The first thing you see when you walk into The Proper’s red brick building in Downtown Los Angeles is the ceiling. Boasting images of Mexican folk art animals and flora and fauna, the mural is the work of local artist Abel Macias.
It’s bright and colorful, and a far cry from the sandy tones and neutral palette that greet you at The Proper in Santa Monica. Then, when your eyes digest the beauty and whimsy of Macias’ hand-painted masterpiece, you’ll begin to notice the other details: the coral-and-cream marble floors and ornate doors, both original to the building, and the L.A. ceramicist Morgan Peck’s incredible graphite work lining the front desk. The interior feels like a mishmash of time periods and styles — a marriage of Mexican, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Moroccan influences.
“Welcome to The Proper,” A female voice from behind the front desk snaps me out of my reverie. It happens so quickly — the check-in process which, anywhere else, involves signing reams of paperwork and waiting and waiting. We’re handed out room cards in no more than a few minutes. “We heard you’re celebrating something special,” she says. Yes! I smile behind my mask. They’ve left us a surprise in the room, we’re told. You know, as a way to kick-off the festivities. Nice touch. As if I needed more reason to sprint to my room.