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Archive for the ‘Events’ Category

Happy New Year

Friday, January 1st, 2010

2009 was a sweet challenge…had a baby, traveled around the globe, filmed three tv shows, wrote a book, finished two huge projects, won an award, got no sleep, joined DAR, participated in a show case house, visited with friends and family, attended all “the events” -baby in tow and survived a recession. Looking back at the year reminds me that you can do anything.  Here’s to 2010 and our new ventures, GreenDesign.org, retailing, book tours, MORE design and awards, a new home,  Ford Motor Company and maybe, just maybe… another baby in the making. Success, health and happiness to all of you!

Tags: DAR, Ford, greendesign.org
Posted in Events, New Year, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Poliform's Grand Reopening and An Introduction to Atmosphere

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

Well finally at 7:30 PM I am able to drag myself out of bed (stomach flu) to tell you all about Poliform’s Angeleno Partyand The Klara Porkrzywko show at Atmosphere.

The Poliform grand re-opening on Beverly was spectacular with wine by Wente Vineyard, the oldest winery in California, and culinary delights by Chef  Andrea Cavaliere from Cecconi’s.  In attendance were Angeleno Home Editor, Alex Abramian-Mott, Luxe Editor at Large, Michael Wollaeger, Marty Collins the developer of the sensational W residence hotel in Hollywood, Lonni Paul  Design Star Finalist and Celebrity designer Liana Ried. In addition to being exquisitely crafted, Poliform is made following E1 guidelines, for strict European, emission standards, another example of how glamorous green can be. The SoCal Contractor, known to scrutinize every last detail of the built world, was immensely impressed. 

Marcelle Danan recently opened a fabulous, Melrose boutique, Atmosphere, featuring some of the prettiest things I’ve ever seen made from recycled glass. We will definitely be using them over at 1525 Blue Jay Way. The stylish, French maven held an opening party on Thursday night  for Klara Pokrzywko, who’s work celebrates the feminine form.  She’s  just back from showing in Shanghai and the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum.  It’s certainly something you want to see.

Tags: Alexandria Abramian Mott, Andrea Cavaliere, Angeleno Magazine, Atmosphere Gallery, Beverly Drive, Cecconi's, Klara Pokrzywko, Liana Reid, Lonni Paul, Marcelle Danan, Marty Collins, Melrose, Michael Wollager, Poliform, So Cal Contractor, W Hotel Residences Hollywood, Wente Vineyard
Posted in Artists and Galleries, Events, Magazines, Parties, Press | No Comments »

Dreamscape at the LA Mart

Saturday, November 7th, 2009

Last night Los Angeles Magazine and the LA Mart partnered with Look Galleryto present Dreamscape, a conceptual design exhibition that explores the symbolic references of our personal spaces through the interplay of fine art and high design. It was really one of the loveliest parties I’ve attended  in a long time. The halls were covered in white astroturf which glistened like clean, cold snow, the walls, draped in yards and yards of flowing white fabrics along with the LED uplights created a dreamy backdrop for this high style event. Plus DJ Patrick/Crash Entertainment spun the sweet sounds and Flowers of Beverly Hills provided elegant assortments of tulips, hydrangea and paper roses.

 Top Chefs   Ilan Hall of The Gorbals and Marcel Vigneronof Modern Global Tastings served up pork laden tray after tray including bacon wraped matzoh.

Gorgeous interior vignettes were cleverly displayed, my first, second and third place ribbons go respectively to Memory by Paul + Vickery (serene textiles, deconstructed chandelier and chair placement),  The Mermaid’s Lair by Stephen Pappas Interiors (sexy mermaid)and  Egomaniac by Franklin Studios (stunning modern secretary).  Also presenting were talk of the town design team, Woodson and Rummerfield. But honestly I think they’re an overrated, watered down Kelly Wearstler look.  But to be fair, they dress to kill every single time I’ve seen them. 

Jr. designer Elle showed up in skinny jeans and rode around in her chariot all night, otherwise known as the SoCal Contractor.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JIM HARRIS

What was green about this event? I saw something I’ve not seen before: more than one person asking the bartenders to reuse their original glass. People are starting to get it! Oh happy day!

Tags: Dan Vickery, DJ Patrick/ Crash Entertainment, Dreamscape, Flowers of Beverly Hills, Franklin Studios, Ilan Hall, Jim Harris, Jr. Designer Elle Yerushalmi, LA Mart, Lonni Paul, Lonni Paul Design, Look Gallery, Los Angeles Magazine, Marcel Vigneron, Modern Global Tastings, skinny jeans, So Cal Contractor, Stephen Pappas, The Globals, Top Chef, Woodson and Rummerfield
Posted in Artists and Galleries, Events, Parties, Press | No Comments »

Martinlozano Gallery on Robertson

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

Last night the alluring Lloyd Princeton of DMC and artist Chris Martin invited a select group to view and dine.  Among the who’s who were Michael Wollaeger our beloved Editor At Large for Luxe Magazine, vinter Caren Rideau of Rideau Vineyard and Hillary Atkin of the Atkin Report.  I was so excited to meet Chris and learn about his colorful creations.  We have a great big project to fill up on Blue Jay Way and timing is everything!  Scrumptious treats were provided by Susan Feniger’s Street and the boutique vineyard Rideau served some of the smoothest Sangiovese I’ve had since the Portland Wine Festival. Everyone in the intimate gathering had a fabulous time.  I was particularly thrilled with the fact the group of 20 or so WALKED from the gallery on Robertson to Chris’ lair a few blocks away. It was so very unLA and so very green!

Rideau Vineyard Partners and Mrs. Chris Martin

This picture on Chris’ wall was poignant, since we’ve been contemplating a move to Miami.  Have you  heard about the arbitrary, additional 10% state tax that California has just attacked its citizens’ paychecks with– begining Monday?  I’m not sure what kind of monkey business is going on when the seventh largest economy, with agriculture, technology, oil and entertainment can’t  balance its checkbook. But it’s frightening to think taxes can be levied in such a stealth manner.  I’m just sayin’.

Tags: California State Tax Hike, Chris Martin, DMC, Hillary Atkin, Lloyd Princeton, Luxe Magazine, Martinlozano Gallery, Michael Wollager, Rideau Vineyard, Robertson Boulevard, Susan Feniger's Street
Posted in Artists and Galleries, Events, Parties | 1 Comment »

Cherokee Studios Rock N Platinum Showcase

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

Alcie Cooper Lyrics

Platinum records for the Platinum loft

 Thursday night, across the street from Genghis Cohen and behind a secretive, black curtain Rethink Development unveiled the rock n’ roll lofts at the Cherokee Recording Studios LEED Platinum Lofts Showcase benefitting Habitat for Humanity.  We (Lori Dennis and Brook Casey of the Dennis Design Group)  were in charge of the Alice Cooper pad and took our assignment very seriously, literally dressing the part.

Dennis Design Group gettin' down in bed?

Our shock rock loft never could have been possible without the generous donations of our many vendors and time from our interns, Sara, Rob and Natasha. Plus it’s not really a party if Tony of Francois and Roy from the SoCal Contractor aren’t in tow.  In the bedroom Heritage Draperies fabricated and installed our padded, chained window treatment and Mike Ragan of Rags put together this amazing patchwork, padded wall with fabric from Jason Asch of  Diamond Foam.  The stars were out in LA on Thursday night and two showed up at our event: Jodie Sweetin , who we all know and love as the old Stephanie Tanner from Full House and Calico Cooper, Alice’s daughter and former co-star of his stage show.

Calico Cooper representin' for Papa

Lori and Brook Nailing

Still nailing...

and finally it was done.

 I was afraid Brook was going to hang himself. But he stuck it out and we even finished the lyrics on the bathroom wall so Tony from Francois could learn them and sing along. 

Don't do it Brook!!

 

When the doors opened at 7PM we all took a shot of Skull Vodka and welcomed our guests to Alice’s Lair.   Francois provided the Gothic mantel in the living room, serving as the perfect backdrop to the snake skin bench from Bausman and Co. and upholstered chairs from Cisco Brothers.  All the kitchy 60s, 70s and 80s accessories from Retropia and the original props from Alice Cooper’s show gave our loft an authenticity rarely seen in staged showcase homes.  Big Red Sun even landscaped our balcony in a true, desert decor representative of the golf courses in Phoenix that Alice so dearly loves.

Alice's Lair

You'll never guess what these balls are for!

Cooper Gang in the Loft

Green bondage-stay in and save gas!

Tags: Alice Cooper, Bausman and Co., Big Red Sun, Calico Cooper, Cherokee Recording Studios LEED Platinum Lofts, Cisco Brothers, Dennis Design Group, Diamond Fabric, eco-friendly, energy saving, Francois and Co., Green Events, green materials, Green Retailers, green roofs, Habitat For Humanity, interior design, Jason Asch, Jodie Sweetin, LEED, LEED Platinum, Lori Dennis, Mike Ragan Rags, Pleasure Chest, Retropia, SoCal Contractor
Posted in Charities, Events, Furniture, Green Building, Green Living, Materials, Parties, Press, Retailers | No Comments »

Whips and Chains Anyone?

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

Toys From the Pleasure Chest

We’re in the final stretch gettting ready for the Cherokee Recording Studios LEED Platinum Lofts Showcase for Habitat For Humanity. Our loft is designed for the Rock Shock King and Brook’s personal friend, Alice Cooper.  In any showcase , it’s all about reaching out to the community for donations to make the event a success, and no rock and roll show would be complete without a few sex toys. So we headed over to the Pleasure Chest for some props. Check out what  you can get for $5,800.  They even donated a spanker for the party, so if you’ve been naughty, make sure to come get yours!

I like the sparkly ones!

Brook the Gimp

A whole lot of spanking going on...

Introducing Sara (left) and Rob (center)

Alice likes em' dead

If you’re ready to party the Thursday before Halloween, put on your best outfit , come walk the red carpet at Cherokee Studios and see the greenest lofts in LA. 

 

 

Tags: Alice Cooper, Cherokee Recording Studios LEED Platinum Lofts, Habitat For Humanity, LEED Platinum, lofts, Pleasure Chest, red carpet, Retropia
Posted in Events, Green Building, Parties | No Comments »

Living Green at California Mart

Friday, October 9th, 2009

Yesterday I attended part three, Living Green :Sustaining Business with Sustainable Design Practices, of the California Mart’s Designer’s Forum 2009 Series.  The lecture included panelist: David Hertz, Mariel Hemingway, Nathan Turner and was moderated by California Homes’ Susan McFadden.  The audience was packed with many of the old guard at ASID, eager to learn more about green design.  David Hertz, who I’ve lectured with at my Alma Matter, the UCLA Interior Design Program, gave a riveting power point presentation and ending with a preview of the Wing House he has been working on for the last three years.  I’m pretty certain this house will be remembered in history with the same relevance as the Glass House or Falling Water, only sustainable. Then it was Mariel Hemingway’s way turn. Now I understand the draw of star power, and to be fair she has written some books on healthy living, but what that had to do with the business of sustainable design practices eluded me.  These old guard designers left the CEU presentation thinking that, “slow down and eat right” was relevant information to their bottom line.  Also speaking was Nathan Turner, an elegant retailer and designer with impeccable taste who runs a gorgeous little antique shop in West Hollywood.  He did work on Entourage’s Adrien Grenier’s ultra green home.  What bothered me about this presentation was that two of the most successful green designers in the business were sitting in the audience, Rachel Winokur of Etta Designs and me.  California Homes must not have been paying attention to the design firm they named Best Green Designer, my firm, when they made decisions for the panel.  Green design is a serious matter as the planet and people become sicker, resources shrink and energy costs rise. Educating designers and clients with applicable information would be a good start to help form real solutions.  Wake up editors! 

A gracious thank you to Palecek, one of my favorite green retailers,  for the following reception.

Tags: ASID, California Homes, California Mart, CEU, David Hertz, Designer's Forum 2009, eco-friendly, Etta Designs, Green Building Guidelines, Green Events, Green Marketing, Mariel Hemingway, Nathan Turner, Palecek, Rachel Winokur
Posted in Events, Green Building, Lectures, Parties, Public Speaking | No Comments »

Fall Market at the Pacific Design Center

Saturday, September 26th, 2009

Badly needing a break from the book writing, I headed over to the festivities at the PDC for some inspiration. I’m currently on the “Living Rooms” Chapter which focuses on maximizing use of space, especially precious outdoor square footage. Luxe Magazine’s  gorgeous, garden party in the lower level lobby featuring stunning vignettes from all our favorite outdoor vendors couldn’t have come at a better time.  The wine was delicious and the steel drum band was a breath of fresh air conditioned air from the 102 degree fall weather outside. Michael  Wollaeger, the new Luxe Editor at Large, never disappoints.

Christian Liaigre at Holly Hunt

Richard Frinier at Century

Corbin Bronze at Sutherland

Janus Et Cie

Chinoserie at Robert Allen

Janus  Et Cie

Richard Schultz at Summit

In a town where we are literally running out of water, it was great to see Synlawnand Astro Chic make a green statement.  I’ve noticed about five of these synthetic lawns on my nightly strolls, along with a lot of gravel and succulents. I’d like to say it’s concern for the environment, but it looks like the water bills finally converted a few folks to the sustainable side.

Synlawn at Fall Market

Astro Chic Pillows, Ottoman and Lawn

The first floor gave us a sneak peak of what was to come on the second floor open house.  I especially loved these three sculptures made of everything green including cleaners of the kitchen sink.

Cleaning Up at Fall Market

Worm Hole by Lynn Aldrich

A More Combustible Smoke by Greg MacLaughlin

Broken Sofa by Jeremy Everett

DJs were spinning and one piece was more interesting than the next throughout the second floor galleries.

Green Wall at Pucci

Love this Chandelier

How much is that Horsey in the window?-Twentieth

So sad……. mine is even better.

Art by a USC Graduate?

By this time the world’s most stylish builder, Mr. So Cal Contractor, and Junior Designer Elle started getting a little sleepy……

but woke up for a bit more fun in the best installation of the night. Little Miss Elle obviously shares her Designer Mommy’s love for graffiti art!

Bravo to the PDC for another Fall Market success. Take that recession!

Tags: Art Exhibit, Astro Chic, Century Furniture, Christian Liaigre, Dennis Design Group, eco-friendly, Green Decoration, Green Events, green materials, Green Retailers, Holly Hunt, interior design, Janus Et Cie, Luxe Magazine, Pacific Design Center, Robert Allen, So Cal Contractor, Synlawn
Posted in Events, Furniture, Materials, Parties | No Comments »

Valcucine's Sexy Glass Kitchen

Thursday, August 6th, 2009

Form Magazine and Valcucine invited the who’s who of interior design to their LA showroom this week to unveil the world’s first 100%recyclable kitchen cabinet system, Invitrum.  Of course the Dennis Design Group and Jr. Designer, Baby Elle, were in attendance.  As always, we were surrounded by glamour: the cabinets, the people, the food, the fashion displays. I’d have to say it was one of the better events this year. Go showroom manager Reba!

More about the cabinets- not only do they exude the sexy, sleek styling, which could only be Italian, but the contents are totally lacking in emissions.  The Invitrum by Valcucine features recycled aluminum, sustainable wood, water based finishes, mechanical joints (so no glue is needed) and practically scratch proof, tempered glass.  The cabinet fronts are half the thickness of normal systems which reduces the weight by 50% and extends the life of hinges, joints and the overall kitchen. When the time comes to recycle the components, they are labeled for an easy dismantle.

Tags: eco-friendly, Form Magazine, Green Events, Green Retailers, interior design, Invitrum, kitchen, kitchen cabinets, valcucine
Posted in Events, Green Building, Kitchens, Retailers | No Comments »

Cheap, Fast and Green

Friday, May 29th, 2009

I admit it. I love fast food, especially the roach coach carne asada.  Cheap, fast and yummy are high on my list when it comes to jam packed days.  Having a four month old has made finding time to eat an even bigger challenge. Grabbing a quick bite at the Jack in the Box was a savior many times. Then I had to go and watch King Corn, the documentary about the way America grows engineered corn, feeds it to cows and manufacturers corn syrup which winds up in almost every food you find on a supermarket shelf. In addition to being inhumane to pen cows up their entire lives to fatten them up quicker, it’s unsanitary (they pump them full of anitbiotics) and unhealthy for the cows to have a corn diet.  You can only imagine how horrible it is for us to eat the meat.  I remember 20 years ago when I was in Jamaica and asked a native why their cows looked anorexic. He replied,” our cows are normal, your’s are bloated with filler and chemicals.” I didn’t really understand what he meant for a few years, but I never forgot what I saw. Since this is a green blog we can’t leave out the fact about how much methane those millions of penned up cows produce and how it affects global warming.  For many years I’ve crossed chicken which is not free range off of my list of edibles. Now, it’s beef  (unless it’s free range and grass fed).

My husband, the burger lover, doesn’t know what to do with me anymore. ”WHAT? No more Carl’s Six Dollar Burgers? No more Mini Sirloin Burgers?” I just can’t eat them anymore knowing what I know. But I have no idea why Jack in the Box hasn’t partnered with Whole Foods and developed a cheap, fast and green solution for us?  Maybe it would be a few dollars more for free range, grass fed beef, organic buns, cheese and potatoes and soda with actual sugar in it, but I think there’s a market. I became convinced of this when I was at the Pasadena Green Fair and saw a GREEN roach coach. 

All food on the green roach coach is organic and grown locally.  The cups and plates are biodegradable, but they encourage you to bring your refillable cups and give discounts for doing so. Napkins are made of recycled paper. The truck runs on used, vegetable oil. 

I love the fact that they listed all the good stuff right by the organic menu, so you know why it’s green and why it’s good for you.

In case you can’t read it, the truck can be reached at www.greentruckonthego.com. It’s brilliant. If there was one on every few blocks and they were open 24 hours, my problems would be solved.  Until then, if you know someone who wants to open a drive thru, fast food, green burger joint, I’ll give them half off on the design fee!

Tags: green eating, Green Living, Green Truck on the Go
Posted in Events, Green Living, Retailers | No Comments »

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