L.A.’s ever-growing showroom scene proves design blooms year-round in Southern California.
Portola Paints
Portola Paints has left West Hollywood for the NoHo Arts District, setting up in a former recording studio that once welcomed singers like Etta James and Tom Petty. Operated by brothers Casey and Jamie Davis, the company’s ecofriendly products have made them a leader in the field, and their custom palettes are a favorite among designers. Their colors are blended onsite and by hand to ensure accuracy, while their specialty products, Lime Wash and Roman Clay coatings, are rooted in ancient production methods. With 25 years of experience, the Davis brothers’ knowledge is comprehensive and their specialists are on hand at the new space to share application tips and tricks.
Form (LA)
Jordan Mosslar launched his furnishings company, Form (LA), in 2021, and has just debuted a 5,500 square-foot space on La Brea Avenue (between Melrose Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard) that celebrates the designer’s affinity for natural stone. The by-appointment showroom carries furniture—his own designs include tables, pedestals, chairs and mirrors, but he also does custom work—as well as bathtubs, vanities, marble tiles and lighting. Mosslar’s aesthetic is heavily influenced by Italian postmodernism and his pieces are as edited as they are bold. Each is made-to-order, allowing the opportunity for bespoke designs with hand-selected stone.
Kathryn M. Ireland
Designer Kathryn M. Ireland has opened a showroom—a first in her 30-year career. “We’ve been working directly with clients, but with our new collections and my son Otis’ growing fabric line, Otis Textiles, it became clear that having our own space for designers to visit made sense,” says Ireland. “West Adams is the perfect spot. Many other designers’ workrooms are also in the area and it’s so easy to get to.” The by-appointment showroom also includes their offices, as well as production facilities, with Ireland, ever the hostess, even offering lunch, coffee and light snacks to visitors.
