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California Interior Designer Janice Barta's Guide To Hitting Los Angeles Hot Spots #LikeALocal

Amelia Perches
Feb 8, 2017
6 min read

Janice Barta is founder & principal designer at Barta Interiors, where she creates various styles of spaces crafted with unique and personal touches all with a modern eye. Her passion for architecture and its symbiosis with interiors, together with a fondness for vintage décor and antiques, drew her in curatorial spirit to the special, individualized home. The personal sense of artistry that Janice Barta brings to her projects results in refined spaces that are deeply connected to her client’s interests and style, each project highly unique yet reminiscent of her curatorial eye.

Dreaming of a getaway where you can catch a wave, relax in wine country, walk through redwoods, or adventure in a theme park all in one week? Look no further than California! Barta, who has been living in Los Angeles for over ten years, is your ultimate guide to exploring Los Angeles #LikeALocal.

STAY

I've broken down where to stay in California based on location. With Los Angeles being such a diverse city, you can have completely different experiences based on where you stay and visit!

If you want to be in the heart of Santa Monica and stay on the beach I highly recommend staying at Casa del Mar. With a recent makeover this chic, beachy, and comfortable hotel is ocean front and has a fabulous lounge and restaurant in house. There are killer views and is an easy walk to all of Santa Monica's shops and restaurants. They offer spa services and lots of ocean and coastline views within this local landmark. Other popular options like the Viceroy and The Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica are great places to stay as well!

If you are looking to stay in LA and close to all the local metro lines, this is not the place for you. However, if you are looking for a "staycation" or a trip that involves a more relaxed and calm beach front vibe, then the Malibu Beach Inn is the perfect place to stay. As a guest you get direct access to one of the most exclusive beaches. The Malibu Country Mart is within a mile away and the Malibu Pier is within walking distance. The interiors are fresh, calming and reflects a warm, beach modern vibe. Their restaurant Carbon Beach Club uses locally sourced ingredients if you don't feel like taking a short drive to one of Malibu's local places to dine.

If 5 star service and acres of landscaped gardens and being minutes away from Beverly Hills is a priority, then the Hotel Bel Air is the place for you. Did I mention they also have their own Swan Lake? Your stay here will be uber luxurious, and their impeccable service and exquisite atmosphere will make your stay a truly unforgettable experience.

Everyone knows the famed Chateau Marmont; if you are looking for an equally charming, chic alternative, my vote is the Tower Hotel. The Tower Hotel offers classically tailored interiors set within a historic Art Deco building that has a lot of rich Hollywood history to-boot behind its walls. The rooms are chic, and their Tower Bar is one of my favorite dinner and drink spots in the city. It is a perfect spot for a date or a place to stay when visiting Los Angeles.

When I moved to Los Angeles over 10 years ago from New York City, I moved to downtown LA. The idea of an amazing loft space at a fraction of the cost of living in NYC was super appealing. Downtown then wasn't what it is now; I live on the west side and downtown has become a culinary destination spot with a huge artist and design community. If your visit entails a lot of east side exploring, I suggest staying at the Ace Hotel. This hot spot opened in early 2014 in a historic artist building downtown. You are close to the popular Broad Museum, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and many new and in demand restaurants.

SEE + DO

TIP: My recommendation to get around is use the new metro! Unless you are a seasoned LA visitor between traffic and parking it can be easy to stick to the neighborhood you are staying in to avoid the crowds. Use the metro system if you are new so you can easily access all LA has to offer!

When I'm in Hollywood I love a night out at The Spare Room in the Roosevelt Hotel. It's a great low-key late night scene; they have a prohibition era-style cocktail lounge with custom-made wood board games. Not to mention their vintage two-lane bowling alley and hidden photo booth is a fun way of spending a night out with friends. Ask for Rich - he makes some of the best cocktails in the city!

Another bar I love that has been around for awhile is The Varnish, a speakeasy-style bar in downtown LA hidden in the back of Cole's Restaurant. In the back is a hidden door that leads you to a wood-paneled room with great drinks and low key vibe. If you dine at Cole's, first grab a French dip and their chocolate cream pie. Perfection!

If dinner, jazz and drinks are more your vibe, I visit the Tower Bar. Clams casino, steak frites and a killer wine list surrounded by gorgeous Art Deco decor. The playing of many famed jazz pianists within this sexy tailored space makes for a superb romantic night out.

The new Broad Museum was an immediate hot spot to visit when it opened. They have a huge distinctive collection of contemporary art. Eli and Edythe Broad's collection of over 2,000 post-war works now resides here, it's hard to believe this museum offers free admission! Make a reservation ahead of time to ensure space at some of their shows that are in high demand.

The Hollywood Bowl is an outdoor amphitheater like no other. Pack a picnic and bring a bottle of wine for some of their fab music events.

I always recommend visitors to the LA area to these two beaches when in town. After all the hustle and bustle of city nightlife, visiting at least one of these places is mandatory to experience all of the different facets of what LA has to offer. El Matador, this secluded pocket of beach with hidden coves is a perfect spot to have a romantic or relaxing day at the beach. My second favorite spot is Leo Carrillo State Beach. Located about 30 minutes north of Santa Monica on the PCH, this beautiful beach has sea caves, tide pools and tons of scenic beach nature that will make you forget you are in the city.

EAT + DRINK

With so many places to eat and drink, here is a short list of my top favorites!

RESTAURANTS : Cassia, Tar & Roses, Santa Monica Yacht Club, Charcoal, Gjelina, Gjusta, The Rose Cafe, Jon & Vinny's, Republique, Petit Trois, Trois Mec, Baroo, Bestia, The Tasting Kitchen, Mozza & for vegans, Gracias Madre!

BARS : The Spare Room, The Corner Door, Terrine, Jones Hollywood, No Name, Seven Grand, E.R.B., Big Bar, The Walker Inn.

SHOP

From furniture to decor and accessories I love shopping vintage! Here is a list of my can't miss spots:

AMSTERDAM MODERN--You can find a number of amazing mid-century modern furniture and lighting from Amsterdam located in this incredible 10,000 square foot warehouse in located in Echo Park.
MIDCENTURY LA--Head to Noho and wander the 12,000 square foot space filled with mid-century furniture finds from Sweden and Denmark.
LANKERSHIM--While in North Hollywood head to Lankershim Boulevard and you will find a couple of great vintage shops with competitive pricing. Visit Santiago Vintage shop for great finds and walk down the street to discover other great neighborhood stores. You need to go often because they are always updating their inventory and the most desirable items goes FAST! Other store favorites are Cruz Antique and Angel's Antiques.
PASADENA--Another great vintage shopping destination is Pasadena! I love heading to the Pasadena Antique Center & Annex to find accessories and furniture.
FLEA MARKETS--Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena & the Long Beach Flea Market. This is a great way of meeting new vendors in and around LA.
HUGHES ESTATE SALES--Hughes Estate Sales became incredibly successful with their "First Fridays" sales in Altadena and now they have a showroom in downtown LA within the Artists District where you can shop an interesting mix of furnishings and accessories.
JF CHEN ANTIQUES--This is for the luxury vintage & antique shopper. Their by appointment only shop in Culver City has a 34,000 square foot sister showroom located in Hollywood and it's filled with museum quality collector pieces. Joel Chen is a superb curator of collectible and artistic decorative furniture, art and objects.