I’m so impressed and inspired by the way DwellStudio founder and Creative Director Christiane Lemiuex has built her ever-expanding brand. Launched in 1999 with a focus on bedding and soft goods, DwellStudio has since expanded to include chic, modern items for every room in the home including furniture, home accessories, rugs, tabletop and artwork as well as as a line of stylish baby and kids furnishings. Recently, the company opened up the doors to its first flagship store in New York City which serves as the perfect showcase for the brand’s home and lifestyle wares. The nearly 3000 square-foot store also offers features such as a custom furniture design station and an assortment of hand curated vintage furniture and accessories sourced by Christiane from around the world. I recently had a chance to check out the shop and was floored by the attention to detail put into the store design as well as in love with all of the amazing finds. It’s such a beautiful and inspiring space! I wanted to hide out in the stock room until the store closed so I could secretly live there as squatter but I figured the gesture probably wouldn’t be very well received;) Below, for your viewing pleasure, is a peek inside the new store and if you’re in New York I’d highly recommend checking it out in person. And if not, you can always shop the brand at DwellStudio.com!
DwellStudio – Flagship Store
77 Wooster Street (Between Broome Street and Spring Street)
New York, New York 10012
Hours: Mon – Sat, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sun, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
As a designer Kelly Wearstler has conquered nearly every category imaginable. From magnificent residences, hotels, resorts and restaurants to fabrics, rugs, tabletop, bedding and home accessories, she has brought her signature style of modern glamour to the masses. Last Fall she added fashion designer to her list of credentials with the launch of her first ready-to-wear collection and stunning retail boutique in West Hollywood which serves as a showcase for the world of Kelly Wearstler. The 2,800-square-foot shop on Melrose brings her fashions, home goods and interior design together under one roof and, of course, Kellly designed every inch of the store’s interior and exterior spaces. Outside, the grey facade features brass porthole-style windows, a precious jewel encrusted door handle and a giant, shiny brass ball that sits atop the roof as a shining beacon of her design empire. The store’s interior exudes glamour and drama with loads of antiqued mirror, brass, marble, leather and an abundance of artwork and sculptures. She chose an ebony and ivory color scheme to allow the pops of color from her fashion collection to stand out. Aside from her clothing, jewelry and home goods, all of the furnishings and accessories that adorn the space are available for purchase. I was lucky enough to pop by and take some photos of the store during my visit to LA in December. It truly is a design lovers’ paradise and walking inside invoked sensory overload. There was so much to look at, touch, feel and experience. I loved getting a chance to see her her entire fashion assortment so perfectly curated. My favorite pieces were the brightly colored silk blouses in dip dyes and tie dye as well as her brass necklaces and rings which are insanely beautiful. I wanted every single piece! Have a look at the photos below and if you’re in the area, walk, don’t run to Kelly Wearstler on Melrose. It’s flourishing with inspiration!
Kelly Wearstler Flagship Boutique
8440 Melrose Ave
West Hollywood, California 90048
After outgrowing his old digs in Almont Yard, interior designer Nathan Turner has moved his eponymous decor shop to a prime location on Melrose Ave and during my trip to LA last month I made sure to stop by to check out the new space. The shop’s vibe reflects Nathan’s eclectic and bohemian aesthetic and it’s filled to the brim with antiques, vintage, art and accessories plus treasures from Nathan’s globe-trotting travels. The back of the shop houses a mini showroom of sorts for his design pal and fellow Million Dollar Decorator Martyn Lawrence Bullards new flooring collection. Here’s a peek inside the all-new Nathan Turner. It’s a must-visit if you’re ever in the area!
My friend, interior designer Kishani Perera, recently opened up a lovely little shop called Rummage on Beverly Blvd in LA that’s full of one-of-a-kind vintage treasures re-worked with Kishani’s colorful, whimsical magic. It’s no secret that Kishani is the decorator of choice for Hollywood celebrities like Kate Bosworth, Josh Duhamel and Molly Simms, but now anyone can get a piece of her signature style at Rummage which offers high and low finds plus some of Kishani’s own custom furniture designs. She says accessories – particularly colorful, ethnic-inspired pillows – have been top sellers at Rummage since it opened in June. If you’re in the area, be sure to drop by for a visit and below is a peek at some of the beautiful things you’ll find inside.
During a recent trip to LA one of the top items on my agenda was to get to Brentwood to check out interior designer Hilary Thomas‘ newly opened Chic Shop. Hilary says she always wanted to open up a shop to showcase the wonderful treasures she’s collected over the years along with her some of her own designs so once her best friend Clara Hendon joined her as a business partner a year and a half ago, the idea for Chic Shop was born. Located in a fabulous 1950s courtyard complex, Chic Shop opened its doors for business this February. I’ve been a long time fan of Hilary’s colorful, “vintage chic” interiors so I knew her shop would be chock full of eye candy and I was excited to check it out and catch up with Hilary to learn more. Read on as Hilary shares the scoop on Chic Shop plus see a tour of the shop and her design studio!
The front window of Chic Shop
How did you first get your start in design?
I’ve been one of those closeted designers my entire life – starting in a safe place as a young girl by redecorating my room, my friend’s rooms, my mom’s room. In 2000 I starting taking clients here and there, but I didn’t fully jump into it until 2008. I’ve been on this journey ever since, following my muse, bringing on a business partner, trying to introduce a different design aesthetic along the way. I really do feel like I’ve found the ideal path – I can’t really distinguish work from play (nor do I want to!)
What made you decide to open a shop?
I’ve always wanted a little retail store where I could show off all of the treasure that I come across. I also wanted an outlet to sell the products I’ve been dreaming up for the past few years. Ultimately, our inventory was completely taking over my garage (and house!) I woke up one day and had this realization that I just couldn’t continue collecting all of this great stuff…it was time to share it with my friends and clients.
Vintage Asian finger pots at Chic Shop
What made you choose this location?
I’ve always loved the Barry Building at Brentwood Town Green. It’s a fantastic example of 1950s architecture that’s all over LA. It has a lovely courtyard in the center and Caffe Luxxe right next door. I also have a couple of friends with offices in the building, so being at work is a little bit like being on the set of a sit-com. There’s always some (gorgeous) friend popping their head in our store to chit chat or go grab a coffee with….
Finally – what are a few of of your favorite pieces in the shop?
I’m absolutely crazy about our finials!!! I’ve wanted to launch a line of finials for so long, but it took me awhile to muster the courage to do it. Once we had a few prototypes, I knew right then that we were on to something big. I never imagined what a transformative effect they’d have – not just on each lamp but really on the entire room. They are so unexpected. It’s hard to describe, but they have this bizarre way of being subtle and bold at the same time. I’m also really excited about our new vintage barware. The funny thing about all our vintage pieces is I only buy things that I’m definitely in love with and would want for myself, so it’s always bitter sweet when they sell. Right now I’m obsessing over 3 brass horses holding up a crystal ball. Very retro chic!
And now for the tour…
“Here are some pieces from our new Vintage Barware collection, inspired by our favorite saying, “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere!” The collection includes glassware, trays, ice buckets, ashtrays and bar carts.”
“This is the Rock n’ Rolla collection from The Finial Touch, our lamp finial brand.”
“A striking photograph by Doris Mitsch co-mingles effortlessly with some ‘Palm Beach Chic’ items.”
“Hillary Thomas Designs pillows made with Bob Collins and Sons fabric.”
“Our line of custom lampshades has really taken off, especially our WASPy-chic caning ones.”
“Foo dogs, asian antiquities and planted cache pots are a few of our favorite items at Chic Shop!”
“A peek behind the curtain at Hillary Thomas Designs!”
“The fabric here on my bulletin board is from Calico Corners.”
“The monogrammed LL Bean bag holds Meg Braff’s wallpapers. Decorative Carpets are in the foreground.”
“This is a design scheme for a living room in the Pacific Palisades. The flame stitch pattern fabric is for the curtains.”
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