European style meets L.A. sunshine at Niche

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Niche on Beverly Boulevard looks like a slice of the Hamptons or, perhaps, a modernist Mediterranean resort, with its indoor pond and a whitewashed wooden deck. The alluring atmosphere was created by owner Robina Benson, who has devoted the majority of the new store to colorful, innovative (and expensive) Italian outdoor furniture by Francesco Rota and Paola Lenti.

As a manufacturer as well as a designer, Paola Lenti has taken outdoor textiles well beyond standard Sunbrella fabrics, creating thick-ply all-weather yarns for weaving and chenille-soft textiles for upholstery and cushions.

The Paola Lenti offerings include, from left above: the chartreuse Wave sun lounger, which adjusts to three positions but does not have a visible seam on its top side, $4,520; the pink Nido pink pouf, $1,395; the low Shell ottoman in vibrant chartreuse, $2,108; and the turquoise Landscape mattress, $2,780.
For outdoor lighting, Niche carries contemporary fire bowls by Planika, modernist ceramic oil lamps, $230, and jewel-shaped plastic Stones lights, from $504.

Niche represents the products from Barcelona-based Kettal, including many of its traditional and modern classics, and the new Maia line by Patricia Urquiola.

In a bold reinterpretation of the open honeycomb cane pattern, the Maia pieces looks like spider webs or shattered glass. For those who find that a bit too goth, the design is also available in a two-tone black and white version. The line includes lounge chairs and the Maia Egg Swing, right. It is priced $2,371; cushions and stand sold separately.

Niche, 8312 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles; (323) 782-1963. Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Sunday.

More designs after the jump

Above: Niche’s outdoor furniture collections by Paola Lenti include the Float easy chair, an update on the bean bag, constructed from thickly knit outdoor yarns that have the look and feel of a cotton sweater.

Above: The Wabi sofa mixes Italian minimalism with some Scandinavian flair.

Above: The Ami chair.

-- David A. Keeps

Photos courtesy of Paola Lenti.

California design scene: Follow store openings, closings, sales and events through our Facebook page.