The very best bars in Los Angeles for craft cocktails and A-list design

Los Bar, an art installation conceived by four artists-in-residency at the MAK Center in Los Angeles, functions as both a pop-up bar and a conceptual art piece. The project is a 0.65:1 scale replica of Vienna’s renowned Loos Bar, designed in 1908 by Adolf Loos. Located in the garage of the Rudolph Schindler’s 1939 Mackey Apartments, where the artists reside, Los Bar meticulously reconstructs the original’s refined aesthetic using unconventional, everyday materials. The original Loos Bar, celebrated for its stripped-down yet sophisticated design and geometric simplicity, anticipated the Modernist movement. The artists – Andreas Bauer, Christoph Meier, Robert Schwarz, and Lukas Stopczynski from Austria and Germany – have reinterpreted these elements with readily available, inexpensive items. For instance, the marble coffered ceiling of the original is crafted from cardboard in Los Bar. Brass and wood handrails are ingeniously replaced with foam pool noodles, while a backlit onyx wall fixture is recreated using paper, glue, and sawdust. The artists deliberately opted for a quick and low-cost construction process, utilizing tools like a nail gun to emphasize an "American way of production," drawing inspiration from America’s DIY culture and Hollywood set design. Every Friday night, Los Bar transforms into a vibrant hub for Los Angeles’s art community. The artists, who met in April upon starting their residency, take on hosting and bartending duties. Visitors enjoy PBRs and schnapps, acquired through donations, amidst a rotating program of events. Past events have included a mariachi band performing on a small stage and an artist tattooing patrons. The bar’s distinct European atmosphere, characterized by its loudness and allowance for smoking, contrasts with the more orderly bar scene typically found in L.A. Los Bar serves a signature cocktail named TGV, a potent mix of tequila, gin, and vodka, presented in a glass atop a concrete plinth. The project is set to conclude in mid-September, coinciding with the end of the artists’ residency. The final night will feature performances by previous acts and a wedding ceremony, officiated by Stopczynski, who was ordained online. The artists express aspirations to construct further replicas of Los Bar, experimenting with different scales, and envision London’s Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern as a potential future site for a larger iteration. Los Bar challenges conventional notions of art and architecture by transforming a historically significant space through accessible materials and a temporary, performative context. It serves as a commentary on design, production methods, and cultural exchange, offering a unique social experience that blurs the lines between art installation and functioning social venue. #PopUpBar #ArtInstallation #MAKCenter #LoosBar #ArchitecturalReplica #DIYArt #RudolphSchindler #LosAngelesArtScene #TemporaryArt #EuropeanInfluence

Bar carts have emerged as a significant home decorating trend, valued for their blend of vintage charm and modern functionality. These pieces offer both practical utility and aesthetic appeal, making them a popular choice for enhancing cocktail hours and home entertainment. The article highlights ten diverse bar cart options designed to complement various home styles, from glamorous Art Deco-inspired designs to the warm aesthetics of mid-century modern. Each selection caters to different tastes and decor preferences, ensuring there is a bar cart suitable for any interior design scheme. Among the featured bar carts is the Worlds Away Anna navy lacquered bar cabinet, priced at $3,598, which presents a sophisticated and luxurious option for those seeking a statement piece. For a lighter, more classic look, the Serena & Lily Parisian bar cart is available at $995, offering an elegant and airy design. The Society Social The Hayworth bar cart, priced at $625, provides a blend of traditional and contemporary elements, appealing to a broad range of styles. Another option for a more refined and somewhat retro look is the West Elm Baron Deco bar cabinet, costing $799, which draws inspiration from Art Deco aesthetics. Further expanding the selection, the Jonathan Adler Delphine Mirrored bar cabinet, at $2,995, offers a highly decorative and reflective surface, adding a touch of glamour and light to any room. Restoration Hardware's Beverly Hills bar cart, priced at $679, is designed with a classic, perhaps more industrial or timeless appeal. For a more contemporary and minimalist design, the Crate & Barrel Libations brass-plated bar cart is listed at $599, featuring sleek lines and metallic accents. The CB2 clear acrylic SAIC Tonic bar cart, also priced at $599, provides a modern, almost invisible presence, ideal for smaller spaces or those who prefer understated elegance. Adding a vibrant splash of color, the One Kings Lane Amelie turquoise bar cart is available for $539, offering a playful yet chic addition to a home. Lastly, the Room & Board Breck lacquered walnut bar cart, at $699, emphasizes natural materials and a warm, inviting aesthetic, suitable for homes with a focus on organic modernism or Scandinavian design. The variety of materials, finishes, and price points ensures that home decorators can find a bar cart that not only fits their personal style but also their budget, making it an accessible trend for many. #BarCarts #HomeDecor #CocktailHour #InteriorDesign #StylishFurniture #HomeStyling #EntertainingAtHome

Building a well-stocked home bar can be a journey of trial and error, often leading to an accumulation of single-use liquors that gather dust. Instead of over-stocking, a curated selection of essential bottles can transform any home enthusiast into a proficient cocktail crafter. This guide outlines fifteen essential bottles, divided into basic and supporting spirits, to help establish an effective home bar without unnecessary clutter. The initial phase of stocking a home bar involves selecting fundamental base spirits. The choice of spirits should align with personal preferences and the intended audience, whether mixing for oneself, a partner, or guests. It is advisable to start with one or two known and enjoyed liquors. For instance, gin, with its herbal notes, pairs well with common mixers like citrus and simple syrups, and is versatile across seasons. If gin is not preferred, selecting another favored spirit ensures that initial investments are well-spent. Recommended base spirits include Gin (e.g., Berkshire Mountain Distillers Ethereal Gin), Tequila (e.g., Cuervo Tradicional Reposado), Vodka (e.g., Tito’s), Bourbon (e.g., Bulleit), and Rum (e.g., Privateer True American Rum). Each is highlighted with ideal pairings to guide cocktail creation. Once the foundational spirits are in place, the next step involves incorporating supporting spirits to expand the repertoire of craft cocktails. These additions allow for more complex and varied drink creations. Reflecting on favorite bar drinks can help identify recurring ingredients that would be valuable additions. Initially, mastering one or two cocktails with these new ingredients is recommended, gradually experimenting with substitutions and additional flavors to enhance complexity. Notable supporting spirits include Brandy (e.g., Laird’s Applejack), a versatile winter staple; Orange Liqueur (e.g., Cointreau), a key ingredient that complements all base spirits; and both sweet and dry Vermouth (e.g., Dolin Blanc and Martini & Rossi), essential for classic cocktails like Manhattans and Martinis. Further enriching the bar, Elderflower Liqueur (e.g., St. Germain) offers floral sweetness ideal for spring and summer drinks. Creme Yvette, with its berry and vanilla notes and vibrant purple hue, adds both flavor and visual appeal, perfect for cocktails like the Aviation. Chartreuse, available in yellow (sweeter) and green (more intense herbal), allows for distinctive drinks such as the Last Word. For those developing a taste for bitter flavors, Campari and Aperol (e.g., Aperol Spritz) are excellent choices, with Aperol being a more approachable option for beginners due to its milder bitterness. Lastly, Amaro, an Italian after-dinner digestif, has gained popularity in craft cocktail culture and can be enjoyed on its own or mixed into adventurous concoctions, with Amaro Nonino Quintessentia being a recommended option. Beyond bottled spirits, a well-rounded home bar incorporates fresh ingredients like lemons, limes, and oranges for their juices. Simple syrup, easily made from sugar and water, can be infused with various flavors to add depth to drinks. Additionally, keeping a selection of bitters, such as Angostura, Peychaud’s, and orange bitters (e.g., Regan’s #5 Orange Bitters), is crucial. These concentrated flavor agents, though used in small quantities, significantly impact a cocktail's profile. By focusing on these fifteen essential bottles and supplementary ingredients, individuals can build a comprehensive home bar capable of rivaling professional establishments, fostering a rewarding cocktail-making experience. #HomeBar #CocktailEssentials #Mixology #CraftCocktails #SpiritSelection #EntertainingAtHome #DrinkRecipes #LiquorCabinet

Los Angeles is experiencing a vibrant surge in its home design retail landscape, with numerous new shops and pop-ups offering a diverse array of styles and unique finds. These establishments cater to a wide range of tastes, from minimalist modern and industrial chic to coastal elegance and vintage aesthetics, attracting both celebrity clientele and design enthusiasts. Cassina, an Italian furniture manufacturer, has opened its largest store to date in Los Angeles. This three-level space, designed by art director Patricia Urquiola, showcases modular works by Virgil Abloh and features its iMastri Collection, which includes timeless pieces resulting from collaborations with significant architects and designers such as Charlotte Perriand and Gaetano Pesce. The showroom is located at 145 N. Robertson Blvd. Olive Ateliers, a shop that has gained popularity through TikTok and Instagram, has become a favorite for home accessories, even attracting celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and Elsa Hosk. Co-founded by Kendall Knox, Ben Knox, and Laura Sotelo, Olive Ateliers specializes in “objects with old souls,” such as worn Turkish vases and vintage Chinese elm benches. The store is situated at 1210 Mateo St. Inner Gardens, a long-established garden emporium known for landscape designer Stephen Block’s global finds and reproduction pots, has relocated to a former bank building in Culver City. The store's unique and serendipitous inventory appeals to high-profile clients including Spago, Soho House, Kelly Wearstler, Elton John, and Ellen Pompeo. Its new address is 4444 Sepulveda Blvd. Habitat Home & Garden, a family business with its third outpost in Malibu, emphasizes unique furnishings and one-of-a-kind designs that reflect the laid-back luxury of coastal California. The store, which includes rustic wood furniture, vintage rugs, and sun-bleached accessories, counts the Duke and Duchess of Sussex among its customers. It is located at 21249 Pacific Coast Highway. LDV, an establishment co-founded by Guido Callarelli and Birta Ólafsdóttir, now has a pop-up store near the West Hollywood Design District, allowing in-person viewing of its impeccably restored Art Deco and 1970s-era furniture. Previously, its inventory was available exclusively through an invite-only online platform. The pop-up is at 156 S. Robertson Blvd. Pop-Up Home, a furniture shop previously known for its roving nature, has found a permanent location in Melrose Hill. Founder Tricia Benitez Beanum curates a diverse collection that includes sculptural vintage furniture, 1970s studio pottery, and contemporary art from UNREPD, a gallery co-founded by Beanum that focuses on emerging artists. The store is located at 642 N. Western Ave. NB Shop, run by interior designer Natasha Baradaran, offers an experiential retail space that reflects her tactile approach to home and life, appealing to clients such as Heather and Christopher McQuarrie, Luis Miguel, and Kate Hudson. The shop, located at 725 N. La Cienega Blvd., features her Persian Garden textile collection, inspired by her Iranian heritage. The Expert, a design consultation platform co-founded by John Legend and Chrissy Teigen's interior designer Jake Arnold, has expanded with an e-commerce arm, Showroom, and a by-appointment warehouse in West Adams. The Showroom offers vintage pieces alongside Arnold's made-to-order furniture line. Appointments can be made via email. Flora Grubb Gardens, a well-regarded San Francisco garden shop known for its focus on sustainability and drought-tolerant plants, has opened a new location in Los Angeles, taking over the Marina Del Rey Garden Center at 13198 Mindanao Way. The Future Perfect, led by David Alhadeff, continues to elevate the concept of blending residence and retail with its fourth Los Angeles iteration. Now housed in a historic Beaux-Arts neoclassical home, newly landscaped by Art Luna, the space offers collectible contemporary design by appointment. House of Leon and Tappan Collective, run by siblings Jordan, Steven, and Chelse Neman Nassib, occupy adjacent shops on Melrose Avenue. House of Leon provides stylish and accessible furniture, while Tappan Collective showcases art from emerging talent, demonstrating how to integrate furniture and art seamlessly into residential spaces. They are located at 8200 Melrose Ave. Kalon Studios, known for its minimalist wood furniture favored by Kylie Jenner and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, has opened its first space at 3559½ Casitas Ave., Atwater Village, featuring a landscaped roof deck designed by Teremoto. Pierce & Ward, the interior design duo behind homes for celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Dakota Johnson, has opened their first shop at 1956 Hillhurst Ave., Los Feliz, featuring their maximalist aesthetic softened by sage green walls. Maquette, a collective formed by interior designers Caitlin Scanlon, Abby Wolf-Weiss, and Julie Goldman, has transformed a bungalow into a retail and co-working space. Located at 507 N. Larchmont Blvd., the shop attracts clients like UTA’s Blair Kohan and CAA’s Risa Gertner. Cooper Reynolds Gross has partnered with Fred Segal to launch his first commercial furniture collection, “Feels Right, Feels Good,” at Fred Segal on 8500 Sunset Boulevard. Coup D’Etat, a San Francisco-based gallery, is opening a new location on Robertson Boulevard. It will offer high-end furniture, exclusive artist collaborations, curated vintage pieces, and a dynamic visual program, attracting renowned designers. Gilded Owl, a decorative arts gallery from Hudson Valley, has established a presence on Beverly Boulevard at 7282 Beverly Blvd., showcasing mid-century Italian furniture and collaborations like “The Pool Table Series,” appealing to patrons such as Kirsten Dunst. Seventh House LA, located at 7001 Melrose Ave. in a building designed by Frank Gehry, presents a collection of early 20th-century Art Deco, postmodern, and contemporary art furniture. Albertz Benda | Friedman Benda, a New York gallery, has an L.A. outpost at 8260 Marmont Lane, aiming to broaden the concept of art and design by incorporating craft, architecture, and technology. This addition is significant for the L.A. design scene, as noted by interior designer Oliver M. Furth. Studio Balestra, Adriano Balestra’s shop at 767 N. La Cienega Blvd., blends his Italian heritage with Japanese antiquities to create a unique wabi-sabi aesthetic. This compilation provides an overview of the burgeoning home design scene in Los Angeles, highlighting various styles, celebrity endorsements, and key figures driving the industry. #LosAngeles #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryFurniture #VintageDecor #Lifestyle #Retail #ArtAndDesign #CelebrityStyle

The article presents 22 diverse kitchen bar design ideas that aim to transform kitchens into functional and stylish spaces suitable for entertaining. It highlights that in 2025, kitchen bars are evolving beyond mere counter space to become central gathering points, blending utility with aesthetic appeal. The designs explore a wide range of styles, from sleek minimalism and contemporary glam to rustic charm and Japandi influences, catering to various tastes and home aesthetics. Key elements discussed include material choices such as marble, wood, and stone, the integration of smart storage solutions like clever shelving and built-in wine fridges, and the impact of lighting, particularly pendant lights and backlighting, in enhancing the bar's ambiance. Each design idea is characterized by its unique combination of textures, colors, and functionalities, suggesting ways to personalize kitchen bars. The article begins by showcasing "Sleek Contrast," which combines black ribbed bases with blonde wood tops for a minimalist yet striking look. "Warm & Airy" emphasizes light wood and breezy shelves, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere, while "Polished Comfort" features chunky marble tops and cozy wood bases, blending functionality with flair. "Luxe Glow-Up" introduces dramatic lighting and gold-plated accents for a glamorous feel, and "Cozy & Cute" focuses on white cabinets, wood accents, and plants to create a warm and inviting space. "Sleek & Balanced" utilizes white and wood with subtle LED lighting for a streamlined, modern aesthetic, and "Dark Mode Chic" employs matte cabinets and warm wood tops for a sophisticated, moody vibe. Further designs include "Glam Squad Central," which features marble islands, black accents, and velvet quilted stools, exuding luxury. "Monochrome Edge" offers a sleek, masculine look with muted grey tones and glossy blacks, and "Minimal Luxe" highlights clean lines, white herringbone tiles, and gold pendants for a classy, understated elegance. "Golden Hour Glow" uses glossy white cabinets and warm wood countertops to evoke a perpetually sunlit space, emphasizing a lived-in feel. "Stone Cool Minimal" presents a calm and grounded aesthetic with matte stone islands and pale cabinetry. "Rustic Tavern Chic" creates a cozy, pub-like atmosphere with stone countertops, dark cabinetry, and wood paneling. The article also covers "Warm + Whimsical," a bright and plant-filled nook that proves small spaces can still achieve bar vibes. "Greenery Meets Function" combines white cabinets, wood countertops, and abundant plants for an earthy and calming effect. "Sleek + Striped" features dark striped paneling with glowing under-lighting for a futuristic yet grounded look. "Japandi Flow" balances wood and white elements with soft lines for a cozy and functional hub. "Black + White Contrast" offers a sharp, timeless aesthetic with bold black accents against crisp white surfaces. "Classic with a Twist" combines dark cabinets and white counters with a clever integrated bookshelf. "Glam + Geometric" uses glossy black tiles and geometric textures for a dramatic, upscale vibe. "Coastal Marble Flow" presents a bright, breezy space with white cabinetry and veined marble. Finally, "Rustic Industrial Cool" blends dark wood planks and matte black stools with crisp white counters for a balanced farmhouse-meets-urban-loft feel. Overall, the article illustrates how various design choices in materials, lighting, and layout can transform a kitchen bar into a central feature for both everyday use and social gatherings. It provides a comprehensive visual guide to inspiring different moods and functionalities within the kitchen space, emphasizing versatility and personal style in contemporary home design. #KitchenDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #KitchenBar #ModernKitchen #EntertainingSpace #DesignIdeas #FunctionalDesign