Our Confession: What’s inside this tucked away gem of a shop in West Hollywood CA? A core collection of chic poplin shirts, tailored suit jackets, colorful scarves, and overall timelessly modern French menswear, by designer Emile Lafaurie. SEAN, an exclusive line of boutiques has newly launched it’s Los Angeles location. 

Andrea DeRosa and Ashley Manhan have launched their own web-based design collection called, I Heart Design by Avenue.  The newly launched site is a place where everyone can easily shop for an entire interior look. The online collection is a refreshing, and specialized insider perspective sharing DeRosa and Manhan’s favorite sources while exposing their own design attitude. After much research and time, I Heart Design became the collection of fabulous conceptual designs and housed intriguing inspirations from all facets of the design world.  

Where are you from? 

Ashley was born and raised in Calabasas, Andrea in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.  Andrea attended Madison for Interior Design and moved to LA after graduating in 2005. Ashley completed the Interior Design program at UCLA and we met a design firm in Santa Monica in 2006. 

What advice would you give new designers? 

Don’t be afraid to take risks and don’t underestimate the value of hard work. Everyone starts out at the bottom - and sometimes you stay there longer than you’d like - but if you put in your time and you’re dedicated to what you do, you can work your way up. Stay focused and pay attention- even if it seems something might not apply to your position. Opportunities for growth are everywhere. Find someone in the industry that you respect and admire and learn all you can from them.  Having a good mentor is invaluable.

Tell us about I Heart Design, and why you started the site?

The concept for I Heart Design came about in the spring of 2010, and recently launched January of 2012 as a way to reach out to the residential market that needed to work within a tight budget. We were aiming for savvy, young, do-it-yourself types. The sight is less service oriented and more informational/aspirational. The format consists of posting an image that inspires us and selecting furnishings around the core components of that image to create a unique, highly stylized interior.  Users can either buy these items directly online, source local shops for similar items, or browse all our selections a create a style of their own.  

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

Our individual style is constantly evolving. We love mixing a bit of whimsical, avant garde elements with rustic and ethnic accents- very eclectic. Our own home decor is always changing.  Professionally, our style is mostly client driven but we generally try to keep the overall concept fresh and clean with a modern sophistication. 

What are some of your favorite resources for home design?

We adore 1stdibs, JF Chen, and the Rosebowl for vintage treasures. Some of our favorite retail spots include Aero, Oly, ABC Home, Anthropologie and Modern Living.

What’s one of your most recent finds for your own home?

Ashley: Jonathan Robshaw Moroccan bedding. 

Andrea: Smokey gray Kartell Louis Ghost chairs for my rustic dining room table.

Best design trick you’d like to share?

Make the most of what you have. Re-arrange, re-paint and re-upholster things you love to make them fit your style du jour. 

When people are getting their first place, what do you think they should spend their money on ?

Spend the money on upholstered pieces that will stand the test of time. If you find a chair frame you love at a flea market, have the foam, springs or cushions replaced as well as having the piece reupholstered. If you want to get the most out of those expensive purchases, opt for neutral hues like cream, tan or gray for longevity. Save your money and shop flea markets for casegoods that you can live with as is or re-finish easily. Ikea, CB2 and West Elm have an abundance of affordable small case goods such as coffee tables and shelving units that you can likely incorporate into your existing look.

How has living in Los Angeles influenced your design aesthetic?

California is great because there is really an ‘anything goes’ type attitude. It’s all about finding your personal style creating something that transcends guidelines and what’s popular.  There really isn’t a norm. 

What projects are up next for you?

We continue to do a lot of work for the Borgata Hotel, Casino and Spa in Atlantic City including their presidential suites, as well as a number of SLS properties throughout the country with SBE (based here in LA).  Moving forward, we’d love to take on more product design and development.   

What is your confession? (Something people don’t know about you)

We’re obsessed with cooking and baking. Obsessed.

www.iheartdesignbyavenue.com