Unlike 2009, this year’s DOD had a pulse, jam packed with people and product.  The producers and participants  turned up the heat  with every booth more stylish than the next. This year I was asked to speak on two panels: ASID Glamorous Green Secrets and the joint project of  the USGBC and ASID- ReGreen.  Paired  up for the third or fourth time with world renown Bau Biologist, Mary Cordaro, it was invigorating to see both  audiences with plenty of interested folks standing all the way in the back.

My daughter and I loved the Paul Frank sponsored kid’s play area and the gumball dispensed SEED BOMBS.   The idea behind the green ammo is to throw them at abandoned urban lots, wait for rain and watch the wild flowers grow.  It reminded me of being a bad little girl who always had a good heart. 

The show was a huge success and more evidence that green power continues to gain strength.

Last week we were invited to a private event with Marcus Samuelsson and Blue Star Appliances.  The two have recently joined forces to promote restaurant style cooking at home.  It couldn’t have been better timing because we’re designing a kitchen for a client who loves to cook and entertain so much that she takes it to a professional level.   Forget about the usual bangs and whistles, her must  have in the kitchen  is a salamander.  I do love to cook, but to be honest, before her request I had never even heard of a salamander.  That’s because they’re generally reserved for commercial cooking, giving meat and fish that sizzling, finishing touch.  After our meeting I got on the Internet and started my search only to find that A) THEY’RE HUGE (not ideal for pretty designs) and B) they’re not approved for residential use. Finally I spotted the Blue Star salamander, the only professional quality device approved for residential use and found the invite to their event in my in box the same day. 

In addition to being a total sweetheart, Marcus can cook.  He is a Top Chef Master, has competed against Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America, stars on a few of his own tv shows and prepared a state dinner at Obama’s White House honoring Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.  We were walked through the preparation of a four course meal and given invaluable tips along the way.  Two of my favorites were: when shopping for fish, tell the vendor you’re making sushi and they will walk to back and come out with an entirely different grade than what’s on display- without an additional charge.  Since ”we”  don’t cook with non stick coating because it’s toxic, to prevent food from sticking, make the pan as hot as possible so you hear a serious, sizzle sound when the two make contact.  We’ve tried this one on our Viking stainless and it does work.

The food was fab (surprisingly large portions) and I really enjoyed his green message: stay home and cook to enjoy fresh, well made and happy food.

Truth is that the entire store looks like a perfected, larger than life, 60s musical, set design.  It’s divine and totally defines glamorous green .   Some of the other eco friendly features were Mary Cordaro’s living green lecture at Bausman and the living wall at bookstore-bistro combo, Assouline.

Prosper Assouline chatted with me about how to curate a modern library. According  to him you must have a point of view and make it come to life.  He and his wife are charming folks and I highly suggest you pay the West Hollywood shop a visit the next time you need to purchase a present.  Their books are really something else and who else has candles that smell like leather, old paper and cigars? 

 Other star studded events included the Catherine Malandrino fashion show and an Elle Decor party at Baker to  close the three day extravaganza. I brought Elle to meet Margaret Russell.  She fell in love with my daughter and offered her an internship at the magazine.  Nothing like securing a position early.  Viva Legends of Design Quarter! I can’t wait to see what they do next year. To top this one, I’m expecting the Harlem Choir and elephants!

Unlike the Westweek event a few weeks ago, which completely neglected any greenspeak, Veranda celebrated the dynamic eco duo from the Q Collection, awarding them with one of their four coveted awards for the Art of Design. 

Each winner and all the panelists championed the green cause, one even defined luxury as a clean glass of water.  Again and again they reminded us that respect for the planet’s resources and healthy built environments go hand in hand with luxury, something our firm has been touting for over a decade.  The slides of their projects were breath taking and entertaining, especially the image of Kid Rock’s bedroom which looked nothing like I thought it would.  It was originally designed as a love nest for him and Pamela Anderson and apparently they were quite taken by a trip to St. Lucia.  Windsor Smith intelligently spoke about redesigning the way we use space, sharing plans on her new Mandeville Canyon equestrian compound. I wanna be Windsor when I grow up!

Dedar and Kneedler Fauchere held the reception.  As always the fabrics, flowers and food were scrumptious.  My favorites were the chocolate dipped macaroons.  Because an HGTV camera was following me around filming a day in my life, I received extra attention and a special, little interview from Carolyn Englefield, Veranda’s Editor At Large.  Fun fun fun.

The neon yellow, organza skirt paired with a biker jacket ala St. John Knits was the first blast of fabulousness to capture my attention.   Even Alison Muh, President and Chief Fashion Officer of Surly Girl commented how well dressed we all were.  (Alison is VERY successfully in business across the street from Channel, so you can bet she knows a thing or two about fashion. )

The showroom is so well appointed that I’ve officially named Williams Sonoma Home the new arbiter of interior style.  They’ve always been good, but now they’re one of the best.  I was gushing over this place setting, while asking an adorable gentleman

to help me turn off my flash.  Turns out he was, Andrew Angel, Visual Manager for Williams Sonoma and responsible for the gorgeousness.

One room glowed a little more than the others, of course this was right where Queen Margaret sat and signed copies of her new book Style and Substance The Best of Elle Decor (a portion of proceeds going to benefit P.S. Arts) .  Also exciting was that the event was sprinkled with Top Design starlets, including fan favorite Felicia.

As you know, I’ve been contemplating if Los Angeles is really the best place to live.  At this point of the festivities I turned to Rachel Winokurand exclaimed, “I love living in LA!” Never disappointing, Miss Rachel showed up in true green fashion wearing Gramma Etta’s vintage dress.  (Etta was petite and those sleeves ended at her wrists.)

 I’ve lived in LA since I was 14,  grown up with the rich and famous, and  I don’t get star struck.  But when I saw my blogging idol Ms. Ronda Carman, I shed my uber, “I’m too cool to care” skin, grabbed her, primped her hair and shot a photo.  Ronda- I love you and this was the highlight of my night!

Ok… gotta get dressed and get over to the PDC for what I am sure is going to be one hell of a Westweek! …and think about what I will be buying from Williams Sonoma for two new clients……..

The Poliform grand re-opening on Beverly was spectacular with wine by Wente Vineyard, the oldest winery in California, and culinary delights by Chef  Andrea Cavaliere from Cecconi’s.  In attendance were Angeleno Home Editor, Alex Abramian-Mott, Luxe Editor at Large, Michael Wollaeger, Marty Collins the developer of the sensational W residence hotel in Hollywood, Lonni Paul  Design Star Finalist and Celebrity designer Liana Ried. In addition to being exquisitely crafted, Poliform is made following E1 guidelines, for strict European, emission standards, another example of how glamorous green can be. The SoCal Contractor, known to scrutinize every last detail of the built world, was immensely impressed. 

Marcelle Danan recently opened a fabulous, Melrose boutique, Atmosphere, featuring some of the prettiest things I’ve ever seen made from recycled glass. We will definitely be using them over at 1525 Blue Jay Way. The stylish, French maven held an opening party on Thursday night  for Klara Pokrzywko, who’s work celebrates the feminine form.  She’s  just back from showing in Shanghai and the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum.  It’s certainly something you want to see.

Last night Los Angeles Magazine and the LA Mart partnered with Look Galleryto present Dreamscape, a conceptual design exhibition that explores the symbolic references of our personal spaces through the interplay of fine art and high design. It was really one of the loveliest parties I’ve attended  in a long time. The halls were covered in white astroturf which glistened like clean, cold snow, the walls, draped in yards and yards of flowing white fabrics along with the LED uplights created a dreamy backdrop for this high style event. Plus DJ Patrick/Crash Entertainment spun the sweet sounds and Flowers of Beverly Hills provided elegant assortments of tulips, hydrangea and paper roses.

 Top Chefs   Ilan Hall of The Gorbals and Marcel Vigneronof Modern Global Tastings served up pork laden tray after tray including bacon wraped matzoh.

Gorgeous interior vignettes were cleverly displayed, my first, second and third place ribbons go respectively to Memory by Paul + Vickery (serene textiles, deconstructed chandelier and chair placement),  The Mermaid’s Lair by Stephen Pappas Interiors (sexy mermaid)and  Egomaniac by Franklin Studios (stunning modern secretary).  Also presenting were talk of the town design team, Woodson and Rummerfield. But honestly I think they’re an overrated, watered down Kelly Wearstler look.  But to be fair, they dress to kill every single time I’ve seen them. 

Jr. designer Elle showed up in skinny jeans and rode around in her chariot all night, otherwise known as the SoCal Contractor.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JIM HARRIS

What was green about this event? I saw something I’ve not seen before: more than one person asking the bartenders to reuse their original glass. People are starting to get it! Oh happy day!

Last night the alluring Lloyd Princeton of DMC and artist Chris Martin invited a select group to view and dine.  Among the who’s who were Michael Wollaeger our beloved Editor At Large for Luxe Magazine, vinter Caren Rideau of Rideau Vineyard and Hillary Atkin of the Atkin Report.  I was so excited to meet Chris and learn about his colorful creations.  We have a great big project to fill up on Blue Jay Way and timing is everything!  Scrumptious treats were provided by Susan Feniger’s Street and the boutique vineyard Rideau served some of the smoothest Sangiovese I’ve had since the Portland Wine Festival. Everyone in the intimate gathering had a fabulous time.  I was particularly thrilled with the fact the group of 20 or so WALKED from the gallery on Robertson to Chris’ lair a few blocks away. It was so very unLA and so very green!

Rideau Vineyard Partners and Mrs. Chris Martin

This picture on Chris’ wall was poignant, since we’ve been contemplating a move to Miami.  Have you  heard about the arbitrary, additional 10% state tax that California has just attacked its citizens’ paychecks with– begining Monday?  I’m not sure what kind of monkey business is going on when the seventh largest economy, with agriculture, technology, oil and entertainment can’t  balance its checkbook. But it’s frightening to think taxes can be levied in such a stealth manner.  I’m just sayin’.

Alcie Cooper Lyrics

Platinum records for the Platinum loft

 Thursday night, across the street from Genghis Cohen and behind a secretive, black curtain Rethink Development unveiled the rock n’ roll lofts at the Cherokee Recording Studios LEED Platinum Lofts Showcase benefitting Habitat for Humanity.  We (Lori Dennis and Brook Casey of the Dennis Design Group)  were in charge of the Alice Cooper pad and took our assignment very seriously, literally dressing the part.

Dennis Design Group gettin' down in bed?

Our shock rock loft never could have been possible without the generous donations of our many vendors and time from our interns, Sara, Rob and Natasha. Plus it’s not really a party if Tony of Francois and Roy from the SoCal Contractor aren’t in tow.  In the bedroom Heritage Draperies fabricated and installed our padded, chained window treatment and Mike Ragan of Rags put together this amazing patchwork, padded wall with fabric from Jason Asch of  Diamond Foam.  The stars were out in LA on Thursday night and two showed up at our event: Jodie Sweetin , who we all know and love as the old Stephanie Tanner from Full House and Calico Cooper, Alice’s daughter and former co-star of his stage show.

Calico Cooper representin' for Papa

Lori and Brook Nailing

Still nailing...

and finally it was done.

 I was afraid Brook was going to hang himself. But he stuck it out and we even finished the lyrics on the bathroom wall so Tony from Francois could learn them and sing along. 

Don't do it Brook!!

 

When the doors opened at 7PM we all took a shot of Skull Vodka and welcomed our guests to Alice’s Lair.   Francois provided the Gothic mantel in the living room, serving as the perfect backdrop to the snake skin bench from Bausman and Co. and upholstered chairs from Cisco Brothers.  All the kitchy 60s, 70s and 80s accessories from Retropia and the original props from Alice Cooper’s show gave our loft an authenticity rarely seen in staged showcase homes.  Big Red Sun even landscaped our balcony in a true, desert decor representative of the golf courses in Phoenix that Alice so dearly loves.

Alice's Lair

You'll never guess what these balls are for!

Cooper Gang in the Loft

Green bondage-stay in and save gas!