When wonderful old-time clients were ready to upgrade their old and worn living room and kitchen, we were called upon to do a refresh. We wanted the spaces to feel light, bright, fresh, and airy. We decided white was the overall theme here. BEFORE and AFTER photos tell the whole story!
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AFTER
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AFTER
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There have been many times in my career that I have been complimented on how organized I am. I’m lucky, this comes very naturally to me. It is part of my DNA. I have always been like this. I also have been asked many times for advice on how to be more organized.
This is what I know for sure:
It is very hard to be successful in any career without being organized.
What’s the sense of spending money on your beautiful sanctuary if you can’t see it because it’s a mess?
Organization clears your mind and relieves stress. Being organized saves plenty of time in the long run!
You will be a happier person if you can stay organized. it is very calming…
Autumn, especially this one, where a lot of people are staying at home because of Covid 19, is the perfect time to start.
I will try and suggest a few strategies.
-Make organization a priority, and a new way of life. It takes time, but it is well worth it!
-Start by throwing out (or donating) everything that is non-essential, everything you don’t love or you haven’t needed in two years. You have to understand that no one can be organized if they don’t get rid of stuff.
-Try to only buy new things that you really need or love. Only the essentials!
-Start with simple things like the minute you get out of bed in the morning, make your bed.
-Do not throw your clothes on a chair (or worse) … hang them up immediately
-The key is to never touch anything twice. If you are touching it… JUST PUT IT AWAY.
-I cannot concentrate until my desk is cleaned up. I always leave my desk organized so when I sit down the next day, it is clean. Same with my kitchen.
-Get an old fashioned paper calendar, tape it to the inside of your kitchen cabinet door. Every appointment goes here and on the other calendar on your desk. Then load appointments into your phone calendar. You will never forget an appointment again!
-Make LISTS!!!! (Probably my best advice) Use a steno pad. Every list should be on this ONE pad, keep this pad in one place.
-Once you make this a constant, it will become a habit, you won’t even have to think about it. You won’t be wasting precious hours looking for things you can’t find. Everything must have its own place…a home!
Many people have told me that they find starting this new process very overwhelming! I have the answer to that …
Instead of buying more things you don’t need, hire a professional organizer. It is well worth the splurge, he or she will get you started. You will be on your way to your new less stressful, happier more organized life!
It is never too late!
Please let me know if this BLOG has been helpful :)
Every summer I try and get to my favorite latest projects and do a professional photoshoot. This past summer (like everything else) that ritual had to be put on hold because of Covid-19. Hopefully, I will be photographing some new projects as soon as possible. CAN’T WAIT!!
Everything in our world (as far as I’m concerned) has been placed upside down since last March. I do not know one person that has not been negatively and personally affected. This has been very hard on all of us in so many different ways. I want to reach out to anyone who has gotten extremely sick or worse yet, lost a loved one.
For you, this has been horrific. I am sending my deepest sympathies.
We are all in this together, and I just wanted you to know that I am still working although differently. (I am doing a lot of Zoom and FaceTime sessions). I am also helping a lot of people (stay happy) by doing a one-hour consultation over the phone. Let’s chat and stay connected!
Since I feel that what I do is always about relating to people, listening to their hopes and dreams, so much more than just design, let’s keep it up! So many of my dear clients have asked, YES! I am available to work.
I would love to work with you this new (hopefully temporary) way. I always feel like a guide, and really care about trying to make people happy. Making your home more beautiful, that’s my passion!! Until we all see one another again, Let’s all keep dreaming of better times!
STAY HAPPY, SAFE & HEALTHY! Evelyn
Once in a while I get to design a new project that I find really exciting. This was one of them. Usually I work with homeowners that want a very modern sleek approach to design, which is great. However, when I get to do something new and out of the ordinary, I find it exciting and refreshing. This lovely lady wanted a bright, colorful and more traditional space. I was able to implement some of my favorite things - color, pattern, texture, and layering. The result is a condo in the sky that I think turned out quite lovely! It is light filled, fun, airy and happy. And my client feels the same exact way!
Photography by Jonathan Beckerman
In the living room we utilized a fun Paris themed wallpaper, a custom mohair covered traditional sofa , and lots of layered patterns and color. We also incorporated many vintage and antique accessories.
We filled the built-in bookcase with books, personal items and antiques, and styled the books according to color. The vintage mirror brings character and more light to the room.
This rug was the starting point for the room. The geometric pattern plays off of the strie fabric on the club chairs and the linen wrapped parsons coffee table. The Mongolian wool stool brings a fun touch of contrasting texture to the room.
A playful Paris city scene wallpaper contrasts the colorful floral pillows. Crystal table lamps bring a sparkle to the room.
Pattern, stripes and bright color make the dining area sing!
A mid-century modern chandelier casts a warm glow over this intimate dining area.
In the bedroom, the request was to make it light filled, happy and colorful.
French flowers on the wallpaper play against the patterns on the rug, drapery and chair. It’s all about mixing color and pattern. Antique and vintage pieces always add character.
A pop of color draws the eye!
Flowers, flowers everywhere…
It’s all in the details.
I love talking about some of my favorite interior design projects. I just completed a new one in Chelsea, a lovely, storied NYC neighborhood with a decent amount of newly constructed or adapted modern residences, like this one. What makes this one different from most is that the elevator opens right into the apartment. This fun project for a fantastic client took about a year from start to finish.
This space was conceived for a family with two young children. The only initial directives were to design a welcoming entry with a "wow factor" to set the tone and to transform what was a somewhat boring living / dining room into a cool, colorful, and comfortable space for the whole family and guests to enjoy.
There are a lot of musicians in this family, the custom wall unit was built to house 5 guitars in addition to a television and bar. In the end, the piano was the only piece left over from the old space. I'm thrilled that this charming musical family is as happy as I am with the outcome of their new open living area!
The elevator entrance opens to a warm welcome. Lush, textural eggplant hued suede wallcovering was applied to the main entry wall to make the sconces and painting pop. An impossibly soft faux fur covered custom New York Interior Design bench provides the posh perch to take off snow boots or put on a pair of perfect pumps.
A custom designed glass tile mosaic at the end of the hallway makes this entry sparkle and feel visually larger.
Everything in this living/dining area was designed with the clients in mind. From the bold floral wallpaper (which inspired the entire space) to soft mohair seating and inviting ombre stripes, color & geometric shapes abound.
With an iridescent pendant chandelier lighting the way with bold pattern and color , dinners will never be boring!
This wall unit was custom built to fit some amazing musical instruments. We included a mirrored bar to house family heirloom glassware and some antiques from travels around the globe.
Precious Heirlooms and favorite drinks sparkle against these glass shelves. Hammered metal pulls add the finishing touch .
Color, pattern and metal tones are repeated around the room. Different shapes and scale are used to keep the visual momentum going.
This snake skin and metal vintage glass side table along with fresh crabtree branches add color and texture.
There is nothing like fresh Dahlias to bring color and life to a room. These beauties pull in tones from the floral wallpaper.
As an interior designer and antique lover, I love coming to Antique Row for one of a kind finds... If you have never been here, this is a great destination!!! What can be better than coming to sunny West Palm Beach to shop in the middle of February? There is so much to see and do here. If you're lucky, you will be walking in 80-degree weather with blue skies. Full of amazing vintage and antique shops, plus it's home to a wonderful place to relax and grab a great meal, Belle and Maxwell's Cafe.
These are a few of my favorite finds on this shopping expedition...
Honey also admires this amazing table with crystal legs!
A desk, chair and art at Authentic Provence
Fabulous Beaux Art Server with Bronze Inlay at Authentic Provence
Server and mirror at Authentic Provence
Authentic Provence
Wonderful solid Carrara Urns.
Antique Inkwell at The Elephant's Foot Antiques
Antique box at The Elephant's Foot Antiques
No Bull... Cote Jardin Antiques
Cote Jardin Antiques
Palm Beach Vintage
In case you are not from NYC, or you haven't been down to the FlatIron District in NYC, this is truly an Interior Design destination. Below are some of my favorite (secret) shopping showrooms, and restaurants. Some of the showrooms are To The Trade Only, others are retail shops... Enjoy!!
CITY BAKERY
HOMENATURE
CLASSIC FLATIRON ARCHITECTURE
HIGH STYLE DECO
HIGH STYLE DECO
DESIGN COLECTIVE OF NEW YORK
DESIGN COLLECTIVE OF NEW YORK
DESIGN COLLECTIVE OF NEW YORK
RALPH PUCCI
RALPH PUCCI
RALPH PUCCI
PATRICK NAGGAR AT RALPH PUCCI
RALPH PUCCI
PATRICK NAGGAR AT RALPH PUCCI
ART AT RALPH PUCCI
ABC HOME
ABC HOME
AKDO TILE
Fall is slowly but surely creeping up on us! Even though we are sad to see the summer go, I must admit, the excitement for fall fashion has taken over... The fashion world and Interior design world are always connected. They come hand in hand, season by season. Take a look at our two shopping days, one in the fashion market and the other in the interior design market, for early fall trends.. same styles...same trends...Fall 2017!!!
Neiman Marcus- Fall 2017
Jiun Ho Showroom - 200 Lex - Fall 2017
Neiman Marcus - Fall 2017
Juin Ho Showroom - 200 Lex- Fall 2017
Profiles Showroom - 200 Lex - Fall 2017
Neiman Marcus - Fall 2017
Brett Design Wallpaper @ Bradley Showroom - 200 Lex
Neiman Marcus - Fall 2017
Kelly Wearstler Showroom - 200 Lex - fall 2017
Neiman Marcus - Fall 2017
Brett Fabric @ Bradley Showroom - 200 Lex - Fall 2017
Finally, summer is here!!! Every New Yorker seems happier! Not only are we feeling it on this beautiful day in New York but we are feeling it in the New York Design Center too #nydc . Vibrant fabric colors filling the showrooms on sofas and chairs, new combinations are here to stay.. Colors are HOT and sultry or pastel and soft... Let's all have a fun and exciting summer ....
Color is an essential aspect of Interior Design
PINK CURVED SOFA AT BRADLEY SHOWROOM - 200 LEX
BRIGHT YELLOW CHAIR AT BRUETON SHOWROOM - 200 LEX
STRIPED CHAIR AT KGBL SHOWROOM - 200 LEX
FUSCHIA CHAISE AT KGBL SHOWROOM- 200 LEX
CORAL SOFA AT KGBL SHOWROOM- 200 LEX
PURPLE STOOL AT KGBL SHOWROOM - 200 LEX
GREEN SOFA AT KGBL SHOWROOM - 200 LEX
Once in awhile, I am lucky enough to be asked to design a space in a NYC building that I adore. Huys is just such a building. Located in the heart of NoMad , on Park Ave South, Huys is a neoclassical building dating from 1917. This building underwent a huge conversion from commercial offices to 58 luxurious and elegantly detailed condominiums . It was designed by the world-renowned Piet Boon . This charming apartment is a pied a terre for a lovely couple that actually live upstate NY. I am very proud of how it turned out. I very much enjoyed designing the interiors, I hope you enjoy seeing the results!
Soft tones in this comfy living room accentuate the view
The walls of the dining room are covered in textured squares..
Drama in the powder room is evoked with this wallcovering that seems almost 3D
A Master Bedroom Dream
A soft serene place to relax
It's all in the details, soft gray suede walls envelope the master bedroom like a cocoon...
Grasscloth walls , leather headboard hide rug and distressed night stands all mix for high drama in this relaxing guest room..
Located in the heart of NoMad , on Park Ave South, Huys is a neoclassical building dating from 1917, with neighboring stately mansions from NYC's Gilded Age. This building underwent a huge conversion from commercial offices to 58 luxurious and elegantly detailed condominiums . Developed by the prestigious Dutch Kroonenberg Groep, designed by the world-renowned Piet Boon and renovated by the well-established construction management firm Sciame. Huys is one of the my favorite buildings. This is one of the incredible apartments I was asked to design. The amazing iron windows and light brushed oak floors were already in place. Photo Credit: Beckerman Photograpy
Color filled Living Room
Master Bedroom with Grasscloth headboard wall
Close up of Master Bedroom
Sumptuous bedding is everything!
It's all in the details
One of the real bonuses of working in this field is watching the clever, creative, gifted people (I happen to know) come up with incredible new ideas. One such idea was the first brick and mortar space for the online giant 1stdibs. Jim Druckman was the genius behind it!
This all took place years ago. 1stdibs is now a destination for many designers and collectors alike. It is an eclectic mix of over 54 different dealers from around the country and world that occupy the entire 10th floor of 200 Lex in 33,000 sq feet of space. It is one of my special, wonderful secrets. There is ALWAYS something new and exciting here!!!! The following are just a few of my latest favorite things....
