Downtown Los Angeles based firm Avenue Interior Design is known for their innovative use of art, color, and texture to create memorable spaces. The firm's Principals Andrea DeRosa and Ashley Manhan tell more about their boutique hotel projects, design philosophies, and art inspiration in a full interview on the ArtStar Blog.

You’ve worked on a number of hotel projects for large brands - how do you create a personalized/localized feel in those spaces?

ASHLEY MANHAN: The use of art and accessories is always an interesting way to create a memorable space that speaks to the property's location. Curating collections by local artists or scouring neighborhood antique stores for artifacts helps bring a personal touch to any hotel or restaurant.

Project: LA SERENA | Artwork: Ernesto Gonzalez curated by ArtStar

What is the greatest challenge when selection art for hospitality and commercial projects?

ASHLEY MANHAN: Budget can be a challenge on some hospitality projects. As designers we find ourselves looking for innovative ways to create memorable and wow-moments without spending a high price. We love working with up-and-coming artists or finding a creative, unique solution for artwork through different mediums.
FAVORITE ARTSTAR PIECE: LIQUID MIRRORS #6 BY JORDAN TIBERIO

Project: LA SERENA

What is unique about LA’s design scene? How do you two define LA style?

JENNA ROCHON: The scene is unique as we are currently experiencing what is being defined as a Design Renaissance. In past where LA was often forgotten, artists are now relocating here to be immersed in the music, movies, art, architecture and tech communities. It is a melting pot of creativity and mediums, which allows for unexpected and unique art opportunities. I would best describe LA style as individualistic. It celebrates building a personal narrative of who you are, where you’ve been, and how the city’s surroundings impact you, ultimately expressed through your space.

FAVORITE ARTSTAR PIECE: THE SAMO ISSUE BY ANDREA MARY MARSHALL

Project: THE RAMBLE HOTEL

What trends do you see in the hospitality industry?

ANDREA DEROSA: Boutique properties especially are trending toward achieving a sense of authenticity. Be it in color, texture, specific FF&E selections, artwork, materials, every element needs to have a carefully curated sensibility. The end result should feel effortless – but still a bit aspirational.

If you had to choose 3 words to describe your ideal client, what would they be?

ANDREA DEROSA: Savvy. Engaged. Fearless. It’s a dream when a client knows what they want (and, just as importantly, what they don’t want), they actively participate in the design process and they are not afraid to push boundaries.

FAVORITE ARTSTAR PIECE: FREEFORMS #009 BY MARIA PIESSIS

Project: SLS MIAMI

In your view, how does art impact a public space (like a hotel lobby)? How does art impact a private space (like a guest room)?

BRIANA ANTER: Art has a huge impact on public spaces. It is the one unpredictable item in a space that has the ability to completely transform your experience. It can bring back memories and feelings, create a mood, create tension, open a dialogue, make you wonder, or make you think. While art in a public space tends to have an energizing effect, art in private spaces more often creates an intimate and personal experience, inviting reflection and contemplation.

FAVORITE ARTSTAR PIECE: BEAUTY BUG BY AMANDA PRATT

Project: SLS LAS VEGAS-Foxtail Pool

Do you get inspiration from your travels? What is your vacation spot?

DAPHNIE PAN: Yes constantly, the two words almost feel synonymous to me. Last year I was in Bali and not only was I inspired by the unique Balinese culture, but also how the culture had such a synergy with the landscape and the architecture. Everything from the rice patty fields to the temples to the vibrant religious offerings to the batik textiles had cohesion and that was very inspiring to me. My favorite vacation spot within California is by far Big Sur. It’s this magical place where the mountains meet the ocean and it’s impossible to not be in awe of its beauty.

FAVORITE ARTSTAR PIECE: LEGS BY JEREMY & CLAIRE WEISS

Avenue Interior Design is based in downtown LA - what is your favorite neighborhood for design finds?

THEODORA ESPARZA: My favorite neighborhood for design finds is the Arts District. This area has been a hub for boutiques and galleries. My favorite is Guerrilla Atelier. It is a lifestyle store that mixes fashion, art and furniture. It is owned/curated by Carl Louisville, who was previously the director of Prada in Beverly Hills. He brings handcrafted and luxury products from around the world to downtown LA.

Project: SLS LAS VEGAS-VIP Cabana

What are your top design blogs at the moment? What are your favorite Instagram accounts for daily inspiration?

THEODORA ESPARZA: My favorite blogs and Instagram accounts are Design Milk, Join Design and Sight Unseen. Design Milk has a range from small furniture makers to large architectural projects. Join Design is a collective of 50+ independent design studios. They are items you won’t see in most mainstream design magazines. Sight Unseen, I love their modern and edgy curation. Their designers are always pushing the norms and creating unexpected moments.

FAVORITE ARTSTAR PIECE: COCO IN HER STUDIO BY DOUGLAS KIRKLAND

What is your favorite local coffee shop or restaurant?

DENISE PAN: My favorite new find for coffee is Go Get Em Tiger in Los Feliz. Apart from making a great cappuccino, they have any amazing deck with lovely olive trees making it a great place sit and enjoy your coffee on a sunny LA afternoon. They also have McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream next door, which is an easy follow up stop.
FAVORITE ARTSTAR PIECE: JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK BY LUDWIG FAVRE

Project: SLS VEGAS FRED SEGAL

How has your interior design style changed over the years?

LAUREN MCLAUGHLIN: My design style is continuously evolving year to year. As a Designer you are constantly exposed to new ideas and innovation it’s nearly impossible to just pick one style and stick to that forever. (Kudos to those who do though!) That being said, I always try to select art that will stand the test of time. Art is the heart of every design story and great art should be able to transcend as your design taste evolves.

FAVORITE ARTSTAR PIECE: FINGER LIPS BY HERVÉ DUNOYER

What is your favorite wall color right now?

CHRISTINE ROH: Classic Gray OC-23. Light and sophisticated.

Project: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HOTEL PROPERTY

How has your taste in art changed over the years?

CHRISTINE ROH: In the recent years, I’ve begun appreciating more minimalist watercolors and softer candid photography that have an effortless charm. We all know what “simple" is but it’s so difficult but beautiful to capture. I’ve always been a fan of line-weight but I’ve definitely seen enough geometric animal artwork and ombre everything.

FAVORITE ARTSTAR PIECE: SANTA CRUZ AMUSMENT PARK BY LUDWIG FAVRE