Los Angeles has long been a point of intrigue for Tom. An affection for rock music and Modernist architecture made the city a natural draw. In recent years, however, his furniture design practice has brought him there more and more frequently. We’ve recently partnered with Thomas Lavin to represent our collection of luxury British furniture in Los Angeles. As such, we’ve become no strangers to the LA design district. Read on for some insider tips on the best spots we’ve found around West Hollywood…

 

Design Galleries

 

For furniture, art, and objects with a story, design galleries can be an excellent hunting ground. Galerie Half is a beautifully curated example where you’ll find primarily European mid-century pieces. There’s a serene sort of gravitas that runs through the collection, which really helps to set the tone of a space. JF Chen is another wonderful emporium of vintage design. The edit of items here transcends categorisation, extending across eras and styles, yet finding unity in their superlative quality and tasteful curation. Finally, The Future Perfect is a treasure trove of contemporary craftsmanship, presenting fresh faces in design. They’re based a touch further off at the base of the Hollywood Hills, however their spot within the architecturally notable Goldwyn House is well worth going out of the way for. Just be sure to make an appointment first.

 

Designer Furniture Showrooms

 

If you’re on the lookout for interior design showrooms in West Hollywood, Pacific Design Center is where you’ll find all the major players. This complex is home to international furniture brands, rounding them all up for something of a one-stop shop. It also plays host to one of the Thomas Lavin showrooms, where the Tom Faulkner collection is freshly on display for our California clientele. It’s worth noting you can also find our pieces in a second Thomas Lavin showroom based at the Laguna Design Center. These are both great places to start filling out a design scheme, with all samples available and a keen team ready to help you place your orders.

 

Art Galleries

 

It could be well argued that a house is not a home without some art to bring it to life. Surrounding Melrose, you’ll have no shortage of inspiring galleries to help you in that regard. Hauser & Wirth is always a great place to start, with a range of periods represented and a host of world-class artists on view at any given time. David Kordansky Gallery is a fabulous follow-up if you’re in the market for dynamic contemporary artists. They’ve got quite the campus in LA, showing works across both indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces.  In the heart of West Hollywood, the MAK Center is a notable stop for all creative types. Their programme focuses on both art and architecture, taking an experimental, multi-disciplinary approach. They do so across a few locations throughout the city – although, this local outpost based in the famed Schindler House is particularly captivating. It offers a contemporary continuation of architect, Rudolph M. Schindler’s ethos around fostering and promulgating creative expression, in its many forms.

 

Hotels

 

If you’re a visitor to the city, prepare to count yourself lucky! LA has a wealth of wonderful hotels, many complete with their share of near folkloric history. The Sunset Marquis is a classic that famously played host to the rock n’ roll set. Chateau Marmont has reached mythical status, thanks to its longstanding reputation as an entertainment industry hotspot. The newer kid on the block is 1 Hotel, which takes an eco-conscious approach to luxury, carving out a peaceful hideaway within the bustle of the Sunset Strip. You really can’t go wrong with any of them.

 

Restaurants

 

Design sourcing is hungry work, so we’d recommend making a reservation or two to tide you through. If you’re keen to try something new, we’d suggest giving recent opening, Lielle a shot. At the helm is Marcus Jernmark of three-Michelin-starred Frantzen fame. Here he takes a more laid-back approach to dining, housed within a beautifully atmospheric space. JAR, on the other hand, is a time-honoured staple, long considered one of the best restaurants in LA. It serves classic American chophouse staples, elevated to perfection. For a more high-energy dining experience, try Darling. It’s a hi-fi listening bar with glorious dishes cooked over live fire. Plus, it’s just steps away from Pacific Design Center – the perfect place to celebrate a successful day of adventures in design.

 

Should your design sourcing bring you to Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, do pop in to see us at the Thomas Lavin showroom, where our collection of custom-made British furniture is newly at home. From our signature dining tables to a curated edit of sofas, consoles and cocktail tables, it’s a lovely excuse to round out your tour of the LA Design District.

 

 

 

Text by Annabel Colterjohn