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!

Circa Lighting has opened a stunning new showroom in Los Angeles, in our popular La Cienega Design Quarter, in West Hollywood. I attended the showroom opening this past week and am absolutely impressed with the new space. The showroom features two levels, a ground floor with lighting collections organized by designer, and a second floor mezzanine level showcasing tech lighting.

Some of the designer lighting collections on the first floor include Kelly Wearstler, Aerin Lauder, Kate Spade, Suzanne Kasler, and more.

The showroom displays an array of gorgeous pendants from the ceiling.

Contemporary wall sconces on the second level tech lighting floor.

Glass and metal mini pendants on display.

Loved these large scale pendants over the stairwell.

Colorful and clear glass mini pendants.

As part of the opening party guests received signed copies of Kelly Wearstler’s book “Rhapsody” from Rizzoli.

Circa Lighting is located at 525 N La Cienega Boulevard

Over Labor Day weekend I attended The Taste LA at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles. The studio Backlot couldn’t have been a more perfect setting for a food festival. With the ambience of a NYC street scene, lights strung between buildings, tents set up featuring fare from local restaurants, and great music - we sampled bites from Eataly, Border Grill, Trois Mec, Granville, Stella Artois, Pacific Dining Car, and many more.

The scene for The Taste LA encompassed several “streets” on the Backlot of Paramount Studios with some of the “sets” open to showcase bars and shops, such as a Los Angeles Times cafe featured on site for the event. It was fun having access to and exploring the various streets during the event - all the while eating and drinking!

Stella Artois had two great set ups for serving their Belgium beer - one a cafe, a smaller location and another larger walk in serving bites and full glasses of beer on tap. It was so good - we went back twice!

Chef Bernhard serving up small bites at Stella Artois.

This year at The Taste LA honored a tribute to the Los Angeles Times own renowned food critic, Jonathan Gold.

Aperol Spritz had a super cute drink stand and these yummy drinks went down easy.

Drink Bai had a fun photo booth with GIF pics that we took pictures in.

Paramount Studios was such a great setting for the festive event.

Thank you to The Taste LA for including me at this years event! If you missed the LA event or looking for the next one, The Taste moves to OC next month. For more info and tickets, details are here.

As a designer, I love checking out well designed hotels and trendy boutique hotels with a fun design atmosphere. In the Fall of 2016 I stayed at a luxury boutique hotel in Madrid called Only You Hotels. It was a great stay - the hotel has an eclectic design aesthetic, several options for food and drinks, the rooms are modest yet comfortable, and the Madrid location is in a central neighborhood. I loved it so much that when planning a return visit to Madrid this past February while extending my Tile of Spain trip, I opted for Only You Hotels again. This time staying at their Atocha location.

The expansive entry level lobby of the hotel has several designated areas consisting of seating, check in, a cafe, restaurant / bar, and even a barber shop!

A cute little barber shop at the entry of the eclectic “industrial chic” boutique hotel.

Also in the lobby entry is a convenient small cafe for takeout or casual dining, our go to for coffee, pastries, and really good sandwiches.

The lobby elevators leading to the guest rooms. There is also a rooftop restaurant with an outdoor terrace, which overlooks the beautiful Atocha Railway Station.

The rooms are contemporary chic with an entry vestibule and built-in closets, a private bathroom, desk, and seating. Our room faced the main boulevard overlooking the Atocha train station.

A mid-century modern style desk with exposed brick in the guest rooms at Only You Atocha.

Really loved the bathroom and paid special attention to the tile, having just spent time at the Cevisama trade in Valencia, Spain on behalf of Tile of Spain.

A glimpse of art and the mirrored built-in closets at the entry of the hotel room.

Back in the hotel lobby, lounge areas with leather banquette seating wraparound bookcases filled with books.

A serving area in the restaurant section of the hotel lobby.

The hotel lobby check in with a very friendly helpful staff / concierge - and oh yeah, off to the left are goodies such as candy and champagne upon check in! I love Madrid, I love Spain, and I hope to be back at an Only You Hotels again soon!

The 10th anniversary of Legends of La Cienega X took place May 8th-10th in the La Cienega Design Quarter. I’ve taken part in the events since it’s inception, including as an Ambassador one year, and welcomed this year’s events with a fantastic kick off party presented by 1st Dibs hosted at a favorite La Cienega showroom, Dragonette Ltd.

This year’s theme was “Color My World” featuring an artist series coloring-book-style template by over 100 artists & designers. Proceeds from the sale benefit ACRIA Artist Ending AIDS Fund. More info and to view the collection for sale can be found here.

Host Patrick Dragonette with his beautiful event staff.

Fun with friends Monica Orozco of deMonica Photo and fellow designer Michelle Weiss.

Always great to see my friend and designer Jeffrey Johnson!

Among the packed crowd Erik Brown and I are socializing with guests.

My friend Amanda Neistat and guests.

Great seeing Matt Walker and Joshua Carmichael Fearnley of Period Media.

My favorite art dealer in town! Leonardo Ledesma of Art Seen with Michelle Weiss.