On the eve of LEGENDS, we asked this top L.A. designer to share his secret sources, favorite places and greatest scores. His answers provide anyone with an A-list tour through the quarter and beyond.

Martyn Lawrence Bullard
The designer and his new atelier opening in the heart of the LCDQ.

Martyn Lawrence Bullard is a force of nature in design and in life. The vivacious British expat interior designer is perpetually on lists like the Architectural Digest Top 100 Designers and Elle Décor’s A-List and boasts a star-studded clientele that includes Kendall Jenner, Tommy Hilfiger, Cher, Ellen Pompeo and Eva Mendes to name some.

Both his interiors and the designs he’s created for his eponymous studio and iconic brands like Schumacher, Ann Sacks, and The Rug Company share his eclectic, stylish and sophisticated aesthetic. In between a bevy of projects and downtime at his Hollywood Hills home and Palm Springs hideaway, we asked him to share his insider guide to LCDQ…

Favorite thing about visiting & shopping LCDQ is…

“The sheer convenience for a designer to shop so many great looks and vibes in such close proximity. For someone like myself who works on many different projects at once, I’m able to shop multiple looks at the same time, and have clients join to shop with me, lunch break, and present design schemes to all in one well-located spot.”

Downton & Craig Evan Small
Downtown’s enviable decor and a sampling of jewels at Craig Even Small where Martyn hunts for vintage watches.
Best score ever was…

“The most amazing little 19th-century Moroccan mirror at Downtown. Apart from being a beautiful object with a magical, timeworn patina, I found a stamp on the back that turned out to be an inventory stamp from the collection of Doris Duke. It must have once resided in her legendary Hollywood home, ‘Falcons Lair ‘, and now it lives in mine!”

Biggest design weakness and where I get my fix…

“I have a passion for antique jewelry, especially vintage watches. Craig Evan Small is tucked between some of my favorite fabric shops (Claremont and Hollywood at Home) and cool vintage stores (Downtown and Dragonette Ltd.), which is kind of a disaster for me as I have to pass the window when client shopping and am often lured in by the sparkling treasures in the window!”

Where I take clients (and myself) before/after shopping LCDQ…

“For lunch, I’ll often take them to Fig and Olive. The delicious Italian fare and easy, bright atmosphere is so congenial to start or end a shopping expedition. And the tables are big enough to show plans and schemes, too. It’s a perfect location.”

“I love Alfred Coffee & Kitchen. Cool design, great Stumptown cold brew, and tasty snacks, not to mention a chic chocolate Compartes Chocolatier in the back for that sugar fix pick-me-up!”

Claremont , Hollywood at Home & Dragonette
Top: A treasure trove of textiles at Claremont. Bottom: More fun fabrics at Hollywood at Home;
Right: A glamorous table setting at Dragonette Ltd.
For non-design browsing around the LCDQ…

“There’s great boutiques with really cool design vibes tucked into Melrose Place. Marc Jacobs is a favorite along with their companion bookstore, Bookmarc—perfect for gifts. I also love the beautiful little Santa Maria Novella apothecary store, filled with ancient fragrances and tonics. A perfect sensual pick-me-up and great for a ‘pamper me’ treat.”

Where I have a post-shopping cocktail…

“I love the bar at Cecconi’s. The easy, California bar doubles with the Italian flavor for style perfection. They serve a delicious martini and really good wines by the glass.”

Hotel I’d recommend to visitors…

The Sunset Tower Hotel has an old-school charm that’s always appealing… and if you know the right rooms to ask for, the views across the city are amazing. The added bonus is the Tower Bar and Restaurant: Delicious food, old Hollywood ambiance, and always good for a celebrity sighting or two. Dimitri, the maître d’, has become a star in his own right and makes each visit one to remember.”

Inspiring place to see close to LCDQ…

LACMA is an amazing museum that’s just a hop and skip away from LCDQ. The contemporary galleries have wonderful collections and the decorative arts are always inspiring. The Peterson is amazing to see. The architecture is super cool, especially lit up at night and houses a breathtaking collection of lust-worthy cars.”

Alfred's Coffe, Peterson Museum & LACMA
From left: A quick cold brew keeps the shopping going at Alfred; An automotive gem at Petersen; The striking exterior of LACMA.
The hidden gem of LCDQ is really…

“The new hidden gem is… my very own atelier, highlighting all my designs—from fabric and wallpaper collections to porcelain, crystal, bedding, lighting, and furniture. Plus, there’s an edited collection of cool, midcentury and vintage objects and accessories. Situated on Melrose below my design studio, the shop sells directly to the public as well as the trade and heralds a new age of design boutiques and energy that flows through the District.”

Martyn Lawrence Bullard Atelier
Martyn Lawrence Bullard Atelier
Biggest misconception visitors have about LCDQ is…

“That it’s all trade-only boutiques. In reality, the shops are open to the public and design trade alike, and often exhibit inventory that is both exclusive and custom. People think everything is expensive and reserved for the high-end design trade. But you can really find something for everyone from rare, first edition books to room spray and fragranced candles, Adnet chairs to napkins—finds for every pocket. It is a mecca for true design enthusiasts and a home to the trends, traditions, and classics. Unlike any other city, our design district is a must visit for all, whether building a house or just window shopping for inspiration.”



MARTYN LAWRENCE BULLARD: MY LCDQ

Downtown

719 N. La Cienega Blvd. | 310-652-7461

Dragonette Ltd.

711 N. La Cienega Blvd. | 310-855-9091

Craig Evan Small

731 N. La Cienega Blvd. | 310-550-7895

Hollywood at Home

703 N. La Cienega Blvd. | 310-273-6200

Claremont

723 N. La Cienega Blvd. | 310-248-3841

Cecconi’s

8764 Melrose Avenue | 310-432-2000

Alfred Coffee & Kitchen

8428 Melrose Place | 323-944-0811

Fig & Olive

8490 Melrose Place | 310-360-9100

Sunset Tower Hotel

8358 Sunset Blvd. | 323-654-7100

Marc Jacobs

8400 Melrose Place | 323-653-5100



Bookmarc

8409 Melrose Place | 323-944-0575

Santa Maria Novella

8411 Melrose Place | 323-651-3754

LACMA

5905 Wilshire Blvd. | 323-857-6010

Peterson Automotive Museum

6060 Wilshire Blvd. | 323-930-2277

Martyn Lawrence Bullard Atelier

8550 Melrose Avenue


Keep up with Martyn and his projects…
martynlawrencebullard.com


@martynbullard