The tenth edition of the WestEdge Design Fair came to Santa Monica over the weekend, and I could not wait to see all the amazing vignette exhibits and sit in on the panel discussions. Held at the Barker Hangar, I was excited to be among the many interior designers, architects, and artists who came to showcase their latest products in innovation and sustainability. From kitchen finishings, lighting, bedding, and outdoor appliances to sculptures, accent furniture, and more, you could literally design your entire home in one place.
During the first panel discussion, interior designers and architects came together to talk about how to rebuild in Altadena and the Palisades. They discussed building with more sustainable materials, zoning and rezoning, and how to get people back into their homes in a timely fashion—without losing the character each neighborhood had prior. Marcela Olivia of USGBC-CA is working with companies to make rebuilding less stressful and far less confusing for families who aren’t sure where to begin. The future of the Palisades and Altadena looks bright with the right leaders spearheading these projects, ensuring they remain community-centered, informative, and smartly aligned with our ever-changing climate.
Afterward, I headed back inside to see what else would catch my eye. As a creative, I am naturally drawn to bright colors and love using them in my work. I even wore salmon-colored slacks—got tons of compliments on my outfit. While browsing, I came across the amazing exhibition of Los Angeles–based multimedia artist and designer Caroline Geys. Her art is fun, bright, quirky, and organically inspired. Honestly, it was my favorite exhibit. If you are an art lover looking for beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces, be sure to check her out. Her studio is located in the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles.
For the last panel, moderated by Josh Cooperman, host of the podcast Convo By Design, the discussion centered on the future of building smarter, faster, and more sustainably. Are clients ready for new methods of design? That was the question. Only the future will tell. Overall, I believe the design industry is headed in the right direction, with all the important factors in mind.
WestEdge was an incredible learning experience and exposed me to a side of design I had never seen before. As an aspiring interior designer, it was the perfect event to attend!
For information on next years fair click here
