The Best of Larchmont Village, A Neighborhood Gem in LA

Whenever anyone asks me what neighborhood I love the most in LA, it is without question the neighborhood where I live and work—Hancock Park / Larchmont Village. As long as I call myself an Angeleno, I hope I never have to leave this side of town. Bordering Hollywood, Hancock Park, and Korea Town, historic Larchmont Village is within walking distance of my house, and until quarantine, my office, The Storied Group, and is one of the most charming neighorhoods in LA.

While it had grown tremendously in the last few years—gaining larger high-end brands like Diptique and Blue Mercury—due to COVID, some shops and restaurants have closed, but there are still great independent boutiques and a Farmers’ Market every Wednesday (new!) from 1pm-5pm and Sunday morning from 10am-2pm . Though Larchmont Village is considered the south end of the street, it’s been expanding further towards Melrose with the opening of Cafe Gratitude a few years ago. If you’re looking to treat yourself, it’s worth nothing that this is the best massage I’ve had in Los Angeles, though they are still under a mask mandate.

For any out-of-towners, put this on your list for a local experience, and scroll down to see my favorite spots to eat, drink + shop:

What you Should Know about the Los Angeles Arts District in 2021

Update July 5, 2021: The DTLA Arts District has no doubt taken a massive hit due to the COVID pandemic. My old client Hammer and Spear closed their original location there in 2020 (they are still on La Cienega).

While it’s still worth visiting, just know that it’s definitely been set back. So many restaurants and stores have closed, but we hope to see a turnaround as we all make our way into a brighter future. I have updated my list below to reflect what is open and have removed those that are now closed indefinitely. R.I.P. so many gems that will be greatly missed.

Original Post from 2017: My client, Hammer and Spear, first introduced me to the Los Angeles Arts District four years ago, when they moved to the neighborhood, befriended everyone, and became a design destination and representation of what was to come.

They knew the owner of Bestia and could get a table any night of the week, when it was the hardest reservation to snag in town. They met a local photographer—who they later partnered with—to form a printing company that pays homage to the neighborhood. They launched Saint Rita Parlor, a hand-crafted eyewear company made in DTLA, and have since helped propel the careers of other artists and designers with unique perspectives and stories.

But this isn’t just a story about Hammer and Spear. It’s a story about why the Los Angeles Arts District has quickly become the most vibrant, creative neighborhood in the country right now. The foundation was built on community.

In a world full of big box retailers and cookie-cutter experiences, DTLA is full of talented individuals who had a vision for creating something local. Read on for a roundup of my favorite independent shops, bars, and restaurants that are all walkable in a city that rarely recommends walking anywhere.

What Every Interior Designer Should Know about PR

If 2020 taught us anything, it’s the importance of home. While so many industries suffered during the pandemic, the interior design industry soared. We saw stories like making your bedroom double as your home office, how to create a sanctuary at home, and the rise of the ADU.

And I have exciting news for you—getting quoted in magazine articles like these can absolutely be you! But it helps to know a few insider secrets before you run off and hire a publicist. (Yup, spoken straight from the mouth of a publicist!)

I have been doing PR for interior designers since I first started my business in 2008. In fact, one of my very first clients was a dream client—mostly because she checked all the boxes (that’s PR speak for had all the components that make magazine editors drool)—she was incredibly talented, already had a roster of celebrity clients, had a vision to open a shop, and write a book.

Through the years, I got her publicity for all of them—even landing her a coveted spot on Town & Country’s “Who’s Next in Decorating.”

I still work with many other interior designers—some on a project base, meaning the goal was to get their one project placed—while some choose to have ongoing PR, where they want to be positioned as an expert. There are many reasons to hire a publicist, but read on for what you need to know before you do.  And if you need some help figuring out how to reach your potential clients, here are a few thought starters to help with that.

Interior design tools are everywhere but if you’re just starting and you want to show your client a mock-up of your thoughts then where should you begin?

I’ve compiled a quick list of 10 interior design apps and software that you will be able to virtually pick up and use instantly without a large learning curve.

It doesn’t matter if the client is looking to remodel their kitchen or just restyle their living space. These tools can communicate your design ideas quickly with a high level of precision with high-quality room design software.

Take a look at some of my best software picks for interior designers…

1. Cedreo

Cedreo is an online 3D home design platform used by professional home builders, remodelers and interior designers to create 2D and 3D floor plans, as well as interior and exterior renderings.

The software is intuitive and easy to use, and helps users quickly create photorealistic interior designs using its library of 7,000+ customizable pieces of 3D furniture, materials and decorations.

Designers can quickly show prospective clients exactly what their finished project will look like, and as a result, close more design contracts in less time.