About Town: Jennifer Dyer
Jennifer Dyer, founder of Los Angeles–based design firm Jeneration Interiors, is well-versed when it comes to reinventing spaces. Dyer, whose designs have been featured in shelter publications including Luxe Interiors + Design, Lonny, and California Home+Design, has outfitted everything from private residences for young Hollywood starlets to single rooms for the Pasadena Showcase House. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville graduate splits her time between a residence in L.A. and a seaside retreat in Laguna. Here, she reveals her preferred spots for sourcing accessories for clients, spending the evening out, and getting out of town for the weekend.
By Jennie Nunn
JF CHEN is an absolute must when shopping for a client. I can find so much in a variety of design styles that I often can’t decide what to buy. I love Maison Midi on La Brea for housewares and small accessories. They also have the best coffee in LA at their small cafe. I always stop at Twentieth. This store the closest thing to Moss (NYC) in LA. They have a great selection of incredible lighting.
PETTY CASH When I’m in L.A., I have a friend I meet every Tuesday at Petty Cash. We always find a place at the bar, and I love their small dishes. The cauliflower nachos are what I’d order if I were on death row as my last meal! When I’m in Laguna, it’s Selanne Steak Tavern and I always order the jidori chicken with a baked potato. I can never eat it all, but the leftovers are just as good for lunch the next day.
FOUR SEASONS LOS ANGELES AT BEVERLY HILLS I have a great group of well traveled, cultured, smart girlfriends that are in the know about where to go. We all love to try new things and often pick a place we haven’t tried. However, regular haunts include Madeo Ristorante, Pizzeria Il Fico, Pistola, Windows Lounge at the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, and Alfred Coffee + Kitchen. Sensing an Italian theme?
BARNEYS NEW YORK I always go to Barneys New York for client gifts. The have a unique collection of home goods that are not easily found in other stores. I love all Fornasetti pieces because they are modern, whimsical and always appreciated. Connor stationery is also a great gift. Their hand-stamped designs come on luxurious card stock and are neatly packaged in a signature gray box.
MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO To soak up the beautiful architecture, go during the week in the late afternoon (during spring) to avoid school groups and crowds. Sites like this abound in Europe and South America, and it’s the closest I can get to feeling like I am out of the country right here in Southern California.
CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK We have a beach retreat in Laguna Beach, so if I work out, I love to run in Crystal Cove on the Newport Coast. There’s ample parking, and a ton of options for trails and paths so you never have to run the same way each time. You can’t beat the ocean view. I feel instantly relaxed once there.
CAL-A-VIE HEALTH SPA Although I love the rooftop at the Ace Hotel in downtown L.A. for design, ambiance and views, I have to say my favorite hotel in California is Cal-a-Vie Health Spa. There’s absolutely nothing I’d change about this place. It’s beautifully designed, boasts incredible furniture, lighting, art and architecture, and is nestled on 200 flawless, private acres in northern San Diego county. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear I was in France whenever I visit.
