Design books, filled with all their beautiful photos, are collection pieces. They can be displayed on coffee tables, console tables, bookshelves, desks, stacked, upright, angled. They make for great styling. I’ve collected design books since my youth and have now amassed quite a collection. As much as I scour the Internet for design inspiration I don’t think anything can replace great collector design books. Some of them are special, like my signed copies from designer Kelly Wearstler and my friend, photographer Marcia Prentice. Others are nostalgic like the collection of Terence Conran books I used to look at over and over again in my teens. And others pay homage to my family name, like the stunning work of late portrait and fashion photographer David Seidner.

Some of my favorites are Kelly Wearstler’s early books, like Modern Glamour.

And the follow up to Modern Glamour, her second book, Hue.

If you’re looking for an encyclopedia of art, I cannot recommend this book enough, it’s a huge hardbound coffee table style book depicting artists and their work A-Z.

The Hip Hotels series book are great for sourcing really cool hotels or for a dreamy escape. I’ve many in the whole series that I’ve collected over the years. The Hip Hotels Atlas is probably the biggest, most packed, of the series but they’re all good - City, Escape, Beach, USA, etc.

I have a lot of Keith Haring books, he’s an artist I’ve followed since my teens too and have collected many of his books over time. It’s not shown here on the shelf above, but last year I got to meet Keith Haring’s sister Kay for a signed copy of her book about her brother, “Keith Haring: The Boy Who Just Kept Drawing” - adding that to my collection of special signed books.

Add to the mix are some fun architectural books, like Skyscrapers and a pop up called The Architectural Pack, on the top shelf.

In a tribute to one of the greats in design, is David Hicks: Designer by his daughter Ashley Hicks.

In the realm of fun and inspirational is Jonathan Adler’s book My Prescription For Anti-Depressive Living.

For those who have long followed the blog, Apartment Therapy is another good one.

These selections are just a few of my favorites and long time “go tos” - there are still so many more, maybe a part two to come along with some newer selections as well.

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Last week I attended the launch of the new furniture collection by Nate + Jeremiah for Living Spaces. The line offers stylish pieces for an affordable price with a special order program that allows to select the fabric and customize any of the designs. This is a great option for design projects!

Side chairs that are contemporary and sophisticated.

I loved this daybed when I saw it in person - I have this color as an accent in my bedding and it would make a great fit for my bedroom.

The event venue was at Casita Hollywood, a new event space and a great place to host a party.

The pretty bar area.

The buffet spread.

Tasty passed hors d’oeuvres.

The outdoor patio area at Casita Hollywood.

Guests filled the room and had the opportunity to sit in the new collection of sofas, sectionals, and chairs.

Nate and Jeremiah with guest Portia de Rossi.

Jeremiah with designer Estee Stanley and my friend Mat Sanders of Consort Home.

Another favorite from the collection is this three piece bold color sectional.

Thank you to Consultancy PR for the photos courtesy of Getty Images.

The much anticated WestEdge Design Fair takes place next week! I am looking forward to attending opening night and seeing many of my design friends and colleagues. WestEdge has truly become the prominent design fair on the West Coast. I’ve been hearing the buzz for the past few weeks while attending events around town and we all keep saying to one another, “See you at WestEdge!” So will we see YOU at WestEdge? For tickets and info here!

We began in “Istanbul” where there was a hookah lounge set up on the entry level.

Which also included a spread of Turkish deserts, nuts and spices along with Turkish coffee.

The lush grounds of the Houdini Estate took us to the next level via steep steps and a bridge.

The background on the second level was “Paris” with park benches and bistro chairs and tables, music and a mime.

A map of the estate and themed areas which also included activities, such as an area where you could make your own perfume.

On the top level was “London” which included a fun Polaroid photo booth.

It was a fun night with design friends (l-r): Edith Ponciano, Giuseppe Colucci, Kam Kamran, and Allan Dallatorre.

And with the designer himself - Marcel Wanders! (Whom I first had the pleasure of meeting back in 2012 on Blog Tour London.)

One of the biggest parties of the year took place during the Pacific Design Center’s annual Fall Market. As a much anticipated event, we celebrated the Lifetime Achievement Award Honoring Rocky LaFleur, our design community icon. I was fortunate enough to attend the party with many of my friends and colleagues. In addition, my friend Allan of LA Event Lights provided the spectacular lighting for the evening - illuminating the entire fifth level double height atrium of the Pacific Design Center.

Here is a before picture of the corridor space on the fifth and sixth levels of the Pacific Design Center that was transformed for the night’s party.

The space is illuminated by lighting, including custom GoBo projections for the sponsors.

The attendees filled the space which included a center bar and stage. All of the lighting is LED production and 90% battery operated technology.

With the honory guest of the evening, Rocky LaFleur (center) along with design friends (l-r): Lynnea Schweiters, Gregory Firlotte, and Amanda Neistat. Both Gregory and Amanda helped in putting together the event for the big night.

And great job to LA Event Lights for the amazing lighting display! Such a fun and celebratory night!

Las Vegas Market just released a great recap from Summer 2018 Market. For an in depth look covering all the highlights from Summer Market click here.

Thank you Las Vegas Market for the mention!