Located near the famed 90210, The Avalon is one of the most well known hotels in the Los Angeles area, and it definitely lives up to its name. The former hideaway for celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Mae West and Lucille Ball, combines its Old Hollywood roots with its popular ’50s style. Kelly Wearstler, the hotel’s designer, says that The Avalon “is the quintessential midcentury project, as the 1949 building itself served as inspiration for creating an authentic midcentury California revival within.”
The Design
When styling the hotel, Wearstler says that the most challenging part was “creating a setting both adventurous and elegant.” For a Beverly Hills hotel, elegance is important and creating an oasis in a busy city is equally desired. The Avalon uses a very specific color palette and patterns to give the hotel a very classy vibe. The hotel works with a lot of white shades, along with pastel blues and greens. While many retro hotels will experiment with bright vibrant colors, The Avalon provides a clean and simple environment with very light hues. Another key element of the design, is the furniture. The Avalon is adorned with authentic MCM furniture throughout the rooms, and even in the restaurant. Any Midcentury fan could walk into The Avalon and be greeted by their favorite pieces, which makes the hotel feel more like home for its guests.
Although this style works well in the walls of The Avalon, replicating this design at home can certainly be accomplished. Wearstler emphasizes the importance of quality. As many Midcentury collectors and admirers know, authenticity is the key to getting this style right. “I am a strong believer that form and function can always seamlessly coexist,” says Wearstler. Whether it be the material or the silhouette, focus on the elements that speak to you. Choose furnishings and décor that allow for functionality, but that also emphasize your personal style. Although a room of just vintage pieces is stunning, you can always mix contemporary finds with your Midcentury ones. Lastly, Wearstler suggests to “select pieces because they resonate with you, not because they are ‘expected.'”
The Experience
You could spend years living in Los Angeles and never go to every destination the city has to offer. Whether you’re in town on business, or enjoying a trip to the state where summer never ends, the Beverly Hills area always has something going on. The Avalon is just a block away from Beverly Drive’s restaurants and shopping. Although you can always relax by the pool, try opting for the beach that’s only minutes away. If you’re looking to get away from the tourists, there are plenty of trendy coffee shops and vintage shops galore down Melrose Avenue. Whatever you’re looking to get from LA, The Avalon is the place to stay.
For more information on booking a trip, go to avalon-hotel.com/beverly-hills, or call (310) 277-5221.
This article is part of our 2017 Atomic Getaways series. For more of our favorite midcentury hotspots, restaurants and must-see travel destinations, check out the rest of our series.
