"L.A. Story - Dan Marty . . . "

Dan Marty, for House Beautiful
(photography - Victoria Pearson)

Greetings,

Our tour through some of my favourite LA designers is coming to a close, as well as my time in Los Angeles - but, how could I pass up Dan Marty's amazing home - highlighted in a recent House Beautiful?  Quirky.  Comfortable.  Stylish.

Cheers,
Scot

from House Beautiful, photo credit - Victoria Pearson

"L.A. Story - Michael Smith . . . "

Michael Smith, for Elle Decor
(photography - Simon Upton)

Greetings,

As we approach the end of our tour of some of my favourite LA designers, we come to the profoundly talented Michael Smith.  I've always been a fan of his work - and this wondrous home on a bluff just north of Malibu, from Elle Decor - has always charmed me.  The clear, bright blues of the ocean and sky.  The murky corals and purples from an undersea reef.  And the unifying neutral of sand coloured linen to unite everything perfectly.

Enjoy . . .

Cheers,
Scot

from Elle Decor, photography by Simon Upton

"L.A. Story - Mary McDonald . . . "

Mary McDonald, for House Beautiful
(photography by Robert Trachtenberg)

Greetings,

Our tour of some of my favourite LA designers continues with this chic home in the Hollywood Hills by Los Angeles designer - Mary McDonald.  Basically a simple bachelor pad - but with incredible style and elegant details - from House Beautiful.

Cheers,
Scot

images from House Beautiful. Photography by Robert Trachtenberg.

"L.A. Story - Joe Nye . . . "

Joe Nye, Inc, from House Beautiful
(photography by - Luca Trovato)

Greetings,

It is most likely no surprise to any regular readers that I'm a huge fan of the work of designer Joe Nye.  So as we're touring through some of my favourite LA designers, let us take a peek in on the deliciously tasteful Mr. Nye - and one his beautiful projects, a hacienda-styled home in Santa Barbara - featured recently in House Beautiful.

Enjoy . . .

Cheers,
Scot

images from House Beautiful.  Photography by Luca Trovato

"L.A. Story - Jeffrey Alan Marks . . . "

Master Bedroom, Jeffrey Alan Marks, Inc.
(photo credit - Simon Upton for Elle Decor)

Greetings,

We're in day two of my tour through the homes of some of my favourite LA designers -  and is there anything that personifies the 'southern california' aesthetic more than a beautiful beach home.  And the perfectly insouciant home of Jeffrey Alan Marks fits the bill to a 't.'

You can almost smell the fresh, salt air . . .

Cheers,
Scot

images from Elle Decor.  Photography by Simon Upton.

"L.A. Story - Windsor Smith . . . "

Main Entrance,
Photo credit - Victoria Pearson for House Beautiful

Greetings,

Well - let's start our tour through some of my favourite Los Angeles designers with the perfect combination of style and charm.  Windsor Smith.  I had the great pleasure of meeting Windsor last year when I was down in Los Angeles - and I can assure you that her gracious designs are matched by her charming personality.  Her LA home was recently featured in House Beautiful - enjoy a peek into this glamorous space . . . bright.  balanced.  chic.

The Master Bedroom

“I found this amazing embroidered satin from Bergamo Fabrics and used 

it on the bed, to create a little jewel box,” Smith says. “And then I added 

that whimsical Italian mirror. It’s like a star hanging over us.”

- Windsor Smith

The Family Room

"For a dinner party, the chandeliers are lit very low, and all the silver sparkles. 

You feel as if you're eating in a fine restaurant, yet you're at home. 

People feel so relaxed. We linger for hours"

- Windsor Smith

Cheers,
Scot

images and text from House Beautiful.  Photo credit - Victoria Pearson

"L.A. Story . . . "

Greetings,

Since I'm heading down to Los Angeles in a few days for the Design Bloggers Conference, I've clearly got LA on the brain.   Who will I see.  What will I wear.  And will be traffic signs speak directly to me as well?  (if, by chance, that doesn't make any sense - I would have to recommend the Steve Martin movie, LA Story.  Seriously, it's a great little movie!)

But, in the meanwhile - I thought I'd use this space to highlight some of my favourite designers from just down the road . . .

Check back in regularly for the next several days - there's going to be some warm, fresh LA style going on . . .

Steve Martin, from "L.A. Story"

Cheers,
Scot