2021 Rewind!
Can you believe it’s December already? What a year it has been!
2021 was not without its challenges, but it was certainly a time of growth and regeneration.
This time last year, we did not enter each others’ homes. That presented new challenges not only for interior designers and clients working together, but also for family and friends kept apart, sometimes even by continents. Now with new vaccines and boosters we’ve been able to interact more safely and hug the ones we love again. That’s not to say that everything is resolved, but we have undoubtably come a long way.
I believe you can tell more about a person by walking through their home than by anything else. Granted, I am an interior designer, but seeing the way someone lives gives incredible insight. You can tell what someone values in their space, how they spend their time, which areas they utilize the most, what colors they like, and even what moods they evoke. It really is a very personal experience! The pandemic begged the question: how can we plan a space for someone when we can’t see the way they live? It’s not impossible but it certainly wasn’t easy, and we’ve had to get creative and put our skills to the test.
Through a wonderful art consultant friend, Wendy Posner, I was able to work on the rooftop of the new Thompson Hotel in Hollywood this summer. The rooftop, dubbed “Bar Lis” was a much anticipated 2021 opening and the crown jewel of the Thompson Hotel. Through the use of home accessories, we captured the iconic spirit and style of the French Riviera and developed a sophisticated mix of classic South of France culture and modern Southern California ease. This project was so fun because it came out of nowhere and involved a lot of running around and thinking on my toes. I showed up to the job site with my hard hat and my new puppy. My puppy ended up getting her own hotel room for the day! She couldn’t be on the construction with me, but the energy of the project was incredible! The rooftop has now become the Live Jazz epicenter of LA, with enchanting musical performances every Tuesday night from 8pm to 12am. Go check out the music and the decorating, and enjoy the view and drinks while you’re at it!
Me with some home accessories for the Thompson Hotel in Hollywood!
The beautiful view from the roof of the Thompson Hotel
Southern California meets the South of France. Interior design perfection!
We are fortunate to be able to end the year on some incredible interior design projects, from a luxury high rise up in the sky in DTLA all the way down to a spaceship home nested among the trees of Beverly Hills. Thinking back to 2020, I was Zooming with a client in Hong Kong with a big white board on the wall behind me! If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that life keeps moving forward, whether we like it or not.
Our first ever luxury high rise in downtown Los Angeles! It came out so chic and beautiful.
In this high rise, we repainted the walls and wallpapered the bathroom so that everything would come together impeccably. One of our favorite interior design projects of the year!
This gorgeous mirror was the star of the show! From at homedecorbydonna.com
In many ways, the pandemic has helped us slow down. We value the comforts of home more and are reminded to be grateful of all we have. For me, it also brought in the fresh new energy of having a puppy, as I finally have the time now to take care of one! Omi was one of the greatest gifts of 2021, and she has since been to every interior design showroom in Los Angeles. You might have seen her patrolling the streets of West Hollywood, or testing out mattresses at her favorite store.
In 2022, Omi is excited to attend the Las Vegas Home Show and pick out more home accessory products to sell on homedecorbydonna.com.
My mini Design Assistant, Omi!
As an interior designer, you have to be a true team player. It’s not just picking out a sofa, but pulling together an entire team of contractors, sub-contractors, electricians, landscapers, and more. We’re sourcing top tier supplies from around the globe, remodeling, opening up spaces, and creating a complete and total transformation for your living space that will directly impact your quality of life. We’re so thankful for our entire team and all the hard work they put in throughout the year to make this kind of magic happen.
Here’s to making more magic in 2022!
Warmly,
Donna Livingston