“The architecture of the Avalon is truly one of a kind,” says Wearstler. “It has such an incredible sense of indoor/outdoor living.”
W
hen designing hotels, it’s important to Wearstler to create a sense of fantasy, a bit of adventure; guests aren’t looking for a recap of everyday, mundane living. The dining room features gold dining chairs upholstered in blue leather; the back bar was covered in Cippolino marble; its white and blue vein-like nuance adding an elemental movement around the stately liquors. Ceramic totem poles in said color scheme interact vibrantly with the space, their inspiration birthed from mid-century sculptures scattered throughout the restaurant. The
pool itself is surrounded by inviting, comfortable, soft lounge chairs, not the hardened, skinny pieces often associated with patio furniture. Instead, they’re just the kind privy to an unexpected nap. “Throughout everything we made sure to interact with both the historic architecture and the natural feel of California; nothing is trendy or weird,” explained Wearstler, who always integrates a mixture of components in her designs to add a sense of vigor. “We still incorporated mid-century pieces, whether from London or Paris or New York. It creates such a nice dialogue between one another.”
february • march
2010
Lonny
36