apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

With the holidays just right around the corner
I never know what to get those friends of mine that have everything! So while reading Real Simple Magazine I came across these personalized monogrammed framed wall hangings from JackandLulu. They come in a variety of colors and monogram fonts and would make a great host gift or even a great addition to a baby's room or teenager. Not only do they carry wall art on their website, but they have personalized note cards and stationery.

With all the wonderful vintage and antiques stores we have in Los Angeles there is one store in particular I must point out called Nathan Turner Antiques in West Hollywood. You may be familiar with Nathan since he is a contributor for Domino and C Living Magazine and was featured on Extra for his "Party Planning Ideas". Nathan, who is originally from NY got his first taste of the design biz was when he sent on an all expenses paid antique buying trip to Europe when he was younger and realized that design was his passion.

Move over Viceroy, Casa Del Mar and Shutters theres a new hotel in town. The Custom Hotel, located on Lincoln just minutes from LAX is sure to be the next hot spot on the westside. This modern boutique hotel offers modern minimalistic designed rooms, DJ lounge, pool table and grill, including a heated pool, cabanas and many more perks and amenities.

So for most of us LA folks Perez Hilton, Defamer and TMZ have become a house hold name and a regular on our blog roll. So when I recently read the September issue of Angeleno Magazine that suggests Kelly Wearstler has a run for her money from Mary McDonald, I thought wow even the design world is getting a little dish. Not only did the article mention Mary McDonald's recent success at booking two very high profile design jobs but it also said that the sale of KWID's office is having some "permit issues" regarding the sale. (full article in the fold)

If you work in design and are looking for a great networking group you probably want to join us for our Sixth DNG Social and Networking Event this Thursday September 20th at 7pm at Nathan Turner Antiques. Not only will we be meeting at Nathan's beautiful store but he will also be our guest speaker for the evening. This is a real treat you won't want to miss!
(Invite in the fold)

Did you ever stay in a rental house and feel like, wow I could really just pack up all my bags and just move right in? Well that is exactly how I felt when I rented a Palm Springs Mid Century Modern pad with a group of girlfriends as a weekend getaway.

This mid-century masterpiece (yes I dare said it) is perfectly decorated with tufted Chippendale sofas, Regency vintage looking flocked wallpaper and bright yellow upholstered Milo Baughman chairs. This wonderful home is designed by David Jimenez, who is not only a talented designer, but is vice president of visual merchandising and store design for Hallmark Cards, Inc. in Kansas City.

Located just between Broadway and Santa Monica on Lincoln Blvd. is a wonderful antique and vintage store called Courtney's.

Owner Mark Courntey, has hand picked some unusual and special one-of-a-kind finds for his store. European paintings, vintage 1960's sofas, Chinoiserie side tables and unusual art deco lamps are just some of the treasures you can find at Courtney's.

It's not everyday that you stumble upon a blog from an actual practicing interior designer. Which is what happened to me when I found Patricia Gray's blog. Patricia is an award winning, highly recognized interior designer from Vancouver Canada, who finds time in her busy schedule to update her blog almost daily!

A few weeks ago I featured Bueller Designs at our First Friday's event at Turquoise on Abbot Kinney. I was just viewing some new images on her blog and had to share these beautiful prints. Some of her beach images capture dramatic waves crashing and her newest images capture the depth of seashells and coral. Check out her blog here and her etsy shop as well. Oh and I must add that they are totally affordable!

I always thought Veranda Magazine was too stuffy and too traditional for my taste, but the last few issues have really surprised me. Of course the spaces they publish are way out of our league, but the ideas, colors and furnishings make for great inspiration. You may want to take a peak the next time you're at the mag stand!

Just spotted online is the much anticipated front cover image of the new home decor book The L.A. House, by Ruthie Sommers. The book was originally to be released in March, but has now been pushed to later this year. If you are not familiar with Los Angeles interior designer and store owner Ruthie Sommers of Chapman Radcliff, click here to view her website and store images. Her style can best be described as vintage chic, as shown by her one-of-a-kind boutique items.

Please join us for our Fourth Designer and Networking Event at Design Within Reach in Beverly Hills tonight at 7pm, hosted by Hillary Shugrue and Eric Evavold.

If you are a designer, artist, furniture and/or product designer we encourage you to bring your portfolio, press packets, and biz cards to share with the group. This a great way to network and meet some new design folks! So if you would like to join please RSVP to turquoise.rsvp@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you tonight! (invite in the fold)

Have you heard of Atik a new store located off of Ventura Blvd? Well if you haven't you may want to visit this amazing shop packed full of hundreds of treasures from all over the world.

Owner Janet Bertoius has been in the "vintage" business since high school and has lived for thrift shops and second hand stores and at this point has probably hit most every flea market in town.

Recently I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing landscape architect Joseph Marek.

Joseph’s work is just beautiful and he is simply a master at displaying his spaces as works of art. His gardens have a soothing and calm effect that makes you want to admire them and stay a while.

Sitting in his backyard, was such a treat because Joseph was able to explain to me what certain plants were and what was involved to create such a lovely and inviting space.

I asked Joseph a few questions about his design practice thus far...