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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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 

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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FLATIRON GLAM

Once in awhile as a designer you come across that perfect project. The space, the location and the client are all very interesting and exciting.  That was the way I felt about this  beauty in the center of the Flatiron District. The apartment is in a Landmark building on very desirable Fifth Avenue with oversized windows and 10.5-foot ceilings allowing light to flood the apartment. The highest level of finishes complement this fully restored 1897 Beaux Arts building. Located in a very cool area surrounded by new interior design shopping destinations and incredible restaurants,  This building is one of downtowns finest new conversions . It was renovated with a more traditional style in mind and the highest level of finishes. The cherry on the cake is the  fully restored copper cupola and curved plate glass windows... 

Doing the interior of a space like this comes very easily, it was conceived of totally with my client in mind and the way she lives her life.. exciting, adventurous ,colorful and worldly... Photo credit : Beckerman Photography

1897 Beaux Arts 

1897 Beaux Arts 

The rug started it all.. Fort Street Studio in a round motif to mimic the round windows... Walls Maya Romanoff white paper..

The rug started it all.. Fort Street Studio in a round motif to mimic the round windows... Walls Maya Romanoff white paper..

We utilized one of my favorite lights as wall sculpture by: Aqua in purple silk. Dining chairs: High Style Deco 

We utilized one of my favorite lights as wall sculpture by: Aqua in purple silk. Dining chairs: High Style Deco 

The whole back wall was custom built to incorporate wood paneling, headboard, floating nightstands and base...

The whole back wall was custom built to incorporate wood paneling, headboard, floating nightstands and base...

Closeup of another fav of mine metal Stephanie Odegard dresser...

Closeup of another fav of mine metal Stephanie Odegard dresser...

1970's fur topped Stools were found at 1St Dibs 

1970's fur topped Stools were found at 1St Dibs 

This sexy den incorporates black velvet drapes with a textured black wallcovering 

This sexy den incorporates black velvet drapes with a textured black wallcovering 

Powder room wallcovering/ bronze Crocodile 

Powder room wallcovering/ bronze Crocodile 





A SUCCESSFUL BATHROOM RENOVATION

People always ask me what goes into renovating a full bathroom, so I will explain in very simple terms the steps that are involved... First, hire an Interior Designer. Even if all the plumbing is staying in the same place you will need to select every surface, plus plumbing fixtures and hardware... Next hire a Contractor, most of the time your designer will recommend someone trustworthy and reliable . Make sure you have great photos of the "before" bathroom. You will also need a floor plan of what the bathroom looks like now, and if you are changing any square footage or moving plumbing you need a floor plan of the new intended space.  My personal inspiration comes from the trade market, there is always something new and cutting edge . Next, it is time to go shopping! I like to start with selecting the floor and wall tile first. There are wonderful new products out there, things that were unimaginable a few years back.  Texture is the newest trend! I usually do tile or marble all the way up to the ceiling in a master or kids bathroom. (tile half way up the wall is out of style) I also will use wallcovering in master baths, and powder rooms. If wallpaper is applied correctly in a bathroom it will not come down as some people believe...  If for example there is enough pattern on the floor with a gorgeous marble, sometimes only paint is needed on the walls. Just like with everything else in this industry, every bathroom has different parameters , design visions and budgets.

After you know what palette your floors and walls will be you need to shop for all of your plumbing supplies. Having your designer take you to reliable sources is key. Otherwise you could wait a LONG time for items that never ship... You need to select your shower body first, there are decisions to be made such as temperature control and pressure balanced  systems.. You need to select your bathtub, and your toilet. All these items have many details that your designer will explain. All the faucets in the bathroom will follow suit with the shower body. Are you selecting the new modern brass? (which is my favorite) Satin nickel ? or polished chrome? Remember that warranties are given in reliable showrooms with proven track records, the internet is NOT a good place to shop for these products.

Most important advice: PLAN AHEAD, HAVE ALL TILE, MARBLE, FIXTURES, VANITIES, MEDICINE CABINETS, FAUCETS, DRAINS, LIGHTING, ACCESSORIES (toilet paper holder, towel bars or hooks) DELIVERED TO YOUR HOME BEFORE the DEMOLITION BEGINS!!! This way your contractor can be in and out of your home quickly!!! If all products are there, and if your contractor shows up EVERY day as he or she should, all work should be complete in about three weeks... unless there are unforeseen complications.  USE Professionals!!!

So plan that new spa, that place to relax and unwind in , that special oasis especially for YOU!  If you hire the right people everything should flow just like cascading water.. The following "Before"and "After" photos are of my latest bathroom project. ENJOY!

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 IN PROGRESS

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AFTER PHOTOS

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Photo Credit: Beckerman Photography

BE MINE

Be Mine Design

presented byAccess to Design™

"For the month of February, the New York Design Center’s Access to Design™ designers have curated a collection of products from their most adored New York Design Center resources. Travel the 16 floors to discover what these tastemakers have selected for Be Mine Design and find something to make yours. Pick up a handout in the lobby to navigate Be Mine Design at 200 Lex and visit the Access to Design™ office in Suite 424 for more information on how to work with a designer." I am honored to have been selected to participate in this fun endeavour. I choose Profiles at the NYDC ( http://www.nydc.com/) as one of my favorite showrooms. I also was asked to select some of my favorite items. The following photos show some of them, for the real impact you must visit the showroom with a designer.  http://www.nydc.com/news/be-mine-design/Thank you so much Jim Druckman!  I truly enjoyed our beautiful breakfast in the Christopher Guy showroom. Come experience this wonderful building with 16 floors of new and cutting edge style, trends and fabulous merchandise and people. This is NYC at it's finest!

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