It is impossible to define this city’s architecture and interior design by one style. It’s not unlikely to find homes ranging from Spanish Revival, to English Tudor, to Mid-Century Modern design. We’ve reflected the diverse styles present in the city. The best interior designers, trained at the top interior design firms in Los Angeles, are ready to help apartment dwellers and homeowners alike make their spaces livable and lovely.
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While the design sensibility of Southern California may seem disjointed to those on the outside, it provides a level of freedom to LA interior designers and clients alike. Rather than a space that reflects a staid design aesthetic, Californians are free to inhabit spaces that reflect their personalities, interests and aspirations.
Michael S. Smith
Honored by all the top shelter publications, including Architectural Design and Elle Décor, this A-lister is one of the top talents in the design industry. Not to mention that Barack & Michelle Obama chose him to decorate the White House and makeover the Oval Office. His early days included studies at the Otis College of Art and Design and abroad, as well as a partnership with designer John Saladino in New York. The Californian returned to his roots to establish Michael S Smith, Inc. in 1990.
Waldo Fernandez
The Cuban native made himself home in New York before relocating to Los Angeles and enrolling in UCLA to study design and architecture. He started out as a set designer for Walter Scott, but it was his furniture commissions that earned him his early reputation. After designing for film director John Schlessinger, his work caught the attention of a plethora of celebrity clients, including Elizabeth Taylor. Waldo’s Design has been a fixture on Almont Drive for over 28 years.
Kelly Wearstler
Since its establishment in 1994, Kelly’s interior design firm has blossomed to include clothing, jewelry, and home collections. Described as a “branding virtuoso” by Architectural Digest, her vibrant interiors and lifestyle boutique make her a leading name in modern American design. The multi-talented author and fashionista has been featured both on the Los Angeles Times‘ bestseller list and Vogue‘s Best Dressed list. Her famous clients include the ever so stylish Gwen Stefani and Cameron Diaz.
Martyn Lawrence Bullar
Martyn is a household name in America and the UK, thanks primarily to his television shows Million Dollar Decorators (on Bravo TV) and Hollywood Me. Not surprisingly, the British-born designer moved to Hollywood 20 years ago to become an actor. His role in an Ed Wood film landed him the job of decorating the offices of Wood’s production company. These days, he has furniture, fabric, and fragrance lines. Fashion and jewelry product lines are in the works. His commitment has earned him the respect of such notable clientèle as Tommy Hilfiger, Elton John, and Cher.
Jeff Andrews
The designer for the famous Kardashian family, Jeff’s talent is seen by millions who watch their reality television productions. A highly coveted decorator, his expanding list of diverse celebrity clients also includes Ryan Seacrest and Michael C. Hall. The native Southern Californian’s magical interiors push creative boundaries, but remain true to traditional design aesthetics. Originally a choreographer, it should be no surprise that Jeff has a well-balanced approach to decorating and an eye for beauty.
Atelier AM
Shy by nature, Michael and Alexandra Misczynski keep a notoriously low profile. Which is quite a feat when you have clients like Tom Cruise, and collaborate with consummate modern architects like Richard Meier. The husband-and-wife duo met in Manhattan while working on different projects for the same client. Relocating to Michael’s hometown of Los Angeles, they founded the preeminent firm Atelier AM. The power couple is known as the choice designers for art connoisseurs.
Jeffrey Alan Marks
Another famous face from Bravo’s Million Dollar Decorators, Jeffrey has been a trendsetter in the design world for over twenty years. In addition to Malibu beach houses and London homes, the internationally acclaimed designer has created iconic commercial interiors, including The Hungry Cat in Santa Monica. He is currently at work on an exclusive fabric line for luxury brand Kravet.
Kathleen and Tommy Clements
The mother-and-son team have impressed clients like Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux with their pared-down but richly layered aesthetic. Tommy joined his mother’s firm, Kathleen Clements Design, in 2006 and has since flourished as a designer. The talented duo is keeping it diverse this year, with projects as varied as a mid-century modern to the renovation of a 1930’s Georgian.
Trip Haenisch
Originally from the Midwest, Trip embraces the quintessential California lifestyle, particularly when it comes to connecting outdoor living with airy interiors. With clients like Courteney Cox and Hank Azaria, it is no wonder his work is profiled in publications like Elle Décor, House Beautiful, and Vogue. He established design firm Martynus-Tripp with Martyn Lawrence Bullard in 1996, and has continued his design excellence in his independent practice, Trip Haenisch & Associates.
Jamie Bush
A New Yorker who grew up in a family of notable designers and artists, Jamie studied architecture and design in New Orleans and Italy. After receiving his Masters in Architecture from Tulane University, Jamie relocated to L.A. and opened his own interior design firm in 2002. Featured in such major publications as Architectural Digest, Dwell, and the Los Angeles Times, Jamie is highly regarded for his keen understanding of architecture and design.
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