LUXE checks in with three showroom owners enjoying milestone celebrations in Southern California.
Nathan Turner Returns To Retail With An L.A. Atelier
“I didn’t think I’d go back to shopkeeping again,” admits designer Nathan Turner, but with the launch of his California Collection of wallpapers and fabrics came the lure of a boutique. “It was my pal Peter Dunham of Hollywood at Home that suggested I open my own showroom in Los Angeles. I paused and then thought, ‘He’s right, I know how to do this!’ ” As Turner began the property search, fate stepped in. “I kept saying I wanted something like the Claremont showroom—the perfect size, a charming building—then a few weeks later, as I’m driving down La Cienega, I look over at Claremont, and there’s a ‘for lease’ sign in the space next door.” The fun part? “Claremont’s first L.A. showroom was in the back of my little shop on Almont, so it’s a full-circle moment,” he shares. Visitors to Turner’s eponymous atelier, which opened this spring, will find the designer’s fabrics and wallpapers, antiques, naturalistic artworks and, come next year, his new book, I Love Decorating.
Minotti Fetes 20 Years With A Full Revamp
In celebration of Minotti Los Angeles’ 20th anniversary, owner Mary Ta has updated the Beverly Boulevard space inside and out. “Our showroom serves four purposes now,” she explains. “Like the Milan fair, it inspires; it shows different moods; it’s a workspace for the trade; and it’s a comfortable place to hang out.” At the heart of the refresh are new designs from architects and designers including Marcio Kogan, GamFratesi, Nendo, Hannes Peer and Giampiero Tagliaferri. If Ta has a personal favorite, it might be the Bézier seating system by Kogan. “It combines beautiful emotions—luxurious lounging, fun entertaining and cool comfort,” she says. But each new piece is a response to an evolution she has watched firsthand. “L.A. has become more sophisticated and international,” she reflects. “My clients know more of what they want now, and how their homes serve their lifestyles.”
Thomas Lavin Marks A Major Anniversary With A Big Expansion
This year is Thomas Lavin’s 25th anniversary and, to honor the occasion, he has welcomed no less than seven new artisanal brands to his Pacific Design Center and Laguna Design Center showrooms. “From Alison Berger’s glassworks shaped by age-old techniques to hand-felted textiles by Fog & Fury, each brings something thoughtful and original,” says Lavin. Other arrivals include furnishings from metal artist Evan Lewis, textiles from Spanish weaver Alhambra, Nest Studio hardware, sustainability-focused Canadian furniture company Stackabl and textiles by French artist Karin Sajo, whose work reflects her time at Dior and Jean Paul Gaultier. “Tastes shift with time, but not our clients’ desire for authenticity and excellence,” Lavin adds, noting that curiosity, consistency and community have been key to his success. “Staying open to new ideas is essential, and I’m still on the floor daily, connecting with clients and designers, because that’s where the magic happens.”
