DTLA-based designers Andrea DeRosa and Ashley Manhan share their favorite local hangouts.

Andrea DeRosa (right) and Ashley Manhan of Avenue Interior Design, photographed by Brent Dundore.

This week we’ve invited Andrea DeRosa of Avenue Interior Design to do our My LA column. We’re big fans of the luxury hospitality design firm she runs with Andrea Manhan and are thrilled to help them celebrate their tenth anniversary. While overseeing boutique hotel projects including La Serena Villas in Palm Springs and the Ramble Hotel in Denver, Colorado, they’ve also been playing major roles in the renovation of the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas (Scroll down for a preview of the hotel’s Cinema Suite) and the MGM Springfield in Massachusetts. They’ve also just been revealed as the designers behind the renovation of the Double Tree in Santa Monica, which will become a Hilton flagship next spring. 

If that’s not enough, they have also recently launched several new collaborations: a sofa for Walters Furniture and a line of rugs for Loloey Carpets. “We’re excited to announce that the Femme Flora pattern will be used in Santa Monica,” she says. (Below is a little sneak peek of the design.) “The relaxed nature of the pattern, paired with the bold color palette, made it a perfect selection for this beachside property.” We couldn’t agree more, and we can’t wait to see the completed project. In the meantime, we’ll just enjoy learning about the city through their eyes.

Avenue Interior Design’s new Femme Flora rug, soon to be underfoot at the Double Tree in Santa Monica.

What are a few of your favorite cultural destinations around the city?

We’re constantly inspired by the abundance of museums and events throughout the city. Between MOCA, LACMA and the Getty, there is always something new to see. Design is all about evolution and perspective and you can’t look to the future without paying homage to the past. 

The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, which recently announced free admission thanks to a $10-million gift from its Board of Trustees President Carolyn Clark Powers. Photo by Checubus/Shutterstock via Curbed LA

What are a few of your favorite local restaurants, and what do you like to order at each?

A tried and true favorite is Izakaya on 3rd. It’s so consistently delicious. I recommend the “lunch plate” for a mini taste of all their go-tos. Its neighbor, Kassi Club, is an amazing evening dinner and lounge spot with beautiful decor and a delish Mediterranean-inspired menu. Their signature cocktail is a must. The pizza at Cal Mare by Michael Mina (in the Beverly Center, of all places) has amazing food. The pizza totally caught us by surprise! We opened the East Coast location of Cal Mare last fall and it’s fun to see how the menu options differ from coast to coast.  

Greek eatery Kassi Club. Photo by Michael Roach via Hollywood Reporter

The open kitchen at Cal Mare. Photo by Wonho Frank Lee via Eater

What neighborhood do you live in, and what makes it home?

I live in the area around Larchmont, which has one of the best neighborhood vibes in the city. It feels low key and relaxed, and I love the diversity of architecture from home to home. The Sunday Farmers Market has long been a family tradition for us. Ashley lives in the Beverly Hills/West Hollywood area and has access to the best of everything. She’s always in the know with all the new restaurant and retail openings throughout the city. There’s so much great energy in her neighborhood.

The Larchmont Village Farmers Market—every Sunday from 10 to 2—is a favorite stop for Andrea and her family.

Tell us a little about your wellness routine. How do you de-stress?

LA is a hotbed of health/wellness/personal awareness, so it’s not hard to find something for everyone. Recently, we attended a hotel development conference where an industry professional pointed out that people are using diet and exercise as personal identifiers more than ever. We’re constantly on the run, so it makes committing to classes locally a challenge but we take the opportunity to explore wherever we land by foot so we can take it all in. There’s such a stronger connection with the landscape when you’re immersed in it. And over the years, we’ve discovered it’s imperative to disconnect, even if for just 30 minutes. You have to log off in order to recharge!

And it’s always hard to pick a favorite, but is there one particular Instagram feed that you find particularly inspiring?

We love @eyeswoon. Her attention to detail is impeccable and her look is as flawless as it is effortless. But everyday we pour over new Instagram feeds—usually a true lifestyle ambassador who is showcasing the best of the best for interiors, design in general, food, travel and fashion. 

We swoon, you swoon, we all swoon for Eyeswoon. Photo by @johnny_miller_ from her book, Cook Beautiful.

Vegas, Baby! 

As promised, here’s a look at the newly completed Cinema Suite designed by Andrea and Ashley for the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Yes, please.

Project images courtesy of Avenue Interior Design.