In L.A., a Cheaply Constructed Pop-Up Bar That’s a Work of Art (Published 2015)

This blog post details the interior transformation of a Los Angeles home by designer Alana Marie, with a particular focus on the creation of a stunning sunken home bar. The space, originally stark and sterile with sharp, straight lines and a 'highway' of ceiling downlights, presented a challenge in making it feel cohesive and cozy for its entertaining-focused owners. Alana Marie addressed this by dropping the ceiling, adding wood slats, and concealing the lowered floor, creating an inviting atmosphere that channels the owners' warmth. The design incorporates a 'loungy and subdued' 70s color palette and a blend of luxurious materials, including mohair velvet, leather, and textured fabrics for the living room sofa. The centerpiece, the home bar, features a 'muddy' Breccia marble countertop with vibrant burnt sienna and mustard accents. This choice was deliberate, not only to complement the existing light limestone flooring but also to seamlessly connect the sunken bar area with the adjacent living room, facilitating an effortless flow for entertaining. A significant design element behind the bar is an angled, walnut screen. This feature serves a dual purpose: it acts as a decorative element while also strategically addressing a layout flaw. Previously, there was a direct line of sight from the main bedroom door to the living and entertaining spaces. The vertical timber 'fins' of the screen create a visual barricade, providing privacy without compromising the open feel of the space, effectively functioning as a stylish room divider. The overall aesthetic of the bar, described as 'sexy and smart, but not overly masculine,' is achieved through a rich combination of walnut millwork, antique mirrors, brass cabinets, moody burgundy tile, and multicolored marble. This blend of textures and colors ensures the bar is a 'showstopper' visible immediately upon entering the home. The main living area also underwent a significant overhaul to address the challenges of furnishing an expansive space. Alana Marie's solution involved custom furniture, notably a striking green mohair velvet double-sided sofa. This bespoke piece snakes between the living room and bar, allowing both spaces to function as one or independently, adapting to different occasions and guest numbers. The sofa's design, incorporating three different fabrics, was custom-fitted to perfect the flow and functionality of the large open-plan room, which previously suffered from a rigid layout that made television viewing awkward and segmented the space. The main bedroom was updated with a focus on smart bedroom storage solutions, featuring motorized hanging rods and wall-to-wall timber millwork to enhance both functionality and coziness. The dining room, once fitted with under-scaled furniture, now boasts a blend of vintage and contemporary pieces, fresh colors and patterns, and dramatic lighting and art, creating an ideal backdrop for dinner parties. The transformed home now encourages natural flow and conversation, reflecting the owners' inviting personalities and their passion for entertaining. #HomeBar #InteriorDesign #LosAngelesHome #MarbleCountertop #AlanaMarieInteriors #CustomFurniture #EntertainmentSpace #WalnutMillwork #70sColorPalette

Tabarka Studio, a company known for its unique tiles and custom flooring, has opened a new showroom in Los Angeles, marking a significant expansion for the brand. The showroom highlights Tabarka Studio's signature handprinted terracotta tiles, which have been a cornerstone of its identity, alongside new and innovative flooring options. The company's Zenati & Edri Parquet collection is a key feature, offering extensive customization possibilities for discerning clients. This collection represents a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design, allowing for nearly limitless patterns and configurations to suit diverse aesthetic preferences. In addition to showcasing its established lines, the new Los Angeles showroom introduces Tabarka Studio's latest offering: a new terrazzo flooring collection. This collection is presented as an homage to the distinctive style and spirit of Southern California, incorporating design elements and material choices that reflect the region's unique architectural and artistic landscape. A detailed view of this new terrazzo flooring reveals intricate patterns and the inclusion of brass inlay, demonstrating a commitment to high-quality materials and sophisticated design. The creative vision behind Tabarka Studio's offerings is spearheaded by its creative director, Meir Zenati. Zenati plays a pivotal role in shaping the brand's aesthetic and guiding the development of new collections, ensuring that Tabarka Studio remains at the forefront of luxury tile and flooring design. The opening of the Los Angeles showroom not only serves as a retail space but also as a gallery where clients and designers can experience the tactile qualities and visual impact of the materials firsthand. The showroom's design itself reflects Tabarka Studio's artistic approach, with the entry featuring a vibrant display of 'pattern on pattern,' creating an immersive and inspiring environment. This design choice underscores the company's philosophy of embracing bold aesthetics and intricate details in its products. The expansion into Los Angeles signifies Tabarka Studio's strategic move to strengthen its presence in a key market for high-end home design and interior decoration, catering to a clientele that values bespoke and handcrafted elements in their living spaces. The article also briefly mentions other luxury home design topics, such as a contemporary Pebble Beach home inspired by butterflies, a modern Swiss chalet with old-world architecture cues, a dining pavilion with a bespoke kitchen, and a postmodern Seattle house transformed into a modern cabin. These additional mentions contextualize Tabarka Studio's offerings within the broader landscape of luxury home design, emphasizing the demand for unique, high-quality, and architecturally significant elements in upscale residences. #TabarkaStudio #LosAngelesShowroom #LuxuryTiles #CustomFlooring #HandprintedTerracotta #TerrazzoCollection #HomeDesign #InteriorDecoration #MeirZenati

The article features an interview with Leo Cesareo, an interior designer, discussing his journey, artistic influences, and personal recommendations for exploring Los Angeles. Cesareo recounts his decision to start his own business after years of working for other designers. He describes a pivotal moment at his last firm, where a negative interaction with a junior designer led him to quit on the spot and establish Leo Cesareo Design seven years ago. This experience highlighted his desire to focus on design rather than office politics and bureaucracy. He notes that this decision was a positive one, as he has not encountered similar issues with his own clients. Cesareo attributes his artistic inclination to his family background. His grandfather was an illustrator and 'Ad Man' in Buenos Aires during the 1950s and 60s, creating hand-drawn advertisements for magazines like Time and Life. His father was an architect and contractor, and Cesareo credits learning to draw by observing his father's work at a drafting table. He humorously mentions learning three-point perspective by kindergarten, much to his elementary teacher's surprise. His artistic education continued at the Visual Arts program at LACHSA and then at RISD, where he studied Film and Art History. During his film studies, he developed an interest in set design, focusing on 'world-building' and the psychology behind characters and their environments, which ultimately led him to transition into interior design. At Leo Cesareo Design, his firm aims to create unique, tailor-made interiors for contemporary individuals and households, drawing on his visual arts background to influence spatial composition and light. When asked about local spots in Los Angeles, Cesareo, a native, emphasizes approaching the city through its individual neighborhoods due to its spread-out nature. He suggests that framing LA in this way makes visitors more open to experiencing different areas, even if it involves traffic. He highly recommends The Cara Hotel, praising its transformation from a 1950s motel into a chic, European-feeling establishment with elegant rooms and a stylish courtyard. Its central location is also a plus for accessing both the East and West Sides of the city. For shopping, he points to Departamento in Downtown LA, highlighting the area's growth into a vibrant, walkable neighborhood with interesting shops and cafes. His favorite Korean BBQ spot is Dan Sung Sa, valued for its unique interior design with cubby booths and graffitied walls, which contributes to its 'frenzied cool' atmosphere, making the long wait worthwhile. For an authentic LA experience, he recommends late-night taco trucks, particularly those on Sunset in Echo Park, and diners like Norms and the iconic Johnie’s Broiler (now a Bob’s Big Boy), noting the historical significance of Googie Architecture and fast food in LA's development. For nightlife, he suggests El Cid, Akbar, and underground or gay bars, describing a quintessential LA experience involving secret passwords and unexpected celebrity sightings in unusual locations. Cesareo concludes by giving credit to his alma maters, the LA County High School for the Arts (LACHSA) and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). He emphasizes that these institutions provided him with the foundational experiences, work ethic, and community that have supported him since he was 15 years old. The article also provides contact information for Leo Cesareo Design, including his website, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook profiles. #InteriorDesign #Entrepreneurship #LosAngeles #ArtisticInfluence #CreativeJourney #BusinessStartUp #LocalCulture #DesignPhilosophy #RISDEducation

This blog post details the author's challenging and ultimately mixed experience with two home improvement projects: installing tin ceiling panels and crown molding. The author initially planned to install 100 feet of crown molding and 200 square feet of tin panels, seeking advice from various design and retail experts. The tin ceiling installation, intended for a sun porch with an existing beadboard cathedral ceiling, proved to be a significant failure. The author chose low-cost white tin tiles and attempted to install them by nailing them directly to the wood, following advice to start from the center. However, the tiles quickly ceased to align properly, leading to a visibly messy and misaligned result. Despite the initial intention to forgo complex border patterns due to existing chunky molding, the high ridges of the misaligned tiles did not sit well under the molding. Expert consultation revealed the critical error of not starting the installation precisely at the center of the ceiling and failing to sketch a grid beforehand, a step recommended by an expert from Armstrong Ceilings and a designer. Given the unsatisfactory outcome and lack of aesthetic appeal, the author decided to return the unused tin tiles and abandon the project. The crown molding installation, while less disastrous, still presented considerable difficulties. The author notes that while ornate crown molding can be expensive, simpler patterns and materials are more affordable. An expert suggests that four-inch wide molding is suitable for eight-foot ceilings but emphasizes the trickiness of installation due to the common issue of non-straight walls, especially in older homes. The author further cautions that even in newer homes with seemingly straight walls, hiring a professional carpenter might be preferable. The primary challenge lies in ensuring the molding lies flat on all surfaces and that all corners are perfectly mitered. Essential tools for this task include a compound miter saw, which the author purchased with a laser-cutting guide. The author also found a specialized book, “Crown Molding and Trim: Install It Like a Pro!” by Wayne Drake, and a set of templates and gauges to be valuable resources. The author's father assisted with the installation, and despite using specialized tools and receiving direct advice from the book's author, they ruined several pieces of inexpensive particle board molding. They successfully completed the installation in a small bathroom, adding spackling paste and touch-up paint for a neat finish. The experience, while challenging, provided the author with the knowledge to potentially tackle a larger project on the first floor in the future. #HomeImprovement #DIY #InteriorDesign #CrownMolding #TinCeilings #HomeRenovation #ConstructionTips

Sophie Lou Jacobsen, a designer known for transforming everyday objects with a unique, cool aesthetic, has applied her distinctive vision to La Cantine, a new café in Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood. Jacobsen, co-founder of Studio Sayso and graphic design firm Our Studio, approaches interior design by treating the space itself as an object, focusing first on shapes and materials before considering the layout. This philosophy guided her in creating a joyful and unexpected environment for La Cantine. Jacobsen's design for La Cantine successfully blends traditional European café elements with her contemporary, 'Pop-y' personal style. The owner, Ioana Hercberg, desired a space reminiscent of the warm, traditional cafés from her family's French and Spanish roots. Jacobsen achieved this fusion by incorporating elements like granite floor tiles, traditional tables, and a marble checkout counter, which ground the space in a classic European aesthetic. Simultaneously, she infused her signature touch through scalloped countertop edges, wavy curtains, tubular upholstery, and whimsical brass sconces, which were adapted from a previous design with Sarita Posada for Studio Sayso. Even the plates selected for the café feature curvy and colorful designs, further cementing Jacobsen's playful influence. A key aspect of Jacobsen's design approach for La Cantine was her use of color. Initially considering a pale pink palette, she ultimately opted for a more enduring scheme of creamy yellows, complemented by blue, blush, and green furniture and floral accents. These vibrant pops of color were crucial in adding a sense of adventure and joy to the space, which Jacobsen believes is an important element in her designs. The floral arrangements were crafted by Fleurotica, and the bathroom design was handled by Anahit Pogosian, contributing to the café's overall aesthetic. Cohesiveness was paramount in the creation of La Cantine, ensuring that every element, from the countertops and menus to the silverware and wall decor, harmonized aesthetically. Jacobsen emphasized the importance of having influence over all aspects of the design experience, including branding. While Charlotte Delarue designed the café's logo, the rest of the branding was a collaborative effort between Jacobsen and her boyfriend, Adrian Harwood, through their graphic design studio, Our Studio. This integrated approach, focusing on cohesiveness from the project's inception, played a significant role in delivering the café's distinct and inviting atmosphere, making it a well-designed destination for visitors in Bushwick. #interiorDesign #cafeDesign #sophieLouJacobsen #brooklynCafe #designTips #colorPalette #materialSelection #cohesiveDesign

The Los Angeles bar scene is incredibly diverse, reflecting the city's sprawling nature and distinct neighborhoods, each boasting its own style, history, and culinary influences. A night out in LA can involve rapidly shifting environments, yet a common thread across these establishments is the exceptional quality of fresh, local ingredients. Cocktail menus are frequently updated to incorporate seasonal produce from farmers’ markets, and agave-based drinks, like those featuring tequila and mezcal, have significantly surpassed vodka-based options in popularity. From the gritty downtown areas to the historic glamour of Hollywood and the exclusive enclaves of Bel-Air and Beverly Hills, Los Angeles offers a plethora of venues where expertly crafted drinks are served in meticulously curated settings. Accomplice in Mar Vista stands out for its Westside cocktails and Taiwanese soul food. It features a vibrant mural by Josh Cochran and an inventive, experimental menu by Adam George Fournier, the 2021 US Bartender of the Year. The cocktail list draws inspiration from both Asian flavors and LA’s historic neighborhoods, with a highlight being the light, floral Little Tokyo martini. Dante Beverly Hills, located on the rooftop of The Maybourne luxury hotel, offers breathtaking views from the San Gabriel mountains to the Hollywood Hills. Its interior, designed by Nathalie Hudson with a colorful fresco by Abel Macias, complements a top-tier drink menu that includes the signature Garibaldi and six types of martinis, available during a special 'martini hour.' The Hotel Bel-Air Bar & Lounge, designed by David Rockwell, is an exclusive spot in Bel-Air. It showcases large prints by Norman Seeff, features nightly live music, and offers an excellent cocktail list with unique options like the Cucumber’s Vengeance and Monroe’s Passion. Mirate, a Mexican restaurant in Los Feliz, is celebrated not only for its stunning design, including a 40-foot tree in its central courtyard and Oaxacan-influenced decor by Adean Studios, but also for its beverage director Max Reis’s curated collection of rare mezcals and tequilas. These are blended with traditional Mexican ingredients like tepache and pulque, resulting in standout cocktails such as El Guero. Musso & Frank Grill, Hollywood’s oldest restaurant, transports patrons to the golden age of cinema with its dark mahogany bar, leather banquettes, and red-jacketed waiters. Famed for its perfect martini, served with an overflow carafe in a miniature ice bucket, the bar has a rich cinematic history. Or Bar in West Hollywood, created by Rob Novinger and Stephanie Schestag-Muriano, is a chic, French disco-inspired cocktail lounge. Its exquisitely designed interior, from a hand-painted mural to a custom-made crystal chandelier, earned it a John Chase Design Award. By day, it serves La Colombe coffee, which is also featured in its signature Espress-Or Martini. The Raymond 1886 Bar in Pasadena offers a glimpse into California’s Gilded Age within a preserved American Craftsman building. While its decor is historic with low ceilings and Victorian wallpaper, its drinks are cutting-edge, pioneered as a craft cocktail destination in Southern California. The menu includes unique creations like the Charred Sunset, notable for its meticulous, drink-specific ice. The Roger Room, a dark and intimate speakeasy in Beverly Grove, features circus murals and old-school decor inspired by Bemelmans Bar in New York. Its elevated cocktail list includes popular choices like the Tijuana Brass and the Old Sport. Thunderbolt in Echo Park, despite its laid-back vibe, is recognized as one of North America’s 50 Best Bars. Owner Mike Capoferri infuses Southern hospitality into the space, which boasts welcoming decor by Wunder Werkz and a playful, progressive cocktail menu incorporating unusual culinary ingredients like Chinese bittermelon and shiitake mushrooms. Finally, The Wolves in downtown Los Angeles, though appearing untouched for a century, is a remarkable reinvention by filmmaker Isaac Mejia and former Mad Men set designer Al Almeida. The space was transformed using salvaged antiques and architectural pieces from around the globe, including doors from an Argentinian mansion, marble from a demolished building, and a stained-glass ceiling from an old train station. Its cocktails, such as the popular Tigers Milk, are designed to be equally transformative. #LosAngelesBars #CraftCocktails #BarDesign #BeverlyHills #Hollywood #TravelGuide #Nightlife #CocktailCulture #SouthernCalifornia

The article highlights the design of Fanny's, an all-day restaurant located within the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. Designed by Commune, an ELLE Decor A-List firm led by Steven Johanknecht and Roman Alonso, Fanny's aims to offer a communal space that blends comfort, luxury, and a nostalgic yet forward-looking aesthetic, suitable for its cinematic setting and clientele. The restaurant is situated in what was formerly the landmarked May Company department store, built in 1939. The museum itself underwent a respectful renovation by architects Renzo Piano and the late Osvaldo Maiozzi, transforming it into a raw, deconstructed campus. The design brief for Fanny's emphasized creating a throwback interior that also embraced an optimistic future, merging glamour with the industry's essence. Commune faced the challenge of adhering to a color palette previously established by Piano and Maiozzi for the museum's industrial viewing and gallery spaces. They creatively navigated this limitation through careful material selection, well-researched references, and a touch of humor, aiming to encompass various design ideas within a cohesive vision. Inspired by iconic Old Hollywood establishments like the Brown Derby and Perino's, Commune collaborated with designer Sean O'Connor to devise a lighting scheme. This scheme was specifically engineered to visually reduce the perception of the restaurant's impressive 30-foot ceilings. Atelier de Troupe was commissioned to craft curved, period-agnostic lamps that illuminate the booths, contributing to the desired ambiance. Additionally, sheer curtains designed by artist Adam Pogue were incorporated, referencing the scrims used in set design. These curtains serve to divide the expansive 10,000-square-foot space while still allowing natural light to permeate, creating a soft and elegant diffusion. Further design details include an exuberant zinc-topped bar, which draws inspiration from Art Deco movie marquees, adding a touch of vintage theatricality. The tabletops are covered in linoleum, a material choice that appears anachronistic but offers a pleasing tactile experience, described as feeling like leather. This deliberate choice of materials and design elements results in a space that is both cinematic in its scope and human in its scale. The overall execution of Fanny's is presented as a thoughtful blend of historical reverence and contemporary comfort, stimulating both the appetite and the imagination of its patrons. #RestaurantDesign #HollywoodGlamour #InteriorDesign #CommuneDesign #AcademyMuseum #LosAngeles #ArtDeco #OldHollywood #DiningExperience

Heard Dat Kitchen, a restaurant located in New Orleans, is highlighted as one of the best hole-in-the-wall establishments in the U.S. Chef Jeffery Heard, born in New Orleans in 1961, established the restaurant in 2015, building it on family values and transforming a former Soap Works building on Felicity Street into a community hub. Heard's career in the culinary and hospitality industry began as a dishwasher in his teenage years, evolving over decades to include roles in hotels, banquet halls, and fine dining, where he honed his skills in service and cuisine. The restaurant operates as a family venture, with Heard's wife and children actively involved in the daily operations. A significant aspect of the business is Audrey Mae's Catering, named in honor of Heard's mother. Many of the menu items at Heard Dat Kitchen are inspired by his mother's recipes, such as his red beans and rice, prepared using her traditional method of soaking beans overnight and simmering them slowly. This approach ensures that each dish served is prepared with thoughtfulness, aiming to evoke a sense of familiarity and intention. Heard Dat Kitchen is recognized for its menu that offers a modern interpretation of New Orleans cuisine, contributing to its reputation as one of the top soul food restaurants in the U.S. Signature dishes include Dat Fries, which are seasoned french fries topped with candied bacon and ranch, and BBQ Shrimp Fries, featuring Gulf shrimp layered over seasoned fries. The Superdome is another notable dish, consisting of blackened fish, mashed potatoes, lobster cream sauce, corn, and crispy onion rings. The Bourbon Street Love combines fried chicken and macaroni, finished with a "Crawdat" cream sauce, while the Seafood Extravaganza offers a choice of fried or blackened fish and shrimp alongside Crawdat fries and angel sauce. Chef Heard’s signature gumbo, a Creole classic, is filled with shrimp, sausage, and chicken, characterized by a thick roux, hearty vegetables, and bold spices, positioning it among the essential dishes to experience in New Orleans. The Heard family has demonstrated resilience, particularly during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant adapted by offering grab-and-go meals and collaborated with local nonprofits to provide food to communities across the city. Heard Dat Kitchen also maintains a strong connection with its community, evidenced by weekly discounts for teachers and a practice of greeting regular customers by name, indicating a personalized approach to service. The establishment is presented as a reflection of New Orleans' character—resilient, soulful, and deeply rooted in community connections. Overall, Heard Dat Kitchen exemplifies a blend of culinary heritage, family commitment, and community engagement. Its menu showcases classic New Orleans flavors with contemporary twists, crafted from traditional family recipes. The restaurant's ability to adapt and support its community, coupled with its focus on quality and personalized service, reinforces its standing as a cherished and highly regarded dining spot in New Orleans. #NewOrleansCuisine #SoulFood #FamilyRestaurant #HoleInTheWall #ChefJefferyHeard #CreoleDishes #CommunityEngagement #RestaurantReview