Designer Alexandra Becket Shares Her Local Favorites

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Alexandra Becket

The Insider: Alexandra Becket

Sometimes the best ideas begin at home. Such was the case for designer Alexandra Becket. After restoring their first L.A. home, a 1920s bungalow, Becket and her husband, Greg Steinberg, launched ModOp in 2010–a design firm that offers everything from Becket’s hand-painted, eco-friendly textiles and wallpapers to renovation consulting and interior design services. The couple has since restored a dozen homes throughout L.A.–a passion that comes naturally to Becket, a granddaughter of architect Welton Becket. The designer, who is currently restoring a home in Hancock Park and developing a line of printed murals, shares her ideas on the best of what’s happening now.

Design must-sees:

Hauser & Wirth in the Arts District–it’s a spectacular combo of well-curated art and historic architecture. Another fun downtown excursion is to take the Angels Flight tram to Grand Central Market for lunch (Madcapra for Mediterranean or Wexler’s Deli for a lox and bagel plate), then walk through the Bradbury Building, a hidden architectural gem.

Downtime destinations:

Take a morning hike up to the Griffith Observatory for sweeping views of L.A. and finish it off with coffee and a pastry from The Trails Cafe, or stroll down Surfrider Beach to the Malibu Pier for a meal at Malibu Farm. I also walk a lot in our neighborhood, Silver Lake. Some of my favorite design spots are Lawson-Fenning, Yolk and OK, and Botanica restaurant for lunch or dinner on the patio.

On your radar:

Muralist Erin Miller Williams, artist Emilie Halpern and architect Elizabeth Timme. Elizabeth founded the community design firm LA-Mas and is a champion for policy and urban design reform in underserved neighborhoods of Los Angeles.

PHOTO: DAVE LAURIDSEN