WestEdge Design Fair, the West Coast’s premier modern design fair, returned for its 6th year to Santa Monica’s Barker Hanger October 18-21, 2018.

Opening night, benefiting Safe Place for Youth, had a huge turnout. Guests enjoyed wine, specialty cocktails and delicious culinary treats like homemade pasta, cannoli and creme brûlée to name just a few all while walking around this immense venue with elaborate booths and well designed spaces. Barker Hanger was truly transformed! We enjoyed seeing the top-tier design brands in categories including furniture and lighting, kitchen and bath, pottery, jewelry, accessories and other inspiring products.

Here are highlights of what we discovered. IGNEOUS heated luxury concrete freestanding soaking tubs, designed by Staj Olson, were the most unique product of the night!  They truly are works of art that are personally hand-sculpted, numbered and signed by the artist. The whole tub has radiant heat before there is any water! There’s a blue tooth sound system where we felt and heard music through our entire bodies. Hard to describe, really. Yes, of course we climbed into the tub – a very relaxing and enjoyable experience!

Another memorable discovery were the whimsical and playful lamps by Personal Space of Manhattan Beach. I spoke to managing director Laurie Wiluan, who said Personal Space MB was created “to marry great Asian designers with the design community in North America.”

Designed by Ong Cen Kuang, these sculptural creations made of zipper material felt organic with origins found in nature.

The work of EIS Studio of Venice, California was also interesting and inspiring. Founded by Eva I. Sobesky, her work is both art and furniture. Eva has incorporated her background as a sculptor to create a fun and sophisticated furniture line called “Pebbles.” Pebbles are distinctly sculptural, gently curving seating elements that take their inspiration from actual pebbles found in nature. They are available in four stunning complimentary materials: wood, cast stone, fabric, and fiberglass.

For additional info about WestEdge Design Fair, please visit https://www.westedgedesignfair.com