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You know celebrity designer Thom Filicia as the queer eye and you trust him to dress your nest, but did you know he's the marvelous mind behind the W Los Angeles' new look? We chatted it up with the star designer to give you a front seat into the inspiration behind The Backyard, mellow modern bungalows and a sunny escape from the city streets.

JAIME GOTTLIEB: Tell me a little bit about how you got involved with the W Los Angeles-Westwood redesign?

THOM FILICIA: The W Hotels are similar to my brand, Thom Filicia, Inc. in that we are both design driven. We came on board to help elevate and exceed the expectation of the hotel experience.

Ross Klein, president and CEO of the Luxury Brands Group, brought us into this project and we work very closely with him on all of our designs. He understands design and the W brand better than anyone.

JG: What was the inspiration behind the concept of the hideaway suites and the newly redesigned The Backyard lounge?

TF: The redesign for the entire W Los Angeles-Westwood was inspired by the architecture, environment and people of Los Angeles. We wanted to keep the color scheme intrinsic to Southern California, and took inspiration from the hotel’s architecture. The Backyard lounge is a particularly stunning setting, which we enhanced with decorative things that work together to create a bright, balanced palette.

JG: Upon visiting the property, I noticed a change in the overall look of the cabanas and a different set-up in The Backyard dining area. What sorts of changes were made and what feeling were you hoping to get across with those changes?

TF: I think the outdoor poolside space should be a natural extension of the hotel. As guests look out their window onto the restaurant they should notice a graphic design with contrasting forms.

The furniture plan has a clear order with multiple seating areas: bar, lounge, and café. The Bolon floor rug defines the lounge area while the tree seating and communal organic slab table anchors the café seating. The poolside area continues the mixture of color and texture with dark rattan chaise lounge chairs, reupholstered day beds, and new recovered cabanas. The landscaping is lush and organic contrasting the beautiful concrete architecture of the hotel.

JG: What new elements can be found in the rooms and suites?

TF: The rooms were completely remodeled. Some of the changes we made include new faux bois paper on the wall, dark graphic carpet for the flooring, new paint and updated millwork.

Doors were painted in a rich “Days End” Charcoal, and peek-a-boo windows were added to connect the bedroom to the bathroom. Bathrooms within with rooms were remodeled to be luxurious and act as an extension of the suite, while simple and elegant furniture was added to allow more flexibility of function.

JG: How do those items change the feel of the room?

TF: All the rooms were remodeled to feel like chic, modern bungalows with a balance between urban comfort and Hollywood glamour. They have a timeless design with a whimsical touch.

The new colors on the walls and floors combine to create a warm backdrop and anchor the feel of the room. The painted doors add a sense of luxury, and the peek-a-boo windows create a “WOW” moment in the rooms.

JG: What are some of the new whimsical elements guests will find with the renovations?

TF: I’ve created whimsical and sophisticated couture environments, integrating the signature style and warmth of W Hotels with my own unique design personality. The tone is light and full of stylish surprises, but always sophisticated and modern. The glowing art ledge also adds a layer of W magic while preserving the sophistication of the room.

JG: Of the W Hotels you've stayed in, which one do you frequent most and why?

TF: The W Los Angeles-Westwood is where I stay most often. I live in New York City, but the W Los Angeles-Westwood is my home while I film my Style Network Show Dress My Nest in California. I’m also redesigning public areas in the W San Diego and the new W Buckhead that will open in Atlanta, so I’m partial to those properties too.