Our Favorite Finds in L.A. and Palm Springs
It’s hard to believe we are nearing the end of August, and another Colorado summer is coming to a close. Gazing up at the grassy slopes of Aspen Mountain, we find ourselves grateful for the afternoon rain showers that have made this one of the greenest summers yet.
In between days spent working on design projects in Aspen and Boulder, and weekends biking and hiking in the hills, we were fortunate to squeeze in a few furniture sourcing trips from coast to coast.
We thought you might enjoy seeing some of the newest pieces we are excited about by makers and artisans off the beaten path. Scroll below for some of our favorite finds from L.A. and Palm Springs.
Stahl & Band’s Organic Modern Elegance
Stahl & Band is one of our favorite sources for a fresh and sophisticated expression of the organic modern aesthetic. We've used many of their pieces over the years, ever since we first wandered into their showroom, tucked around the bend of Abbot Kinney in Venice Beach.
Owner and creative director, Jeffery Molter, never ceases to amaze us with his ever evolving collection of maker-crafted furniture, lighting and art, including many pieces designed by himself.
The Wonderful Quirky World of Kelly Wearstler
It was such a delight to stay at the new Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel, and to immerse in the work of Kelly Wearstler. In this case, her trademark eclectic funk is infused with an organic sensibility that feels warm, textural and inviting. In the rooms, all of the details, from the mirrors to the wall finishes and furniture legs, feel unique and a bit unexpected.
Even if you are not staying at the hotel, the restaurants and public spaces are worth checking out. A sunset drink at the rooftop bar is like swimming in the LA skyline! It has become quite the hot spot for creative industry types, so reservations are recommended.
A Few More Coastal and Collectable Finds
We have a long list of favorite sources to visit in the LA area, and we don’t always make it to them all (traffic be damned!), but here are a few we visited this trip:
General Store in Venice Beach, is a great maker mercantile for handmade ceramics, home goods, clothing and gifts.
On Melrose Avenue, The Window and Hostler Burrows are beautifully curated galleries of high-end collectable art and antiques.
And Lawson Fenning, also on Melrose, is a longtime go-to for relaxed, coastal furniture with a uniquely hip aesthetic.
Palm Springs Art & Vintage Shopping
When in L.A., we love to venture out of the city into the desert, to relax poolside in Palm Springs, in between outings to the ever-changing array of art galleries, restaurants and vintage furniture shops. This time, we enjoyed staying at L’Horizon Hotel, which features stylish and well-appointed private bungalows and a stunning new modern wing.
A new discovery this trip was JC Studio, a skillfully curated collection of art, accessories and antiques with a sense of organic zen chic. Recently opened by the French designer Jean Claude Huon, we will make this a regular stop.
We hope you've enjoyed this recap of our West Coast design adventures. Stay tuned for our next update with our favorite finds from the East Coast: New York City, the Hamptons and Palm Beach!
Warmest wishes,
Joe & Matthew