Hollywood Mid-Century by Roger Grody

DESIGNER PATRICK DRAGONETTE RE-ENERGIZES INTERIORS WITH PIECES FROM DECADES PAST.MANY OF THE FINEST VINTAGE FURNISHINGS deployed by prominent Los Angeles interior designers are obtained from acclaimed interior designer and mid-century modernism authority Patrick Dragonette. Dragonette’s interiors reflect the rich residential design traditions of the city, and admirers of this iconic Southern California genre make pilgrimages to his showroom.

After a nearly a quarter of a century in West Hollywood, Dragonette moved the showroom to Palm Desert—where it was buzzing during the most recent Modernism Week. But it’s a year-round resource for designers, homeowners and collectors, as is the website dragonetteltd.com, which offers 300 pieces of furniture, paintings, jewelry, and objets d’art.

Mid-century modern furniture comprises more than 80 percent of his merchandise. “I appreciate the simple geometry of these pieces,” says Dragonette, “but their designers also created an extensive vocabulary of finishes, including paints that present unique textures, not just color.”

Originally a student of theater arts, Dragonette, is the nation’s leading authority on the work of Hollywood star turned interior designer William (“Billy”) Haines. In addition to Haines’ portfolio of original mid-century furniture, his client list for interior design commissions included the

Bloomingdales, Reagans and Warners.

Recounting his discovery of Haines’ signature Brentwood chair, Dragonette recalls, “It was the sexiest chair I ever saw and I’ve been obsessed with his work ever since.” A tireless advocate, Dragonette bemoans that Haines’ work long sold at a steep discount to that of his French contemporaries.

“I’ve championed Haines' work for 25 years and am pleased to see he’s now receiving the attention he deserves,” he says. “Every Hainesdesigned chair or sofa is as comfortable as it is beautiful.”

Offered at $26,000 is a rare pair of ledge-back Seniah chairs by Billy Haines from the 1960s, re-upholstered in a leafy fabric favored by Haines.

Dragonette’s expertise dips further into the 20th century. He carries an Art Deco burlwood desk ($4,200) from the 1920s, acquired from the private collection of the late Norman Lear.

The designer’s own line, Dragonette Private Label, features bespoke items inspired by midcentury modern design and often incorporating a sense of whimsy.

In a pair of his Pedra table lamps, backlit disks of agate are inlaid into polished nickel bases and finished with black silk shades. The back of his Almont armchair is distinguished by a triangular cutout, reflecting Dragonette’s penchant for creating intrigue through voided spaces.

Channeling Haines, he says, “My approach is to seek simplicity of shape and design, matched by genuine comfort.”

That approach applies to his interior design commissions as well.

In a luxury estate in Encino, Dragonette created a theatrically elegant dining room featuring a set of his custom-embroidered Almont Chairs, hand-painted Rousseau-inspired walls by artist Maria Trimble, and an antique Venetian mirror and chandelier.

Dragonette filled a sleek Trousdale Estates residence with richly textured finishes and a collection of mid-century treasures.

The living room showcases the versatility of Haines. A Baccarat chandelier illuminates the dining room, which presents pieces by Billy Haines, Edith Norton, Tommi Parzinger and Picasso.

Dragonette, Ltd. 73710 El Paseo, Palm Desert, 760.283.0404, dragonetteltd.com