed by Sandra Espinet}

{Fuller + Roberts Co., window designed by Jane Hallworth}

{Ralf's Antiques, window designed by Chris Barrett}

{Downtown, window designed by Jeff Andrews}

Photo credits: All Legends 2013 windows via LCDQ

Regardless of how each designer interpreted this year's theme, all the windows of Legends 2013 were fabulous and displayed that each designer has their own unique point of view and their own unique way to tell their story.

And now, photos from the keynote events of Legends 2013...   

Photo credits: All Keynote panel pictures by JL Photographers:  www.jl-photographers.com

All in all, Legends 2013 was a huge success.  The LCDQ and the many sponsors of Legends 2013 continue to foster a great sense of community and sharing, where we are all reminded that in order to receive, we must all give back.  Being relatively new to the interior design community, it was refreshing to hear the stories and anecdotes of all the panelists and moderators who took part in Legends 2013.  Each panelist and moderator has clearly made their own unique impression on the world of design, and their many insights serve as an inspiration to us all.  They took time out of their busy schedules to share their experiences to benefit the education of others in the design community, and their efforts do not go unnoticed. 

A huge thank you to Rich Pedine of RPpr, who made this post possible by reaching out and providing me with the official images from LCDQ Legends 2013. Rich, you ROCK!

And there it is-Legends 2013 at the LCDQ.  Off to bed before I'm off to my old stomping grounds of NYC in the early AM.  Wish me luck!

Chinois on Main

Crisp black and white is a big trend, but as you may know, I never follow the rules and like to mix things up - create some controversy, if you will.  So add in a little bit of ruby red for some accent, throw in some brass to glam it up a little, (because y'all know by now that brass is here to stay for a while), and can't forget zebra, but I'm going PC and am opting to show my stripes on the wall rather than on a hide on the floor.  Voilà - we've got ourselves a room, which I have opted to call "Chinois on Main" - it's a little bit of this and a little bit of that, but together, ka-pow! It makes a statement.  And would you check out the chandelier?  It's the same one I plastered all over Instagram and  my Facebook page while I was at High Point - you know, the one that got all the "likes". Don't you just love it?  

1.  Zebra Framed Art, $2590
2.  Diallo Chandelier, $2075-$2598
3.  Faux Gazelle Horns, $175
4.  Gold Leaf Coral, $278/each
5.  Set of Red Foo Dogs, $58
6.  Inlaid Bone Burst Chest, $4150
7.  Grand Skirted Sofa, $2458
8.  Jana brass/marble adjustable desk lamp, $645.60
9.  Lacquered grasscloth Parsons table, $585
10.  Ethos Silk Rug, $3595
11.  Greek key inspired lacquered table, $1295
12.  Cameron gold leaf chair with black velvet, $1755
13.  Hexagon pillow, $110
14.  Brass stud pillow, $395


…And in closing, here are a few black, white, and red rooms that inspire me. They are all unique design styles, but they are all successful in their execution of color.

Mary Mc Donald

Image via Pinterest

Image via Interior Idea

Image via Pinterest

Image via Ferreira Design

3 Ways to Brighten Up Your Day With a Touch of Brass

BRASS IS BACK!

It's official - brass in back and stronger than ever. These three styles are not your average brass and are updated to fit in with today's lifestyles while adding a touch of class, and loads of style.

Hindeman by Hudson Valley Lighting

 A delicate angular aged brass base, reminiscent of the celebrated mid-century Eames lounger anchors the contrasting cut crystal edge of the Hindeman, while a white silk shade and modern finial provide the finishing touch.  Hindeman by Hudson Valley Lighting is a winner which is sure to brighten up any room - fresh and stylish approach to marrying together two classic materials.

Girard by Hudson Valley Lighting

Inspired by historic banker lamps and 1930s Art Deco detailing, Girard marries beautiful form with function.  Adjustable at the neck and mid-arm, and anchored by a domed base, Girard is equipped with a full range dimmer, which also makes it a practical choice for the home.  Also available as a floor lamp and can be specified in vintage brass (as shown), old bronze, or polished nickel.

Puri by Sonneman-A Way of Light

Puri is described as a delicate wisp of silk organza floating on captured air. The linen shade that sits within illuminates the delicate, sheer bronze silk organza when lit, and the black brass finish and simplified shape of Puri's stem and base offer a contemporary, yet sophisticated lighting solution for the home. Puri is also available in satin nickel with silver organza and as a floor lamp, pendant, sconce, or flush mount application.

On another note, in case you missed my post last week on the Pasadena Showcase House of Design, Hudson Valley lighting was well represented throughout the show house.  I was especially drawn to the large pendants that hung above the pewter kitchen counter.  It was not until I returned home that I realized that Massena is also made by Hudson Valley Lighting, a company whose style and commitment to quality I admire.

Spotlight on Storefronts in the La Cienega Design Quarter

Storefronts of the La Cienega Design Quarter

As you all may know, I spent last week at Legends, an annual event put on by the La Cienega Design Quarter  In between all the panel discussions, book signings, cocktail parties, people watching I took every opportunity to make my way through as many storefronts along La Cienega as I could to look for inspiration, because God knows I am not one to sit still, and every minute of every day I put to use - and then some!

First stop: Remains Lighting

 The moment I walked into Remains Lighting, I was immediately wowed by the first few things I came across in the showroom - black and white checkerboard floor,  brass glass top coffee table, navy blue chesterfield sofa - each a statement in its own right, but together? I could have stayed all day.    

Remains Lighting consists of three lighting collections: The Permanent Collection, which is handcrafted by skilled artisans in the Remains Lighting facility in Brooklyn, NY, The Antique Collection, which is just what the name suggests.  Each piece has been professionally wired and is ready to be hung, and the Duquette Collection, which is based on the original designs of legendary Hollywood set designer, Tony Duquette.

As you know, brass is making a huge comeback, so seeing all the brass in the cases and walls made me very happy - especially paired with navy blue.  A bit nautical, a bit chic, and classy all the way!

Second Stop: Downtown

I was lucky enough to stop by Downtown twice in one day.  The first time I wandered in and was pleasantly surprised by all the cool, one of a kind, vintage findings.  Later on in the day I popped in again, but this time to hear Susanna Salk talk about her new book "C.Z. Guest American Icon"  

Downtown consists of two divisions, the vintage and antiques, and the classics collection, which is made in California by local artisans and modeled after vintage pieces, and both collections blend together seamlessly in the showroom, where at times it is difficult to tell one apart from the other.

Third Stop: Dragonette

Dragonette is a place like no other - I can't even describe it other than it is "totally awesome" for lack of a better word.  A bit of WeHo risqué on one wall, photographs and art representing a range of styles and time periods on another wall, a touch of Hollywood regency glamour in one corner of the showroom, and a little bit of chinoiserie influence in another, a little bit of mid-century in yet another corner.  It was a nice mix of all the best pieces from all the different styles and time periods I have grown to love.

If you are ever in the area, be sure to drop by any one of the showrooms I mentioned above.  Each is unique in its own way and you will be sure to come across something interesting at every turn.

By the way, today is my first post for Belle Maison, where I am a guest blogger/design contributor.  Be sure to check out my post, as I am giving yet another recap on the trends I saw recently at High Point Market.  If you enjoyed my post on High Point a few weeks ago, you'll be sure to enjoy today's post for Belle Maison, as I go more in depth on topics I only touched upon on my original post.  Enjoy!

All images are my own

Legends 2013 at the La Cienega Design Quarter - The Designer Decorated Windows

LEGENDS is a 3 day design event held each May which is sponsored by the La Cienega Design Quarter, an upscale area of high end, to the trade furniture and interior design showrooms along La Cienega (from Beverly on the southern end and Santa Monica on the north end, and along Melrose extending out west to the Pacific Design Center and a couple of blocks east of La Cienega along Melrose.

LEGENDS is now in its 5th year and attracts the VIPS, style icons, tastemakers, and movers and shakers in the world of art, architecture, interior design, and fashion.  Attendees from around the country congregate in the showrooms and courtyards along La Cienega and Melrose to network, attend panel discussions, book signings, and cocktail parties, with most events being sold out a week before the event.

Each year, LEGENDS selects an overall theme to honor those that have influenced excellence in design.  This year's theme was Time Capsule: The Past Present and Future of Design.  Since its inception, the signature of the 3 day event has been the designer decorated windows along the sidewalks of the La Cienega Design Quarter. The showroom windows in the Quarter are designed and executed by prominent designers from around the country.  Some windows are designed to resemble what could be a vignette or living space in an actual home, while others go to town and have implemented theatrics, whimsy, and even social network technology to illustrate their interpretation of the event's theme.

Mary McDonald at Dragonette

Navy blue, white, several shades in between, and a bit of whimsy was the basis of Mary Mc Donald's window design. Who knew that space travel and chinoiserie could be used together in design!

Cliff Fong at Dragonette

I could have very well situated my derrière on the beautifully worn Chesterfield sofa in Cliff Fong's window, kicked my feet up onto the coffee table in front, turned up the stereo to The Smiths (whose record jacket rests against the sofa),  and I would have been right at home.  A comfortable, livable space.

Jane Hallworth at Fuller and Roberts Co.

 Lori Dennis at Stark Home

House of Honey at Waterworks

Tamara Kaye-Honey of House of Honey went to town with the swag on the design for her two windows at Waterworks.  Different shades of gold, ranging from brass with a soft, warm patina to the slightly obnoxious gold of a disco ball that makes my eyes hurt from just looking at it!

Jeff Andrews at Downtown

A simple contrast of black and white with a dizzying effect was the basis of Jeff Andrews' design for the south window at Downtown.  Looking at it makes me feel as though I'm entering "The Twilight Zone"

Timothy Corrigan at Studio Workshops

Designer Timothy Corrigan mixes classical elements such as the Greek red figure vase with Andy Warhol - I LOVE the contrast in materials, subject matter, and time periods.

Susan Manrao Design at Baker

Susan Manrao's window integrated technology and social networking into her display.  Tweet a message, and the bulb lights up!

Joshua Rose and Rafael Kalichstein at Antonio's Bella Casa

Brian Patrick Flynn at Jamal's Rug Collections

Brian Patrick's window display was a take on the nuclear family.  A mixed look and feel of the present day and modern day nuclear family.  I have several friends who fall into this category, so I am really digging this window.

Alex Papanchristidis at Claremont Furnishing Fabrics Co.

As you can see, there was a wide range of window designs, and I thoroughly enjoyed photographing them all. When I could, I took pictures from inside to eliminate the glare from the glass and sun, but that wasn't always possible.

I hope you enjoyed today's post.  Next up - a peek into some of the showrooms I visited while visiting LEGENDS.

All the images in this post are my own.