WHEN THINGS GO TERRIBLY WRONG TO EXCEPTIONAL CLIENTS!

One of the undeniable truths about construction, renovations, and decorating is that something unexpected always happens. How these surprises are handled depends on the contractor, the designer, and the client’s reactions. While you can’t change the reality of things going wrong, you can control how you react. This is the true story of wonderful lifetime clients who waited over 20 years to finally build the kitchen of their dreams.

Initially, everything went smoothly with the renovation, which included bumping out walls and floors. The new electrical, plumbing, flooring, and walls were completed. Appliances and cabinets were installed, paint was applied to the walls, furniture arrived, and artwork and accessories were put in place. Everyone was thrilled!

But then, one tile cracked. Three months later, another followed. We knew something was terribly wrong. Although these were large 48”x48” tiles, properly installed, they should never have cracked.

Thank goodness these clients hired an upstanding, honest contractor who stood by his work. We found new tiles, and the entire floor will be ripped up and the new tiles installed correctly this time. Yes, it’s a significant inconvenience, but fortunately, these clients are very grounded. They understand that much worse things could happen and are taking it in stride. I hope to always be this lucky to work with such level-headed and amazing clients!

THE BENEFITS OF INCLUDING A BUILT-IN WALL UNIT TO YOUR DESIGN

Over the years, I've often been invited into living rooms or family rooms that lack a focal point. While these spaces may look fine, they often feel directionless and unbalanced. That's where a built-in wall unit can work wonders! I've designed many wall units, ranging from simple bookshelves to those that accommodate flat-screen TVs or even feature elegant mirrored bars. Wall units have the power to truly transform a room, and I believe they are well worth the investment. Take a look at some of the stunning transformations below!

AFTER

BEFORE

BEFORE

After

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A SUCCESSFUL INTERIOR DESIGNER?

I am blessed to be in the business I love best! I've often been asked what it takes to run a successful interior design business, so I'm thrilled to share my insights.

First and foremost, interior design is a service industry. You need a passion for serving others and doing it exceptionally well. At its core, this field is about solving problems creatively, so being a fantastic problem solver and thinking outside the box is essential. Most importantly, you must be a people person who loves meeting and interacting with new people.

Talent is crucial. For the fortunate few, design is intuitive, a gift. If you're just starting out, having a business degree can set you apart and prove incredibly handy.

Having a unique niche or a distinctive style that sets you apart is vital. In a world where many designs look the same, originality is refreshing!

Connections are key. Be outgoing, kind, and loyal to your industry friends and vendors. These relationships are invaluable when challenges arise. Learning to LISTEN is critical. One of your most important roles is to listen to your clients and exceed their expectations.

I'm known for delivering more than my clients expect. I am passionate, efficient, loyal, reliable, and almost always available. Trust is everything! Building these relationships is like a marriage; mutual respect is a must. If you don't click with a client during the interview, it's best not to take on the project. You need to be their advocate and therapist, which requires a lot of patience and a genuine liking for them.

Ultimately, it comes down to being good at what you do and loving every moment of it!

Me sourcing furniture at BDDW Soho

EAST HILLS RENOVATION

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!

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER

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 :)

I JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW....

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

CONTEMPORARY TRADITIONAL CONDO

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Pattern, stripes and bright color make the dining area sing!

A mid-century modern chandelier casts a warm glow over this intimate dining area.

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.

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.

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!

A pop of color draws the eye!

Flowers, flowers everywhere…

Flowers, flowers everywhere…

It’s all in the details.

It’s all in the details.

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

IMG_0243.JPG

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

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