These Designers are Strangers in Paradise
How International Designers are Redefining West Coast Style
Sunlight filtered through the grand chandelier window of James Royce Designer Rugs’ West Hollywood showroom on the final day of DesignLA’s Legends. The early afternoon crowd filtered in, enjoying fresh coffee and the buzz of conversation.
Rows of chairs sat upon a breathtaking palatial rug, swathed with swirls of colorful florals on a bold red background, leading to a stage with a white clothed table and promises of an unforgettable panel.
Strangers in Paradise: How International Designers are Redefining West Coast Style was conceptualized by HelloPR Group, a Los Angeles based PR firm that specializes in design, lifestyle, and luxury brands.
Kathryn Ireland, a true legend in the interior design space, moderated the event. Though she is British-born, Ireland is a citizen of the world.
She is known for “sympathetic restorations” of landmark architectural houses and hotels as well as her extraordinary designs for the Hollywood elite. She’s established herself as a star of Bravo’s Million Dollar Decorators and as a major player in the production of bespoke textiles. Her sharp humor and years of insight guided the discussion around the world and to a variety of design styles.
Huma Sulaiman, principal of the award-winning Huma Sulaiman Design, was the first of three panelists. She spoke, in part, on the influence of her Bangladeshi background in choosing patterns and color pallets as well as the upcoming opening of her design space in West Hollywood.
Eva Bradley, founder and principal designer of Eva Bradley Studio, has a design style shaped by her Swiss heritage and time spent in vibrant metropolitan cities like San Francisco and New York. Bradley spoke on the importance of storytelling in design as a reflection of the client and location of the project.
Managing principal architect at Butler Armsden Architects, Glenda Flaim touched on her Italian roots and the use of materials from home in her projects. As an award winning architect, she has an eye for blending modern and historical styles that reflect culture and her clients’ stories. For Flaim, context is key.
The second half of the panel opened up to questions from the over eighty members of the audience. They covered topics like the lessons they’ve learned over their years in the design industry; what not to do–which, in Flaim’s position as an architect, came down to measuring three times, cutting once; the most impactful design books they’ve read; and their approaches to design in their own homes.
The afternoon ended with a popup book signing by Kathryn Ireland and the crowd mingling over a wide lunch spread.
As the sun has now set on Legends 2025, we look forward to what the rest of spring has to offer the interior design community.
