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Tableaux
There are only two things in this world of which I will never tire. One, cute animals. And two, vignettes. It’s true, nothing snaps me out of a bad mood faster than a cleverly styled tabletop or an otter eating lettuce on Youtube. Vignettes I love because they can be pulled together in minutes. I love them because everyday things – a branch from the yard, a child’s toy, a vintage teacup – always make them more interesting. I love them because they have personality. I love them because they’re artistic and inspirational. I love them because they make me happy … even sans otter.
A favorite vignette from my LA trip this spring.
Richard Holley | McAlpine, Booth & Ferrier
Lorenzo Castillo
Huntley & Co. (L&R) | Peter Vitale (center)
Huntley & Co. | Ellen DeGeneres
Jean-Louis Deniot
Huntley & Co. (L&R) | Elle Décor (center)
Elsie de Wolfe | David Hicks
Alexandra Kidd
Huntley & Co. | Ernesto Pigni
Sunday morning at chez Huntley | The National Museum of American History in DC
Darryl Carter | Lucinda Wharton | Horsch Interiors
Best tableau ever by A. Shaw Antiques at Highpoint.
Drop by the Luxe & Lucid Pinterest page for dozens of other gorgeous, brilliant vignettes.
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THE BEST OF LA // DESIGN
I was in LA recently. It’s the perfect getaway and has everything my heart desires — a warm climate, a cool vibe, a lush and luxurious urban landscape and all the shopping a girl could want. It’s not called the “city of angels” for nothin’ people. For designers, the LA scene offers gorgeous settings, lovely laidback staff and some of the best furnishings in the US. Key streets are Highland, Beverly Blvd, La Cienega, Melrose Ave and Melrose Place. Head to Blackman Cruz, JF Chen, The Window, Harbinger, Hollyhock, Nicky Kehoe, Kelly Wearstler, Galerie Half, Garde, Lief … to name just a few. The east coast is unseasonably cold and Legends of La Cienega is on the horizon, so book your ticket for tinseltown today!
Blackman Cruz
JF Chen
Galerie Half
Nicky Kehoe
Leif
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And, of course, a little R&R is in store after pounding the pavement all day. One night I met up with a pair of stylish LA friends at Estrella on Sunset to cocktail, nosh and chat about east coast vs. west coast life, business and girlpower. The night ended with an impromptu manager-guided tour through the speakeasy-esque lounges and private screening room. Fabulous.
Estrella
Another night was spent at Wally’s in Beverly Hills reminiscing with a beloved sorority sister. A chic, casual yet elegant vibe with a stellar wine list, amazing menu and, of course, the occasional short-skirted, silicone-injected woman in the corner snapping selfies. Only in LA.
Wally’s
There are so many gorgeous hotels in LA. But for this trip, I wanted to stay in the heart of West Hollywood. The London was a fantastic choice. Nestled at the corner of Sunset and San Vicente; it’s the perfect urbanite location with beautiful décor and superb service and amenities to boot.
![30277746-H1-080611_LWH_ENTRANCE_SHELBY_F3[1]](https://luxeandlucidblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/30277746-H1-080611_LWH_ENTRANCE_SHELBY_F31-1024x683.jpg)
London West Hollywood
OTHER LUXE & LUCID FAVES TO ADD TO YOUR LIST
HOTELS: Hollywood Roosevelt, Chamberlain, Huntley Hotel, Palihouse, Hotel Bel Air
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DINING: Lucques, Fig & Olive, Joan’s on Third, Son of a Gun, Norah (a must!)
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COFFEE: Alfred and Urrth in WH, Nespresso in BH
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HIKES: Runyon Canyon Loop, Topanga State Park
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GALLERIES: Honor Fraser, Blum & Poe
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CULTURAL: Huntington Botanical Gardens, Getty Center & Gardens, The Getty Villa
** LA = LOVE AFFAIR and THE BEST OF LA // FASHION offer additional itinerary ideas **
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PARADOX = DESIGN HARMONY
Paradox is my passion — contrasting modern with traditional, sexy with conventional and subtle with provocative. Introducing incongruity and tension give a room interest and energy. As we designers say, it’s what makes a room “sing”. In the simplest of terms, I like a little rock-n-roll with my ladylike. It’s integral to my designs, my fashion sense and my attitude.
bubble chandelier + oushak | classical-themed wallpaper + midcentury architecure | columnar lamp atop leather-wrapped dresser + modern high-rise apartment
graphic polka dot tank + pink animal-motif shorts + snakeskin heels | distressed jeans + damask pattern jacket + large belt buckle
camelback sofa + vintage lamps + saarinen table | bust of hermes + robin rose painting + lamb’s tongue railing
modern asymmetrical mirror + velvet flocked wallpaper | surrealist watercolor + toile wallcovering | antique iron bed + globe pendant
oak paneled wall + silk velvet headboard + circular shag rug | multiple contemporary genres + yellow-painted vintage valet chair
chunky woven sweater + gold lame harem pants | grey heathered tee + quilted derek lam skirt
pitched beadboard ceiling + gold dome pendant | midcentury mobile + antique leather hall chair | builder-grade powder room + contemporary wallpaper + bronze repousse mirror
… in other words, “luxe and lucid”
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L.A. = Love Affair
I made a pit stop in LA for a couple of days on my way to Arizona for Thanksgiving.
Sunshine, shopping and some of the best design sources in the US – it was heaven!
Below are some highlights from my fabulous 48 hours in the city of angels.
I stayed at the Chamberlain in West Hollywood.
A Kelly Wearstler-designed boutique hotel tucked away in a lush, leafy neighborhood.
First stop – Jean de Merry.
Huntley & Co. is doing the modern wing chair and chandelier below
in an apartment overlooking Lake Geneva in Switzerland. So cool!
The Collection Los Angeles is a great new resource I haven’t used before.
They have an incredible selection of vintage furniture, lighting, accessories and jewelry.
Like the vases above and the matchstick caddies below.
Funny how the only bauble in the bunch is what made its way into my shopping bag.
So predictable!
Downtown is signature LA – sexy and chic with the nicest salespeople to boot.
Loved the lacquered red side tables below.
I thought I had died and gone to heaven at Dragonette.
Patrick Dragonette’s eponymous shop is gorgeous online, but in person it’s on a whole different level.
Gorgeous vintage and custom furniture, lighting and accessories.
And his vignettes are insane!
After all of my hard work on La Cienega, I made my way over to Melrose.
For a lovely meal at the charming bistro Comme Ca.
And to explore the beautiful courtyards and gardens of the neighborhood.
And of course, a trip to LA wouldn’t be complete without a little retail therapy.
I fell in love with the beautiful things at Temperley London.
Wrapping things up in the Chamberlain lobby before checkout.
Sad to go, but off to AZ for more sunshine!
Footnote: There are dozens of other LA hotspots, but some worth a stop:
Bar Tosca at La Boheme, Lucques, Paul Marra,
Dolce Vita, Kitson, Decades and Anastasia Salon.
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The Gold Standard
I'm a gold girl. Bronze, silver, not even platinum gives me the rush that gold does.
It’s warm and sexy and adds a little magic to any material. I love gold fabric, furniture, lighting
and especially jewelry and hardware. I would plate everything in gold if I could. Now for you nay-sayers
who think gold is a finish that belongs in the 80s, take a look at the images below and get ready to swoon.
A few of my current favorite gold fabrics.
A glamorous gold face in Vogue Nippon.
At the Washington Design Center's spring 2007 design house I painted the walls
India Yellow by Farrow & Ball and added gold David Iatesta sconces.
A vintage Curtis Jere wall sculpture.
I'm saving this image in my inspiration file for a future project.
The layers of gold could inform an entire color scheme.
Some of the amazing metalwork at Grand Central Station.
What artist celebrated the brilliance of gold more than Klimt?
Sooo gorgeous … LOVE this gold and citrine pin! I would wear it with a [faux]
fur vest layered over a grey cashmere sweater, jeans and a sick pair of heels.
Some of my favorite jewelry piled in a gold tray.
I get a ton of compliments on this Chloe purse.
Nancy Lorenz added graffiti-esque gold accents to Jeffrey Bilhuber's scenic
paper-covered bedroom walls. A gutsy move by the interior design genius.
I'm seriously considering switching my flatware over to gold … so much sexier!
Columbina Flatware at The Moma Store.
I love this mug! The perfect glam/punk combo.Where better to wear gold than on your toes? Louboutin heels from the 2005 collection.
Looking for a gift for the woman who has everything? Yes, there is a gold facial.
Gold paperclips – A Huntley & Co. office standard!
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