Legends of La Cienega Wrap Up

{ Nanz & Co + Remains Lighting showroom + first panel }

Last weekend, The La Cienega Design Quarter played host to one of my favorite design events of the year – The Legends of La Cienega. The 3rd annual Legends event was even better than last year’s, in my opinion. The 2-day event was filled with panelists, art exhibits, trunk shows, fabulous food and cocktail hours.

{ Panel: Madeline Stuart, Jeff Andrews, and Brad Ford at Nanz & Co + Remains Lighting showroom }

I went to the first day of the event and attended three panelist discussions, the power lunch and cocktail hour. My favorite panel and the one that I took home the most information from was the “Style Trumps Trends” with panelists, Madeline Stuart, Jeff Andrews, and Brad Ford (who I’m seriously crushing on, in a total platonic, design love affair kind-of-way…). The majority of this post is excerpts from this panel, so if you don’t want to read, just scroll down and enjoy the pictures I took!

{ Nanz & Co + Remains Lighting showroom }

This panel took place at Nanz & Co + Remains Lighting showroom on La Cienega. The three designers gave their opinions about how to achieve traditional and timeless spaces, while remaining fun and fresh. Madeline suggested contemporary art plus modernist lighting as an effortless combo, that is calming and correct. Try to design so a person can’t pinpoint the room to a specific year. Your goal as a designer should be to create an expensive environment that lasts.

{ Nanz & Co + Remains Lighting showroom }

Brad likes edited interiors. He claims himself to an “editor of design”. Brad, like myself, wasn’t exposed to a lot of design, growing up in a small, rural town. He believes design needs to have a function. No clutter. One of his favorite sayings is, “All you need is what you want. You have what you love.”

{ Nanz & Co + Remains Lighting showroom }

Jeff really listens to what the client’s idea of their dream home is. He likes the collaboration with the client. He will often ask his client, “Why do you like that trend?”. Design needs to be personal and speak to them and last the test of time.

{ La Cienega Avenue + Szalon showroom }

When asked how they manage their clients from implementing their own design ideas, Jeff replied with, “Designers pull it all together and make the ideas cohesive. Get to bottom of what they are drawn to.”  Brad says to be diplomatic on how you talk to your client. Point them in right direction, educate them, it’s a large investment. It may look good today, but in 5 years…will it still look good? If concerned with trends, get a trendy pillow! Madeline thinks there are so many opinions out there. Clients get confused with all magazines, blogs and retail stores. Eclectic is a mosh pit. It takes skills and talent to create cohesive room. 

{ Szalon showroom + Marge Carson power lunch }

When asked which designers give them their inspiration, Jeff replied with Billy Hanes. His pieces and spaces are still iconic and have stood the test of time. Madeline is inspired by French designer, Frances Elkins and present day Jacque Grange who can pull together so many times and styles. Brad’s inspiration comes from George Nakashima, Scandinavian design, and authentic design. He urges you to be true to yourself. He’s not keen on big design elements besides nature.

{ Marge Carson power lunch }

Worst trends:

Madeline – over use of lacquer. Use judiciously. Brad – David Hicks derivative design. Hollywood regency. Jeff – putting arbitrary things together. Shock design. Going crazy to make their things stand out. Not livable.

{ Marge Carson power lunch }

Tips for people just starting out:
Jeff -  Trying too hard to be original. Stay true to yourself. Our styles are constantly evolving. Listening to your client.
Brad -  Best design is authentic design. Constantly look around and be inspired.
Madeline – great design. Wild juxtaposition dandyism battle between them results in beauty. Look who does that with a sure hand. Not that easy. When looks right and sincere.
Brad -  Trends equal lazy design.

{ Julia Noran from Editor at Large, with panelists, Lori Dennis, HGTV, Nina Freudenberger, Haus Interior, and Jillian St. Charles, HGTV }

When retained for new project, where do you find your inspiration?
Brad – Conversation with client. What are they influenced by?
Madeline – Her library. Educates herself with books. Small fortune on books. Learning is making yourself a better designer. Gives foundation.

{ Rebecca Buenik from Bee of Design and myself enjoying sangria at the Silestone VIP booth }

How do you make sure you are doing something new every time?
Brad -  Think outside box. Talk to client. Look at architecture.
Jeff – Look at it with new eyes everyday. 
Jeff -  Beginning takes on a tone. Mixing texture and tonal qualities.

{ Barcardi Lavender Mojitos courtesy of George Smith }

What is something you always tend to use in your designs?
Jeff -  mirrors
Brad – hand crafted
Madeline – fur, zebra, lambs wool and antique lighting

{ George Smith cocktail hour }

The third panel discussion I went to was, “What’s Your Mood"?” which was curated by Julia Noran from Editor at Large, with panelists, Lori Dennis, HGTV, Nina Freudenberger, Haus Interior, and Jillian St. Charles, HGTV. 

{ Melanie Brister, myself and Rebecca Buenik }

{ Enjoying cocktails in the George Smith showroom during La Cienega Design Quarter’s legends event with Mie Benson, Rebecca Buenik, Christian May, Richard Morales and Tracy Hiner }