With restaurants like Gracias Madre, Felix Trattoria and Cafe Grattitude in Beverly Hills in her portfolio, designer Wendy Haworth is becoming one of the go-to designers for interiors that capture the spirit of the city. “Restaurants serve an important function in creating a meeting place, a shared experience,” she says. “A great restaurant has good food and service, and an environment that doesn’t overshadow the other two.” But her expertise extends to residential interiors, too. “It’s really fun to do both because they use different thought processes,” she says. Haworth, who worked as a photo editor for Elle and Vogue before launching her eponymous firm in 2004, is also busy growing her online shop. “It’s a mix of pieces–some new items that I’ve designed, such as lighting and seating, and one-of-a-kind items that are authentic and not ubiquitous.” With projects from Westwood to Maui, it’s no wonder her dream day is spent at home. “I’d stay in Silver Lake and just walk around as much as possible,” she says. With that, Haworth gives us her top spots around town.
6:15 a.m. I like to start my day with a morning class at YAS, which is 30 minutes of spin and 30 minutes of yoga–the perfect workout for a short attention span.
8 a.m. Next, head to Botanica on Silver Lake Boulevard for tea and breakfast on the patio. I love the Turkish eggs.
10 a.m. Walk around the shops near Botanica, like Yolk, Lawson-Fenning, Rubbish Interiors and Lake, which carries Maison Louis Marie’s No. 4 Bois de Balincourt perfume–it’s lovely, and so small you can keep it in your makeup bag.
12:30 p.m. Pho Cafe on Sunset has great Vietnamese. Try the banh xeochay or the pho chay. I like the no-nonsense vibe of the place and minimalist decor. Make sure you bring cash.
2 p.m. For a little more shopping, Amsterdam Modern is a warehouse full of excellent midcentury furniture and lighting from Europe. If it’s Saturday, head to the Silver Lake Farmer’s Market and pick up some Aris yogurt. It’s ridiculously good–just sheep’s milk and fruit.
4 p.m. If you want to chill, head to Silver Lake Meadow with a blanket and a bottle of wine, and maybe a tamale from Tamales Alberto.
6 p.m. For dinner, go to Cafe Stella, known for French classics, like Sole Meuniere. Request a booth in the bar area or a table on the back patio.
