Dwell on Design - "The West Coast's Largest Modern Design Event"

Dwell on Design at the LA Convention Center ended today, and although I only had enough time to do a quick walk-through on Friday, I did have the opportunity to discover many great products and vendors for the first time.

Ford & Ching (formerly FordBrady) are Willard Ford (son of Harrison) and Andrea Ching. They both have been around the design scene for awhile, and their keen eye is evident in the artisans they represent. I recognized Skram and their beautiful "Wishbone" series of casegoods from a rosewood buffet I had bought for a client last year through a different showroom. They also carry those great funky outdoor "Pod" planters from Pad Outdoor that I see around sometimes, but never know where to purchase.

I was also lucky enough to stumble upon Samuel Moyer. He has been on my radar for awhile because of all the press he's received for his unique, one-of-a-kind reclaimed wood furniture. It's nice to find artisans producing furniture right here in Los Angeles!

And it was such a treat to meet the gals of Amenity Home. Nicole Chiala and Kristina de Corpo are former graphic designers and childhood friends who brought their unique design sensibilites to textiles, creating an amazing line of organic bedding and (because Kristina is a mom too, I guess!) nursery items. I have been a fan of their line for a long time, so it was great to finally meet the faces behind the design. They were launching their new line of sustainable furniture made entirely from vintage hardwoods rescued from Los Angeles demolition sites. "The Muir Collection" is the perfect furniture compliment to their funky textile designs.

This next thing blew me away - my husband and I are in the market for a house right now, so this definitely got my wheels spinning: Reclaimed Space is a sustainable, drop-ready, affordable house made of reclaimed/restored/rebuilt materials, starting at only $115 - $160/SF! Believe me, in Los Angeles ESPECIALLY, that is a bargain!!!! Besides the obvious eco-friendly aspects, I was most struck by the design - they had a 240SF +/- model on display and the interiors were absolutely beautiful! (And much larger than the last apartment I had in New York.)

Sea Urchin Sugar Bowls - Sweet!

In keeping with the "sea urchin" theme from earlier, these prickly little bowls are sweeter than they look - especially when you discover that the brass interior is lined with a glass insert, perfect for sugar or whatever else you can dish out! Available to the trade at Vagabond Vintage.

Concrete Can Be Beautiful - Sandback Designs

Peter Sandback is a New Hampshire artisan who creates beautiful wood or metal concrete topped tables, cast with a unique polymerized material so they are incredibly lightweight, durable and stain-resistant. The tables come in a variety of finishes, with an impressive choice of concrete colors. Made for both indoor or outdoor use (I purchased them for a client's pool and they've held up beautifully). Available directly through his website at www.petersandback.com

Art by Architects - "Looking for Work" Tomorrow Night at Fifth Floor Gallery

With the housing market in the toilet, out of work architects and interior designers (like me!) have turned to other forms of expression in order to satisfy their thirst for creativity - and to try to pay the bills. (A great discussion on the topic can be heard on KCRW's D&A with Frances Anderton from March 17.) "Looking for Work," premiering tomorrow night at Fifth Floor Gallery on Chung King Road, features three artists in this very predicament.

Earl Parson opened his own architecture studio after years of working for other notable firms such as Marmol & Radziner, among others. His chairs and functional objects, though light and airy in appearance, are constructed with remnants of reclaimed steel construction beams.

Ali Jeevanjee received his Masters of Architecture degree from Harvard University, and serves on the editorial staff of the acclaimed architectural magazine, Archinet. His laminated plywood furniture follow a feee-flowing geometric form while retaining a sturdy and practical structure.

Aimee Less completed her Environmental Design degree at Art Center College of Design, and was recently awarded first place in the DWR M+D+F design competition. Her playful chairs borrow details from the fashion world, melding multiple disciplines to create a cohesive, yet functional, work of art.

Opening reception: Saturday, June 20, 6-9pm

Fifth Floor Gallery

502 Chung King Court

Chinatown, 90012

Ceramicist Creates Objects Derived From Nature

Ceramicist Heather Knight creates beautiful objects with a decidedly "organic" feel, with textures and themes derived from nature. This hand-made porceline "Urchin" bowl is made of high fired porcelain, unglazed on the outside with a translucent icy blue glaze on the interior. Measuring only 5" diameter by 3" tall, it is the perfect cradle for your most precious little things - or the olives at your next cocktail party. Available at http://www.etsy.com/

A New Take On An Old Favorite - "Kudu" Wingchair from Powell and Bonnell

Canadian furniture manufacturer Powell and Bonnell just released their version of a design classic, the "Kudu" wingchair. Named after a species of African antelope, the chair boasts graceful lines and an elegant shape. A great piece for any style interior. Contact your design professional for details.

Furniture Meets Art - Mauro Mori at Minotti, Los Angeles

Select pieces from Italian designer Mauro Mori will be premiering tonight at Minotti, Los Angeles at 8936 Beverly Blvd. in West Hollywood. I was invited to attend the opening but decided that being at home in my sweatpants in front of my computer was ultimately more fulfilling. On display until July.

Not Just for Children (Or Elves) - Elf Doors!

8" tall resin replica "elf doors." For the child in all of us! At $12.98 apiece, why not get all 4? Available at http://www.hearthsong.com/

The Mad Hatters

Today was Ladies' Day at the Royal Ascot, a five-day horse racing tournament in Berkshire, west of London. Top hats, tails and a mad assortment of millinery provided more entertainment than the actual race!