Last month I attended the Legends of La Cienega 2015 design event in Los Angeles. I first came across the event last year when I did a book signing at Mecox Gardens as part of the three day festival, so I was honoured to be invited back this year to experience everything in full as a LCDQ social media ambassador (so fancy!). To be a part of an event that garnered more than 200 million media impressions was amazing – wow! It was so much fun to reconnect with friends I made during last year’s event, as well as meet inspiring new-to-me designers, artists and creatives from across America. Let me tell you: that was three days packed FULL of design talent as the interior design elite from across the country flock to Los Angeles to attend. To ease the wait until next year’s event, I’m rounding up my highlights from this year’s LCDQ event.
Now in its seventh year, the Legends of La Cienega design festival centres around the member showrooms that are located on La Cienega Boulevard and Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. Here I was with Scot Meacham Wood, Tami Ramsey, Jennifer Mehditash and friends at Renaissance’s Blogger Breakfast on the first morning.
I know, right? Stops you in your tracks! This incredible display was at Hollywood at Home – the colours! The textures! The pattern! The fabrics! I literally wanted to move right in (or maybe just take a nap to see off those cheeky afternoon drinks…!).
Of course, being the colour lover that I am, I was obsessed with all the dining brights I spotted at Design Within Reach. From Eames to Bertoia, there was a whole lotta #MakeYouSmileStyle going down in their showroom – I was tempted to book a seat on the plane to fly one of these beauties home with me!
Despite there being more than 10,000 attending the event, I was lucky enough to squeeze in time for a catch up with LCDQ President, Lee Stanton at the Elle Decor Power Lunch. Look at us twinning in our specs! And don’t get me started on that floral display – divine.
The theme for this year’s event was Where Muses Dwell, and as part of the festival designers from across America decorated more than fifty showroom windows in the design district. Naturally I went out on the hunt for the most #MakeYouSmileStyle designs I could find. My explorations led me to discover Annette English’s window for Downtown. Given Annette’s incredible design talents (she’s decorated properties in Paris, Los Angeles, Australia and many more) it’s no surprise that I was drawn to her ‘A Guiding Genius’ window. I love the graphic look of the Zoffany wallpaper from Scion and the statement Downtown chair and pendants – a total colour, pattern and shape knockout!
Can someone say #thelifeofablogger?! Oh, and Woven Accents win best showroom facade by a country mile. I love it!
Another of my favourite windows was the ‘Animal’ theme by Betsy Burnham for Mecox Gardens. I liked how this window stood out for being playful and approachable, plus all those animals were super cute!
The sustainable design keynote at Woven Accents was one of my highlights. It was inspiring to hear Jessica Alba, Mat Sanders and Anna Brockway talk about their experiences of decorating in a sustainable (and stylish!) manner. Also, it has to be said that this window display shows how to do neutrals right – all those layers of texture had me impressed.
Back at Hollywood at Home I sought out some more #MakeYouSmileStyle colourful moments, including this stunning side table vignette, complete with adorable pooch! This mirror, lamp and wallpaper combo was off the charts good.
Not only did I discover incredible designers and meet inspirational designers but I also had the opportunity to make new friends. As you can see from the above, I made sure to play and laugh as hard as I worked! Thank you to everyone who made me feel so welcome in Los Angeles; to all the sponsors and LCDQ for kindly inviting me to be a part of such an incredible event; and thank you to all of you for following along!
// Window photography by Grey Crawford | Event photography by JL Photographers, all used with permission
15 Comments
Loved meeting you! Your enthusiasm was so energizing and it’s been wonderful to follow you since. Come back soon!
@Jill – So lovely of you to say! It was fantastic meeting you too. Already excited for next year! 🙂
It looks like a lot of fun. Going to try and come along next year now! Thanks for the round up.
@Susan – Sooooooo much fun! You should definitely come along next year if you can, I think you’ll enjoy it and find it super useful, too! Get ready for the day drinking! Hahaha 😉
looks amazing ! you are like ‘well hanging out in the cool places these days’ Will !
brilliant round up of loveliness 🙂
@Fiona – Thank you! 🙂
Love the beautiful eclectic mix of colours, prints and textures in the Hollywood at Home photos, and love the amazing window displays especially Annette English’s one, fab graphic wallpaper! 🙂
@Glyn – Me too, such an inspiration!
That hashtag is so true, haha. I’m always plugging in and plugging away when I get a free minute.
Josh | The Kentucky Gent
http://thekentuckygent.com
@Josh – You knooooooow it! 😉
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Just browsing the new site! I love it!! How gorgeous is that dog? Everything looks so stylish at this event – totally insane!
Rxxx
@Rachie – Thank you! Yes, that pooch was so adorable and every person and event at LCDQ was dripping with style. Very fabulous! 😉 x
I love the second photo in the Hollywood at Home collection! The subtle color, natural textures, and pattern are perfect. Would it be possible to mix that vibe into a more colorful modern room design or is would it be best paired with naturals colors and furnishings? btw Your hair was on point! 😉
@Matthew – Me too! It’s one of my favourite showrooms – love it! And thanks re: hair! 🙂