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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.

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!

The Inside and Homepolish have teamed up to release a line of furnishings by Los Angeles based interior designer, Katherine Carter. The collection features textiles, wall covering, pillows, and furniture all for a very affordable price point that is cool, contemporary, and should I just add - very, very chic.

Shop these throw pillows on The Inside - “Black Fracture” by Homepolish, 20” square with feather insert for $49.

Loving these removable wallpapers (need for my own place!) that I got to preview in person this past week at The Inside x Homepolish event.

How cool is this marble fabric upholstered platform bed from the collection!? I love it!

I got to test out these chairs in person too at the event - for $399 they are a steal!

The pretty patterned removable wallpaper collection.

Thank you to The Inside and Homepolish for hosting us! It was a beautiful evening setting from the Hills Penthouse West Hollywood!

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

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.