I can’t get enough of Los Angeles. I’ve been there so many times I’ve lost count and each visit leaves me wanting more. There’s something about the effortless blend of Hollywood glamor, eclectic neighborhoods and sun-drenched beaches that never ceases to fascinate me. Attending concerts at small music venues, enjoying the ever-evolving food scene and stroll past classic mid-century architecture – I appreciate L.A.’s knack for making high-style simply inviting.
That’s why I’ve decided to compile a handful of LA-themed lists — starting with the city’s best luxury interior designers. They’re the visionaries behind the unforgettable spaces where casual Californian cool meets opulent furnishings and A-list flair. Let’s start with the best of the best in one of my favorite cities in the world.
Methodology
- Portfolio Depth: I examined five years of residential, hospitality and commercial work for scope and consistency.
- Client Satisfaction: High-profile celebrities and executives trust these designers time and again. I also read testimonials and informal feedback to find out if the spaces offer lasting comfort and functionality.
- Industry Recognition: Awards, press features, and design community buzz factored into the final ranking.
- Innovation & Impact: I singled out designers who shape trends instead of mimicking them.
- Personal Observations: I considered how each designer integrates sustainability, personalization and artistry to enrich projects.
1. Martyn Lawrence Bullard
Martyn Lawrence Bullard has earned a reputation for mixing global textures and historical references in a way that is both dramatic and inviting. Influenced by his father’s operatic background, he often weaves theatrical elements into his projects: lush velvets, detailed Moroccan tiles or ornate chandeliers. He also loves to discover bold color combinations and artisanal pieces on his travels, which he then seamlessly incorporates into his clients’ homes to reflect the owners’ unique stories. Celebrities such as Cher, Elton John and the Kardashians rave about his ability to make luxurious spaces personal and vibrant. Bullard’s panache may overwhelm minimalists, but if you want to combine unabashed glamor with warmth and functionality, he’s your go-to guy. He advises you to celebrate your treasures rather than hide them away. He sees them as conversation starters that emphasize a room’s personality.
2. Jeff Andrews
Jeff Andrews is a master at creating interiors that are upscale but not stuffy. He assembles a base of timeless pieces and then sprinkles in splashes of color or pattern to brighten the atmosphere. His work impresses celebrities like Ryan Seacrest and Kourtney Kardashian, but his rooms are still suitable for everyday use: expansive sofas provide space for large families, carefully selected fabrics are hard-wearing and special lighting adds a touch of drama without being overbearing. Andrews listens carefully to his clients, enjoys working with them and often pushes them out of their comfort zone with unexpected design elements. He knows how to use an eye-catching pattern or accent color in a way that enlivens the space instead of overwhelming it. When you walk into one of his homes, you feel harmony, sophistication and genuine comfort — exactly what “livable luxury” is supposed to achieve.
3. Kathleen & Tommy Clements (Clements Design)
Kathleen and Tommy Clements prefer a simple elegance based on organic materials, neutral colors and simple shapes. Their style incorporates wooden beams, muted linen fabrics and stone surfaces to create a gallery-like serenity. Adam Levine, Portia de Rossi and other well-known personalities appreciate Clement’s design for spaces that exude a calm minimalism without being cold. Rather than being flashy, each room is designed so that every object feels purposeful. They rarely use bright colors or flashy prints, preferring subtle hues and quality textures that age gracefully. Their approach is just right if you crave a calming environment that’s still sophisticated enough for glossy magazines. They often encourage their clients to consider the home’s existing architecture — if the house has a good building fabric, they’ll emphasize it rather than forcing clashing elements.
4. Waldo Fernandez
Waldo Fernandez studied architecture at UCLA and began his career designing houses for Hollywood filmmakers. He has spent decades perfecting the balance between structural integrity and luxurious interiors. Celebrity clients such as Brad Pitt and Elizabeth Taylor appreciate his ability to emphasize the original beauty of a building while outfitting it with luxurious furnishings and tasteful art. Fernandez sees a home as an expression of its owner’s personal style, but he never ignores the character of the architecture. He restores exposed beams, highlights unique windows or preserves historic tiles to showcase a home’s history. His projects appear eclectic, but they never clash, as he carefully considers how each piece enhances the overall composition. He also places great emphasis on comfort — his pieces invite you to use them rather than just admire them. If you own a home with distinct structural elements, Fernandez will make sure every inch fits your lifestyle and design dreams.
5. Atelier AM (Alexandra & Michael Misczynski)
Alexandra and Michael Misczynski of Atelier AM have made a name for themselves by combining old-world sophistication with modern silhouettes. So you might see a centuries-old tapestry next to a sleek, modern chair or a high-gloss coffee table next to a vintage ottoman. They strive for what they call “quiet drama”, an understated tension that draws you in as soon as you start paying attention to the details. Although they mostly use neutral colors, they layer textures and incorporate sculptures or antiques that create a subtle contrast. Their client list ranges from movie stars to art collectors who want their homes to reflect their personal history without appearing chaotic. Atelier AM’s projects appear calm at first glance, but this calm hides a great deal of depth. If you want a refined, nuanced environment that transcends a single style period, that’s just what you’ll find.
6. Marmol Radziner
Leo Marmol and Ron Radziner started out as architects and therefore place great emphasis on structure, form and seamless connections between inside and outside in their interiors. When they design a soaring residential tower like The Beaudry or a private mid-century home, they use large windows, earthy materials like wood and stone, and curved lines to allow natural light to penetrate every nook and cranny. Their style pays homage to L.A.’s mid-century heritage, but they update it with custom furniture from their own workshop. The end result is a mix of clean design and simple comfort, so you won’t see any superfluous frills. They respect the local climate and incorporate green spaces or terraces to make each room feel like a continuation of nature. Clients who value sustainability and a timeless, modern esthetic often come to Marmol Radziner because they believe that a carefully thought-out building can still be relevant in the decades to come.
7. Kelly Wearstler
Kelly Wearstler exudes confidence in every project, whether she is designing a five-star hotel or a private villa. Her bold use of pattern, color and sculptural pieces has earned her a reputation as one of the biggest risk takers in the design industry, and people often recognize her style at first glance. She loves to combine 1970s-inspired shapes with art deco references, bright murals and eye-catching lighting — it all feels intentional yet playful. If you show her a quirky piece of vintage furniture or a bold color palette, she’ll find a way to amp it up. She also believes that spaces should inspire conversation and bring joy, so she rarely shies away from unexpected combinations. Some may find her approach too loud, but many luxury seekers crave Wearstler’s fearless approach because it exudes creativity and individuality. She proves that sophistication and fun can coexist if staged correctly.
8. Ethan Charles Design
Ethan Charles represents a new generation of designers who see luxury as personal comfort rather than ostentatious opulence. His projects often feature fine, natural woods, soft but durable fabrics and large-scale artworks that reflect the client’s taste. He spends a lot of time understanding the homeowners’ daily routines — how they relax, cook or entertain — and then tailors every detail to meet those needs. This personalized approach results in homes that look beautiful and feel inviting. It combines modern lines with muted colors to make the space feel modern, not trendy. Clients who value authenticity appreciate that he honors their personal history or sentimental items rather than hiding them. Ethan Charles believes that design should solve problems and enrich your life. That’s why he focuses on the balance between high style with down-to-earth functionality.
9. Lindsey Brooke Design
Lindsey Brooke has conquered the LA design scene with bright, airy interiors that combine casual Californian style with sophisticated details. She prefers a neutral base — white walls, natural wood and breezy curtains — and then accents with colorful textiles, bold artwork or playful elements. With families with children and pets in mind, she often works with high-quality fabrics and open floor plans that balance out the clutter of everyday life. She also loves layering different textures to add dimension to a room without cluttering it with pattern. Busy professionals who want a quiet home appreciate Lindsey’s ability to combine calm, neutral colors with vibrant contrasts. She sees design as a means to enhance daily life. That’s why she focuses on flow and function before choosing esthetic embellishments that match the client’s energy.
10. Lisa Merkle Design
Lisa Merkle brings a classical European training to modern homes in California, combining timeless references with a new sensibility. For example, she incorporates carved moldings or French-inspired archways and then combines them with modern upholstery or sleek fixtures so that the end result never feels dated. Her clients appreciate her thoughtful way of integrating meaningful antiques or heirlooms into modern living spaces, combining nostalgia with contemporary taste. Her goal is to convey a sense of depth and history without creating clutter. Merkle also invests in relationships with world-class artisans who create custom pieces — a custom iron railing or hand-painted tile, for example — to give her clients something all their own. Their spaces showcase how to honor centuries-old design principles while living an effortless LA lifestyle.
Key Design Trends in 2025
Indoor-Outdoor Synergy
Luxury glass wall panels, covered terraces and integrated landscaping are key features as Angelenos residents enjoy the mild weather and picturesque views all year round.
Subtle Sustainability
Designers unobtrusively use reclaimed glass and wood, energy-efficient appliances and responsibly sourced materials. Green practices appear seamless and not gimmicky or gimmicky.
Personal Narrative
Off-the-peg luxury is out. Customers want spaces that tell the story of their journey. That’s why designers incorporate meaningful objects, art that tells a story, or color schemes associated with personal memories.
Tech That Hides
Smart homes are standard, but in 2025 screens, cables and gadgets will disappear into the brickwork or furniture so that the overall esthetic remains undisturbed.
Artisanal Touches
Bespoke pieces — from hand-blown glass to furniture made by local manufacturers — add a special touch to any project. The designers want something you won’t see in every other villa on the street.
Conclusion: Where LA Luxury Lives Now
Los Angeles’ top designers in 2025 take an approach that combines artistry, functionality and personal meaning. Martyn Lawrence Bullard offers a journey into global, theatrical flair, while Jeff Andrews provides everyday sophistication. Kathleen and Tommy Clements embody a calming minimalism, Waldo Fernandez combines architectural history with comfort and Atelier AM is characterized by nuanced contrasts. Marmol Radziner combines mid-century sensibilities with contemporary innovation, and Kelly Wearstler creates fearless environments that inspire conversation. Ethan Charles infuses genuine warmth into new-generation luxury, Lindsey Brooke captures breezy Californian chic and Lisa Merkle fuses European elegance with West Coast sensibility.
No matter who you choose among these personalities, you will find that they always strive to capture your personality rather than impose an impersonal formula on you. This dedication to individuality and consideration of lifestyle defines LA luxury today: it’s as much about living beautifully as it is about looking exceptional.
Nick Oscar
April 2025
