September Featured Designers: Beverly Hills

interior designers working

Interior design in Beverly Hills calls for the perfect combination of luxury and functionality, vintage and innovative, and timeless and trendy– a tough ask, we know. Luckily, the Los Angeles design scene is bursting with talent and more than a few designers are up for the challenge. 

We’ve compiled a list of our featured interior designers in Beverly Hills. Read on to learn more about them and be sure to check out their recent projects for a little inspiration. 

Waldo Fernandez

Photo: Courtesy of Architectural Digest 

Waldo Fernandez is a Los Angeles-based interior designer and principal in Waldo’s Designs. Fernandez, deemed a “trailblazer in the subtle discipline of mixing objects of widely varying periods and styles” by Architectural Digest,  had an impressive client roster that included names such as Brad Pitt, Will Smith, and Elizabeth Taylor. 

Waldo’s Design has been at the same Almont Drive location since it opened its doors in the early 1970’s. His firm includes a staff of architectural and interior designers as well as assistants each as committed to the love of design and its process as he is. Waldo Fernandez has managed all elements of his own interior design practice, working on various projects all over the world.

Michael Berman

Photo: Courtesy Alan Weissman

Michael Berman has completed residential interior projects from New York to Los Angeles. Berman’s products and interiors reflect the designer’s interest in history, art, architecture and nature. 

According to Design Collaborative, “Berman’s work resonates with design industry colleagues for its attention to detail and usable scale. Michael has crafted an epic romance that blends the luxury of casual lifestyle and eclectic cinematic swank.”

Michael S. Smith

Photo: Courtesy of Michael S Smith INC

is an American interior designer based in Los Angeles. Smith was appointed by President Barack Obama to the Committee for the Preservation of the White House from 2008-2016 and is responsible for the 2010 makeover of the Oval Office. 

According to Michael S Smith INC, “Michael S. Smith is considered one of the most original and respected talents in the design industry today.  With an international profile of residential, hospitality and commercial clients, Smith’s style is a seamless blend of European classicism and American modernism—always fresh, always evolving, always underscored by the belief that everyone should live with things they love.”

Vanessa Alexander 

Photo: Courtesy of Subject

Vanessa Alexander, Hollywood manager turned interior designer, works out of Alexander Design. This full-service interior design firm specializes in residential, retail and hospitality interiors. The team at Alexander Design is dedicated to creating holistic spaces inspired by clients’ “visions, lifestyle and stories.”

According to The Expert, Alexander Design’s clients range from “lawyers and agents of Hollywood’s elite to celebrity chefs and high net worth financiers. Hospitality projects include the acclaimed Malibu Farms, a restaurant series native to California with new locations opening in New York City and Tokyo.”

Check out Alexander Design’s portfolio, here.

Jamie Bush 

Photo: Courtesy of Subject

Jamie Bush is known for his ability to blur the lines between architecture and interior design. Bush approaches the design of a space as one holistic vision. His designs have been featured in over 100 publications, such as Architectural Digest, Interior Design, Vogue, Elle Decor, Wall Street Journal, Wallpaper, and Los Angeles Times.

Additionally, Bush has been honored into both the AD 100 top global architects and designers of the year, as well as Elle Decor’s  A-List of top designers.

Check out Jamie Bush’s projects, here.

Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Photo: Kevin Scanlon for The New York Times

Martyn Lawrence Bullard is a multi-award winning Los Angeles-based interior designer with an impressive list of high-profile clients including Elton John, Kid Rock, Cher and Edward Norton. Bullard is renowned for his broad range of styles and eclectic and luxurious designs. 

In addition, Martyn Lawrence Bullard has been “consistently named one of the world’s 100 top interior designers by Architectural Digest, featured permanently in Elle Decor’s A-List, and listed among the top 25 designers by The Hollywood Reporter.”

Check out his portfolio, here.

Mat Sanders

Photo: Courtesy of matsanders.com

Mat Sanders, a founding partner of Consort, an interior design firm and furniture line, has over a decade of success in interior design. In fact, Sanders’ career has been thriving since his New York City apartment landed on the cover of Apartment Therapy’s “Big Book of Small Cool Spaces” in 2010. Sanders’ designs are playfully chic and sync to the personal style of his clients. 

Sanders states he loves “creating  casually elegant homes that feel comfortable, livable, and–most importantly–distinctly you.”

Find the portfolio of Mat Sanders here.

John Pawson

John Pawson is a renowned British architectural designer known for his minimalist designs. Pawson—often hailed as the father of modern architectural minimalism—founded his firm in 1981. For nearly forty years, Pawson has built a successful career dedicated to less.

Pawson’s projects range from the Cistercian monastery, the New York flagship store for Calvin Klein and Jil Sander, sets for the Royal Opera House, and hotels for Ian Schrager.

Read on to learn more about John Pawson’s work and how to bring a touch of his talent into your modern minimalist designs.

Find John Pawson’s work, here.

Interested in learning more about Pawson’s impact on minimalism? Check out our article, here.

 Piet Boon 

Piet Boon founded Studio Piet Boon in 1983 as a small design practice that specialized in the design of tailor-made homes. Throughout the years, Piet Boon Studio grew into a globally operating design studio and built an impressive portfolio of private, corporate, and hospitality clients. 

Learn more about Studio Piet Boon here.  See Piet Boon’s collection by COCOON.

Need a Little Design Inspiration?

Specialty Hardware + Plumbing is proud to be your resource for timeless, minimalist, and luxurious design. Our expertise lies in our experience creating the most impeccable designs for the highest quality homes and establishments.For samples and more – stop by our showroom in the Los Angeles area or send us an email for more information.

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Modern Luxury Bathrooms: The Art of Design

modern luxury bathroom design, beige COCOON tub with outdoor view

A  modern luxury bathroom can elevate a home and inspire relaxation and comfort for the owner. Designers may consider the following elements to transform a bathroom space from ordinary to luxurious. Let’s take a look at five of these elements. 

1. Statement Mirrors

Mirrors can be more than just a functional afterthought in design. A luxury bathroom demands a large, bold mirror that will serve as a focal point above the vanity or tub.

mirror in a luxury bathroom, minimalistic with white walls, simple fixtures and brown basin

Rectangle Mirrors Are a Classic Option

a mirror with lighting around the edges in a luxury bathroom

The BEL-3642, shown above, is made from premium materials. This electric lighted mirror offers great function and value for a home. This fixture is part of Electric Mirror’s Bella Collection, so make sure to check out other fixtures to accessorize your room.

Round Mirrors Offer a Chic Touch

modern luxury bathroom with minimalist designs

Designers may also opt for round mirrors to complete the luxury bathroom. We enjoy the look of the Electric Mirror Eternity 36” Round Mirror. The ETE-36 is made of premium materials and pairs with the Electric Mirror’s Eternity Collection. 

2. Elegant Vanities

Piet Boon basin in gray with a keke shape mirror in luxury bathroom

Vanities are one of the most important features for a designer to get right in a luxury bathroom. Vanities serve several functions in a bathroom: hide plumbing, provide storage, as well as offer a practical space for users to prepare for their day. 

At Specialty Hardware + Plumbing, we tend to gravitate towards vanities that complement the other features without taking away from the rest of the space. For instance, the Piet Boon COCOON Bespoke Cabinet, as shown above. 

Or, the PB Basin 180, for Those Who Prefer More Space

basin in dark gray luxury bathroom with minimalist design

The COCOON washbasin designed by Piet Boon is available in a range of finishes and provides users with more space without overwhelming the bathroom. 

3. Free-Standing Tub

A free-standing tub can make a bathroom feel like a spa experience. No luxury bathroom is complete without the perfect tub. Let’s take a look at some options.

For a Timeless Look: The COCOON Free-Standing Bathtub 

white cocoon free standing bathtub in a minimal room design in a modern luxury bathroom, gold accents

The Free Standing Soaking Tub by COCOON is made from premium materials and offers great function and value for a luxury home. The Concrete-05 finish is shown above, but the finishes Concrete 01-10 are also available, ranging from lighter to darker shades. 

For a Darker Look, The JP Bath

We adore the Natural Stone Free Standing Soaking Tub from the John Pawson COCOON Collection. The tub, shown in Pietra Griggio above, is available in many shades, such as natural sand, for those who may love the tub but prefer a lighter finish. 

4. Shower Hardware

Designers have numerous factors to consider when selecting shower fixtures for a luxury bathroom. Luckily, there is no shortage of options, ranging from handheld to wall-mounted to recessed ceiling rain showers.

For a Sleek Look: The COCOON PB SET23THERM

modern luxury bathroom with minimalist designs, black shower set

This best-seller was designed by Piet Boon for COCOON. The COCOON PB SET23THERM thermostatic shower fixtures are made from AISI 316L marine grade stainless steel with PVD colors of gunmetal black, raw copper, and brushed inox. The exterior parts include a hand shower, diverter 2 outputs, and a thermostatic (U.S. compliant) mixer.

Prefer a Rainshower? Consider the John Pawson Complete Thermostatic Rain Shower Set

modern luxury bathroom with minimalist designs, silver rain shower

This set includes a stick model hand shower in addition to the wall-mounted rain shower. The photo above shows the set in brushed Inox, but the finishes of brushed gold and steel are also available.

5. Elevated Fixtures 

modern luxury bathroom with minimalist designs. silver shower fixture

From bath fillers to drains to basin mixers, the details can make a significant difference in the design of a luxury bathroom. We recommend taking the time to find elevated fixtures that complement each other while allowing attention to the eye-catching pieces in the space: the vanities, tubs, and showers, for example. We’ll show off a few of our favorite elevated fixtures. 

One of Our Timeless Go-To’s: The COCOON John Pawson Floor Mounted Bath Filler

modern luxury bathroom with minimalist designs, silver shower fixture

You may have already spotted this piece paired above with the JP Bath. From the award-winning John Pawson by COCOON Collection, this piece combines elegance and minimalism. 

The Details Make the Difference with the COCOON Pop-Up Waste Drain/Bath Drain

modern luxury bathroom with minimalist designs, ESS easy drain in black

Available in 12 finishes, this drain allows the focus to remain on the main attention: that beautiful tub. 

Need a little help selecting the best fixtures for your products? Check out our guide, here. 

Designing a Luxury Bathroom?

Specialty Hardware + Plumbing can assist with pricing, design options, and finish match recommendations. For samples and more – stop by our Beverly Hills showroom or send us an email for more information.

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How to Make Your Client’s House Goals Become a Reality

client goals with tiles, paint color and textures on a table for interior designer

As an interior designer, your job is to turn your client’s house goals into reality. However, this is often easier said than done. The process of transforming design ideas into a physical space requires innovation, patience, and determination.

Let’s explore some steps interior designers can take to make this process easier as they strive to bring their clients’ ideas to life.

Understand Your Client’s Lifestyle 

By taking the time to understand a client’s lifestyle, an interior designer can anticipate a client’s wants and needs within their home. For example, a client that works from home will have different needs than one who is using the house as a weekend getaway. Designers can use this information throughout their design process to balance functionality and style within the home.

Separate the Client’s Wants and Needs

Creating separate lists of the client’s “wants” and “needs” can help a client establish expectations as well as keep you focused throughout the project. Of course, you want to give your clients everything they want in their dream home but sometimes, clients have to make choices between different features they have in their home. Understanding their priorities and preferences at the beginning of the project is an important step in helping turn their dream home into a reality. 

Incorporate Your Client’s Specific Interests

As you get to know your client, take notes of their interests and preferences. For instance, if a client mentioned their favorite activity as a child was riding horses, consider adding a small horse statue into the design of their child’s bedroom. These little details can impress your client and turn the project into their dream home. 

Less Is More (Especially in a Small Space)

Interior designers may feel the need to add more to impress a client or to fulfill their own vision. However, unnecessary accessories can overwhelm a space. By removing these accessories, designers can make a space feel more like a home and focus on the client’s goals.

Stand Your Ground

Sometimes the way to help your clients achieve their goals is to stand up for your opinion. You may occasionally have to respectfully insert your opinion in order to create a cohesive style for their home. After all, your clients hired you for your talent and expertise. Your client will likely appreciate your professional touch once the project is finished.

Balance Cohesive Style and Purposeful Exceptions

A consistent style will make the home feel harmonious and unified. Designers can stay within a color palette and use complementing materials, patterns, and textures. Additionally, by implementing small, purposeful changes throughout the house, designers can make each room feel unique and fresh without straying from the theme.

Opt for Functional Furniture

Some of the most beautiful pieces are often some of the most uncomfortable. Designers selecting functional furniture can help to bring a sense of comfort into a home. In the case of dream homes, lasting comfort overrides trendy style. 

Don’t Overlook the Outdoor Space

Many interior designers may make the mistake of forgetting about the outdoor space around the home. By making changes such as adding in outdoor showers, designers set themself apart and build a complete vision for the home. 

For example, the COCOON Piet Boon Freestanding Shower

outdoor shower by COCOON in dark gray with accents of plants, a way to make client dreams a reality

Outdoor showers offer a minimalistic feel with a high-quality design to compliment the surrounding nature. Add an outdoor shower to your home’s design to connect high-quality design with nature’s serenity. Learn more about outdoor showers, here.

Don’t Forget to Believe In Your Vision

The interior design industry is expanding rapidly and designers are constantly looking for ways to impress clients, create innovative projects and outshine their competition. Remember to believe in yourself and your vision as you help clients bring their dream home to life.

Need a Little Inspiration?

Specialty Hardware + Plumbing is proud to be your resource for timeless, minimalist, and luxurious design. Our expertise lies in our experience creating the most impeccable designs for the highest quality homes and establishments.For samples and more – stop by our showroom in the Los Angeles area or send us an email for more information.

infographic describing how an interior designer can make the house goals of their client a reality
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Best Books for Minimalist Designs

Piet Boon book on counter

Coffee table books, also known as cocktail table books, can be used for display, entertaining guests, and educating readers. Whether you plan to use coffee table books as your favorite new decoration, a conversation starter at your next dinner party, or as an interesting read while drinking your morning espresso, it’s important to choose the right pieces.

Books about minimalist design, such as works detailing the iconic work of designers such as Piet Boon and John Pawson, are timeless classics. Let’s dive into a few of our personal favorites.

John Pawson: Anatomy of Minimum by Alison Morris

John Pawson: Anatomy of Minimum by Alison Morris is a powerful monograph that explores showcasing the defining elements and architectural anatomy in Pawson’s work.

Google Books describes the piece as a monograph that “hones in on the essential details that mark his [John Pawson’s] distinctive architectural and aesthetic style. It groups a selection of his recent works into domestic projects, including his own house in rural England; extended sacred spaces; and repurposed structures.”

Throughout the piece, Morris showcases Pawson’s unique approach to minimalism. Additionally, Morris captures Pawson’s interesting use of doors, walls, windows, light, and proportion.

Piet Boon 1 by Joyce Huisman

Piet Boon 1  by Joyce Huisman discusses the timeless design, functionality, and sustainability of the Piet Boon work and legacy. The piece presents nine Piet Boon projects through insightful photography.

The Kinfolk Home: Interiors for Slow Living by Nathan Williams

In The Kinfolk Home: Interiors for Slow Living, Kinfolk founder Nathan Williams explores “how embracing that same ethos—of slowing down, simplifying your life, and cultivating community—allows you to create a more considered, beautiful, and intimate living space.”

The piece brings readers inside 35 homes around the globe, ranging from Japan to Scandinavia, the United States, and more. While some projects were freshly built from a blueprint, others grew with a long history. No matter their age or design, each of these homes was created with great intention and a slow, purposeful process.

This is Home: The Art of Simple Living by Natalie Walton

This is Home serves as a back-to-basics guide on creating authentic, wholehearted interior design. The piece defines living simply as “finding the essence of what makes you happy at home and creating spaces that reflect your needs with style.” 

This book is an excellent resource for designers or homeowners without a significant budget to create minimalist spaces. This is Home showcases creative spaces, resourceful decor, and innovative methods to transform your home. 

Google Books summarizes the piece with the note “featuring 16 case studies from Australia, the US, and Europe, and nearly 200 color photographs, This is Home will inspire you with beautiful, authentic places you want to be – today.”

Minimum by John Pawson

Minimum by John Pawson presents an array of photographs that embody the idea of less. Pawson explores minimalism as a way of finding clarity and simplicity. This concept, clear throughout Pawson’s range of work, is explained in greater detail throughout the pages of Minimum.

Phaidon Press describes Minimum as “an extended visual essay exploring the idea of simplicity in architecture, art, and design across a variety of historical and cultural contexts.”

This piece organizes images into themes such as essence, expression, light, and structure. 

The Japanese Garden by Sophie Walker

The Japanese Garden by Sophie Walker is a new classic that has graced countless coffee tables since its publication in 2017. In this piece, Walker presents a brilliant compilation of essays to explore the lasting style, 800 years of history, and vast global significance of Japanese gardens.

As a garden designer herself, Walker provides a unique perspective as well as interesting insights into Japanese culture.

Piet Boon 2 by Joyce Huisman

After the first international bestseller Piet Boon 1,  Studio Piet Boon creates Piet Boon 2 to display its new projects. The piece aims to show, through a collection of color photographs, that the Studio Piet Boon creations are enduring and timeless.

Studio Piet Boon states “the studio’s modern classic and austere style retains a classical touch as a consequence of its obvious affinity with pure, traditional building materials and architectural styles.”

Looking for Inspiration for Your Minimalist Designs?

Specialty Hardware + Plumbing can assist with pricing, design options, and finish match recommendations for the COCOON Collection. For samples and more, stop by our Los Angeles showroom or send us an email for more information.

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