Westdrift Manhattan Beach, California
Design firm: EDG Interior Architecture and Design, Novato, California
Consultant: Julie Coyle Art Associates
The details: The 20-foot-tall mural from artist Eric Zener depicts a plunging swimmer, playing up the design scheme that “blends East Coast sensibility with West Coast chill,” says EDG principal Jennifer Johansen. “You could imagine the swimmer is at the beach in LA or hanging around a pool in the Hamptons.”

Danlu Restaurant, Philadelphia
Design firm: Jeffrey Beers International (JBI), New York
Consultant: Eaton Fine Art
The details: Located in Philly’s University City neighborhood, Danlu’s recent facelift from JBI “complements the university lifestyle of the community,” says firm founder Jeffrey Beers. The restaurant’s focal point is a custom mural on a support column that shows a woman making the Chinese character for love over her heart against a vibrant orange, red, and blue backdrop.

Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa, Alexandria, Virginia
Design firm: Monogram at BBGM, Scottsdale
Consultant: Faulkner + Locke
The details: Faulkner + Locke produced custom pieces for the 107 guestrooms, suites, and corridors, including Rorschach graphics in midnight blue and forest green above guestroom headboards that “encourage curiosity and dreamlike experiences,” says senior interior designer Yelda Saricetin.

Andaz San Diego
Design firm: Gensler, San Diego
Consultant: DAC Art Consulting
The details: Gensler and DAC Art Consulting tasked local artists with covering a range of subjects that capture the dynamic spirit of the city. Take the cheeky photo collage in one of the suites that shows the backs of two women in bathing suits with a series of hands covering their bare derrieres. “We balanced more playful pieces with some provocative ones to push boundaries,” explains Gensler associate interior designer Ellie Combs.