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A visit to Kelly Wearstler’s LA office and shop – part of BlogtourLA with Modenus

Kelly-Wearstler's-office-LA

The blogtour LA with Modenus has started and what an amazing start it was. I am in awe of Veronika Miller for organising such an amazing itinerary for us, considering she has just finished a blogtour in London.

The highlight of day 1 was our visit to Kelly Wearstler’s office and shop in Los Angeles. We even got to meet the amazing designer herself, who was most welcoming.

Kelly-Wearstler's-office-seat

Kelly Wearstler is one of the most well known designers in LA. She is multi-talented, with a design line in clothing, jewellery and home wares. To top that,she is also a well published author and interior designer of many beautiful homes and hotels.

(The palm seat above was at the entryway to her glamorous office.)

Kelly-Wearstler-styling-photo-by-Little-Big-Bell

Kelly was born in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and studied graphic design, architecture and history of art on the East Coast. She grew up surrounded by a family of powerful women. Her grandmother worked and her mother was a known antiques dealer.

(Above is a beautifully styled marble vignette at the entryway to her office)

Kelly-wearstler's-boardroom-photo-by-Little-Big-Bell

Her drive for hard work was already evident when she was starting out in the early years. She supported herself by waiting on tables, often for long hours, and from which she has honed her skills for multi-tasking. Often after work, she would return home at 11pm and start on her creative process well into dawn.

(The image above is one of the two boardrooms flanking a short corridor that leads to the open plan office. Love the dramatic effect exuded by that chandelier as it is contrasted against the bold strokes of black and white in that abstract painting. The brass ware on the marble table are part of her home decor collection.)

Kelly-Wearstler's-moodboard

Her office has expanded and now she employs 45 people comprising of architects, interior designers, fashion and jewellery designers.

She finds surrounding herself with a team of people who know more than her inspiring. Bringing everyone into one space has enabled a creative cross pollination of ideas.

Within the open planned space, lies a central row of tables housing mood boards for Kelly’s residential projects. Each tray comprise fabrics, pictures, metalware and gem stones. As these are new projects, understandably, we were not able to photograph them.

( The image above is a mood board for Kelly’s blog)

Kelly-Wearstler-marble-stools-LA

After the tour of her office, we were invited to her shop. There was an apparent theme of monochrome,marble and metal in her home ware collection.

Kelly-Wearstler-cushions-LA

Here are some of Kelly’s new collection monochrome pillows and throws.

Kelly-Wearstler-alphabets

These marble alphabets are so beautiful.

Kelly-Wearstler-jewellery-LAHer jewellery collection was divine. I bought an amazing Lapis Lazuli ring for myself as a treat.

Avalon-hotel-Kelly-Wearstler-Los-Angeles-photo-by-Little-Big-Bell

Now, a change from the monochrome. I arrived in LA a few days ahead of the blog tour and for one of those days, I had lunch at Oliverio at the Avalon hotel in Beverley Hills. This hotel features some of Kelly Wearstler’s earlier work.

The dining area above was pool side. Love the mint greens and blues of that wallpaper, drawing out the blue veins of that marble table.

Kelly-Wearstler-Avalon-hotel

These beautiful decorative pillars by Kelly are next to the hotel reception.

Kelly-Wearstler

More beautiful sculptural elements here in white, turquoise and gold. That screen at the back is simply stunning.

Avalon-hotel-Kelly-Wearstler

To the side of the hotel is a yellow seating area full of sunshine cheer, also by Kelly Wearstler. It is so interesting to see how her work has evolved from its early days.

Hope you have enjoyed this post. Do check out her recent interview on you tube.

 

20 Comments

  1. I’m so jealous, you met Kelly! I’m a huge fan of Kelly, she is my favourite designer! I always look up hotels when I travel that she designed. Lucky you! Enjoy your tour and I continue to follow you online xx

    • littlebigbell

      We were very lucky to have met her. Her design is amazing isn’t it. Love the hotel she designed. x

  2. I haven’t heard of Kelly but I’m definitely looking her up on Google tonight! Learning new things everyday. 😉 So jealous you’re in LA, and having so much fun touring and spotting new things everywhere. I love these decorative pillars, they look so special! Great pictures again Geraldine, do enjoy every minute of your trip there!
    Big hugs, Inge x

  3. Very well written post, Geraldine. I have learned a lot! I believe the visit has been amazing too because she was the most accessible and sweet person. A truly inspiring visit! I LOVE your first pic!!

  4. What an amazing experience!! I did a project on Kelly when I was in design school. I love her style and I definitely share her love of decadent materials. I hope you are enjoying your visit to LA!!!

  5. What a brilliant post G! Loved seeing all the behind the scenes of Kelly’s work spaces. Hope you’re having an amazing time and the jetlag has passed x x

  6. Wow what an incredible woman and I love that she comes from a line of women in the industry. I agree with Gudy, love the first shot. I would love to have some of the marble letters, lovely! M x

    • littlebigbell

      Thank you Mel. I would love a marble letter too but alas they will definitely make me overweight for travel 😉 x

  7. Love Kelly’s moodboard! So glad you all had a wonderful trip! x

  8. So lucky to have met Kelly, Geraldine – your images are fantastic indeed – hope you had a wonderful time in LA.
    Ax

  9. What a treat for you guys to have met Kelly. I have huge respect for her designs.
    I loved that first pic when you put it on IG.
    Hope you had a great time down in LA xx

    • littlebigbell

      Thank you Tina, Kelly is so talented and lovely in real life too. We all had a great time in LA, now trying to rid the jet lag. x

  10. What a fantastic opportunity to meet THE Kelly Wearstler! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and showing us her office. I really enjoyed reading it! xD

    • littlebigbell

      I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post Doris. It was a wonderful experience to see Kelly’s workplace. x

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