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Mood: Newtopia
THE INFLUENCE: Kelly Wearstler
L.A. based maverick Kelly Wearstler, who founded her studio in 1995, has built a global vision working across hotels, homes, fashion, and industrial design. Her signature is soulful, unexpected, and highly sensorial. And she’s cultivated a great wardrobe too.
What were the most important elements when designing your home?
Our Beverly Hills residence was originally built in 1926 as a Spanish Colonial and renovated by architect James E. Dolena in 1934. It truly is our dream home. In crafting the interiors, I sought to weave in an Old Hollywood narrative, paying homage to its previous owners, the Broccoli family.
I juxtaposed contemporary furniture with one-of-a-kind treasures. The result embodies my design philosophy but also captures the vibrant spirit of Los Angeles.
How do you instill a timeless quality to your work?
Timelessness in my work is rooted in the art of storytelling. My aim is to create spaces that tell stories through carefully curated objects, each possessing its own unique history and character. Harmonising elements from various eras and styles, the result is a space where every element contributes to a compelling visual dialogue.
Artists and makers that continue to captivate.
One aspect I deeply cherish about being a designer is the continual discovery of fresh and emerging talents. I'm attracted to creatives who possess a unique sensibility and push the boundaries of design with their robust artistic visions. These values have shaped the partnerships highlighted in my online gallery, which I launched in 2021. Collaborating with designers like Rotganzen, Amelia Biggs, Hagit Pincovici, Dirk van der Kooij, Christopher Gentner, Felix Muhrhöfer, and Ebitenyefa Baralaye are amongst my most significant accomplishments.
You’ve designed extraordinary hotel spaces. How do you take the destination and culture into account?
Each Proper Hotel is meticulously crafted to reflect the essence of its location, drawing inspiration from the distinctive spirit, and rich tapestry of craftsmanship and artistry unique to each city.
Embracing the local culture and surroundings is paramount to creating emotionally resonant and visually captivating spaces. Through collaboration with local designers and artisans, we integrate elements of the destination into our interiors, cultivating a sense of place that leaves a lasting impression on guests.
For me, the most memorable aspect of designing these hotel spaces is the opportunity to immerse myself in the location’s culture and history. Travelling allows me to explore new landscapes, delve into local traditions, and connect with the heartbeat of a place. This passion for discovery translates directly into my work with Proper Hotels.
You’ve worked with fashion brands, including Ulla Johnson on her LA store. How do fashion and design converge for you?
Ulla has a great eye, honed by her professional background, which made it effortless for us to align our visions. Inspired by the locale, we embraced the California aesthetic, focusing on elements with a rich textural quality.
Is there anything you collect?
I love collecting — from artworks to distinctive chairs, and unique anomalies from around the world. My warehouse is filled with a diverse and remarkable collection of designs. It’s my creative sanctuary.
How do you switch off and what are your daily rituals to keep you sane?
Balancing motherhood with running a business is crucial for me. It’s essential to be my best self every day which means a healthy lifestyle. This includes dedicating time to fitness, aiming for two workouts a day. Once the workday ends, spending quality time with my family is my top priority.
The beauty product that you can’t go without?
Beyond the rejuvenating benefits of fitness, my sauna and cold plunge routines, a good night's sleep, and abundant love - which I consider the ultimate anti-aging remedies - I have several indispensable daily essentials. These include Augustinus Bader cream, Biologique Recherche eye cream, and Dr. Hauschka lip balm, all crucial for keeping my skin radiant and moisturised.
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