A SURPRISE BOCA PROJECT RIGHT ON THE OCEAN

What made this project unique was the story behind it. – My client a gentleman of refined taste, wanted to surprise his wife of over four decades with a stunning condominium right on the ocean.

The project involved a gut renovation encompassing the kitchen, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, floors, and lighting. Every detail was meticulously curated, from the installation of furniture, lighting, and vintage antiques to the careful placement of art and accessories. The entire transformation unfolded over the course of a year.

The grand reveal marked the culmination of many months of hard work, and it was on this day that I had the pleasure of meeting the client's charming wife. The joyous occasion was met with enthusiasm as she expressed her love for every aspect of the project. It was truly a delightful conclusion to a year-long journey, resulting in a project that surpassed expectations.

The new kitchen with Calacutta Verde marble countertops and an ocean view!

A close-up of this new modern kitchen with glass cabinets and stunning ocean views.

The primary bathroom with a mosaic feature wall .

The primary bathroom featuring a leaf mosaic wall.

Lighting plays a big part in every project!

ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE .... A GUIDE

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 :)

A FASHION FORWARD NEW INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECT IN CHELSEA FOR THE NEW FALL SEASON

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 provide…

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.

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. 

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! 

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. 

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 .

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. 

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.  

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.

There is nothing like fresh Dahlias to bring color and life to a room. These beauties pull in tones from the floral wallpaper.

 

 

 

 

A DAY IN THE FLATIRON DISTRICT

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

CITY BAKERY

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HOMENATURE

CLASSIC FLATIRON ARCHITECTURE 

CLASSIC FLATIRON ARCHITECTURE 

HIGH STYLE DECO

HIGH STYLE DECO

HIGH STYLE DECO

HIGH STYLE DECO

DESIGN COLECTIVE OF NEW YORK

DESIGN COLECTIVE OF NEW YORK

DESIGN COLLECTIVE OF NEW YORK

DESIGN COLLECTIVE OF NEW YORK

DESIGN COLLECTIVE OF NEW YORK

DESIGN COLLECTIVE OF NEW YORK

RALPH PUCCI

RALPH PUCCI

RALPH PUCCI

RALPH PUCCI

RALPH PUCCI

RALPH PUCCI

PATRICK NAGGAR AT RALPH PUCCI

PATRICK NAGGAR AT RALPH PUCCI

RALPH PUCCI 

RALPH PUCCI 

PATRICK NAGGAR AT RALPH PUCCI 

PATRICK NAGGAR AT RALPH PUCCI 

ART AT RALPH PUCCI 

ART AT RALPH PUCCI 

ABC HOME

ABC HOME

ABC HOME

ABC HOME

AKDO TILE

AKDO TILE

THE CHIHULY EXHIBIT

If you haven't had a chance to get to the Chihuly exhibit at the NY Botanical Garden, you should go! We went at dusk, just as the summer light was fading.. What a wonderful and inspirational sight! The Seattle-based artist returns to the Bronx with an explosion of light and color that takes over the garden’s spilling over into its expansive grounds.

Dale Chihuly shows his art in his first major garden exhibition in New York in more than ten years. There are 20 installations set within NYBG’s landmark landscapes.  

“Many of my forms are inspired by nature,” said Chihuly of the appeal of showing his work in botanical settings. “Putting them into gardens feels right to me. I love the idea that people may ask themselves ‘is it manmade or is it natural?'” 

Photo Credit: Victor Ancelson 

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FALL INTO FASHION 2017

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

Neiman Marcus- Fall 2017

Jiun Ho Showroom - 200 Lex - Fall 2017

Jiun Ho Showroom - 200 Lex - Fall 2017

Neiman Marcus - Fall 2017

Neiman Marcus - Fall 2017

Juin Ho Showroom - 200 Lex- Fall 2017

Juin Ho Showroom - 200 Lex- Fall 2017

Profiles Showroom - 200 Lex - Fall 2017

Profiles Showroom - 200 Lex - Fall 2017

Neiman Marcus - Fall 2017

Neiman Marcus - Fall 2017

Brett Design Wallpaper @ Bradley Showroom - 200 Lex

Brett Design Wallpaper @ Bradley Showroom - 200 Lex

Neiman Marcus - Fall 2017

Neiman Marcus - Fall 2017

Kelly Wearstler Showroom - 200 Lex - fall 2017

Kelly Wearstler Showroom - 200 Lex - fall 2017

Neiman Marcus - Fall 2017

Neiman Marcus - Fall 2017

Brett Fabric @ Bradley Showroom - 200 Lex - Fall 2017

Brett Fabric @ Bradley Showroom - 200 Lex - Fall 2017

A TASTE OF SUMMER....

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

PINK CURVED SOFA AT BRADLEY SHOWROOM - 200 LEX

BRIGHT YELLOW CHAIR AT BRUETON SHOWROOM  - 200 LEX

BRIGHT YELLOW CHAIR AT BRUETON SHOWROOM  - 200 LEX

STRIPED CHAIR AT KGBL SHOWROOM - 200 LEX

STRIPED CHAIR AT KGBL SHOWROOM - 200 LEX

FUSCHIA CHAISE AT KGBL SHOWROOM- 200 LEX

FUSCHIA CHAISE AT KGBL SHOWROOM- 200 LEX

CORAL SOFA AT KGBL SHOWROOM- 200 LEX

CORAL SOFA AT KGBL SHOWROOM- 200 LEX

PURPLE STOOL AT KGBL SHOWROOM - 200 LEX

PURPLE STOOL AT KGBL SHOWROOM - 200 LEX

GREEN SOFA AT KGBL SHOWROOM - 200 LEX

GREEN SOFA AT KGBL SHOWROOM - 200 LEX

NEW PROJECT IN NOMAD, HUYS BUILDING

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

Color filled Living Room

Master Bedroom with Grasscloth headboard wall 

Master Bedroom with Grasscloth headboard wall 

Close up of Master Bedroom 

Close up of Master Bedroom 

Sumptuous bedding is everything!  

Sumptuous bedding is everything!  

It's all in the details 

It's all in the details 

GLORIA VANDERBILT "A RETROSPECTIVE"

Last night was the gallery opening of the Vanderbilt exhibit. It was a very festive ,fun evening at The NYDC, 200 Lex. What I liked best about the art was that it told the story of Vanderbilt's life.  She was animated and beautiful last night. It was very exciting to see Anderson Cooper, Kelly Ripa and all the other celebrities! Vanderbilt has led a VERY interesting life. I can't wait to read her new book "The Rainbow Comes and Goes" ...

RAVISHING ANTIQUE / VINTAGE EYE CANDY

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....

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RENOVATION, MODERNIZATION, RESTORATION...

 I recently was lucky enough to be asked to help renovate a house built 100 years ago in the town of Kensington, Great Neck, NY. The complete renovation consisted of 2 fireplaces, all wood floors, the powder room, main staircase, kitchen , master bath, a kids bathroom and an attic bath.  This project took 8 months to complete. I am happy to report that the homeowner is over joyed with the finished product ! Please see some amazing before and after photos... 

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