Viviane — Beverly Hills, USA

When the Avalon Hotel opened in 1949, it was a revelation on the bucolic edge of Beverly Hills, where it’s slightly hidden behind the dense foliage. After a revamp over 15 years ago, designer Kelly Wearstler has been brought back, this time to update the restaurant and outdoor lounge area by the hour glass-shaped pool. The result is 1950 Jetsons with a modern twist; vintage furniture - collected from around the world - includes a Carlo de Carli settee and wood and brass dining chairs by American mid-century designer Dan Johnson. Hand-crafted, white oak tables with inlaid geometric patterns lead to a marble bar surrounded by retro iron-forged bar stools.
In the kitchen, Chef Michael Hung - who received rave reviews for his stint at Faith & Flower - has rejoined the Bombet Hospitality Group for his spin on a modern American and Continental menu which features homemade linguini with geoduck and clams, foie gras torchon and rib eye steak with bone marrow gremolata.
Outside, the cabanas are set against a backdrop of hand-painted trompe l’oeil patterns inspired by Italian architect Gio Ponti, providing a great perch for a cocktail by Ryan Wainwright. Here, Wearstler’s signature soufflé sofas are also accented with vintage-gilded Italian lounge chairs, Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs’ 1950s beechwood chairs and Pierre Chapo coffee tables, fitting in perfectly with the Californian outdoor vibe.
INFORMATION
ADDRESS
The Avalon Beverly Hills
9400 West Olympic Blvd.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Carole Dixon is a prolific lifestyle writer-editor currently based in Los Angeles. As a Wallpaper* contributor since 2004, she covers travel, architecture, art, fashion, food, design, beauty, and culture for the magazine and online, and was formerly the LA City editor for the Wallpaper* City Guides to Los Angeles.
-
All-In is the Paris-based label making full-force fashion for main character dressing
Part of our monthly Uprising series, Wallpaper* meets Benjamin Barron and Bror August Vestbø of All-In, the LVMH Prize-nominated label which bases its collections on a riotous cast of characters – real and imagined
By Orla Brennan
-
Maserati joins forces with Giorgetti for a turbo-charged relationship
Announcing their marriage during Milan Design Week, the brands unveiled a collection, a car and a long term commitment
By Hugo Macdonald
-
Through an innovative new training program, Poltrona Frau aims to safeguard Italian craft
The heritage furniture manufacturer is training a new generation of leather artisans
By Cristina Kiran Piotti
-
With glowing honeycomb-shaped booths, this futuristic Japanese restaurant is ramen heaven
After a successful U.S. expansion, Kyuramen touches down in Los Angeles.
By Carole Dixon
-
Tour the best contemporary tea houses around the world
Celebrate the world’s most unique tea houses, from Melbourne to Stockholm, with a new book by Wallpaper’s Léa Teuscher
By Léa Teuscher
-
Seven things not to miss on your sunny escape to Palm Springs
It’s a prime time for Angelenos, and others, to head out to Palm Springs; here’s where to have fun on your getaway
By Carole Dixon
-
At Linden Los Angeles, classic New York comfort food gets its due
The restaurant, inspired by a stretch of boulevard bridging Brooklyn and Queens, honors legacy, community and pleasure
By Carole Dixon
-
This atmospheric New York restaurant was designed to be a ‘beautiful ruin’
At Leon’s, classic Italian fare comes with a North African accent and with a side of family history
By Anna Fixsen
-
Is a tiny tattoo the best holiday souvenir? Kimpton Hotels think so
In partnership with Tiny Zaps, Kimpton Hotels is bringing city-inspired tattoo pop-ups to five U.S. locations
By Sofia de la Cruz
-
Alba Los Angeles is an Italian vacation disguised as a restaurant
This buzzy NYC import brings a slice of la dolce vita to West Hollywood
By Carole Dixon
-
At Bar Etoile, Scandi-chic meets leisurely Los Angeles
This new Melrose Park joint mixes art-world references, French bistro vibes and an out-of-this-world martini
By Carole Dixon