Two Coasts—Two Iconic Hotels      

The story of East Coast vs. West Coast is—seemingly—as old as time. It is well known that any self-respecting New Yorker would rather spend each harrowing winter trudging through ankle-deep slush than admit that they’d rather be enjoying sunlit days in LA.

But when it comes to design—specifically timeless, grand designs of bygone eras—the coasts don’t seem so far apart.

The miraculous interiors of The Millenium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles are awe-inspiring. Known for its breathtaking, ornate details and 1920s glamour, the iconic Biltmore is synonymous with Old Hollywood. Even with the structural boom of Downtown LA building up all around it, the Biltmore remains an unrivaled gem of the City of Angels.

The Biltmore is quietly tucked away amongst “new” Los Angeles in much the same way as so many gems of New York City hide in plain sight. These hidden masterpieces provide endless and enduring inspiration.

One of these unassuming treasures of New York City is the historical Martinique Hotel. Now a Radisson, the Martinique enjoys a past as often changing as the city itself. Designed by the same architect who created the legendary Dakota Apartments and the Plaza Hotel, much of this lesser known treasure's history has been lost. (The bar once had a mural by May Came Home favorite, Hildreth Meiere.) However, in the lobby, one can see glimpses of its glory days. Boasting dark oak woodwork, marble stairs and detailed mosaic tiled floors in a rainbow of colors, this historic hotel is a feast for the eyes and worthy of a permanent place in the inspirational bank.

Ceiling Decoration, the Biltmore Hotel

Staircase, Radisson Martinique

May Came Home pieces evoke the architectural shapes and themes seen in these classic hotels translated into vibrant hues to adorn today’s wearer.