SHARING A FUNNY STORY

All of my projects have stories because my clients are people with unique tales to tell. One such project was a 4-bedroom apartment and a roof deck on the penthouse floor of a famous building on Fifth Avenue, right across the street from Central Park.

This was a significant project with a tight deadline. However, what we didn’t anticipate was the building becoming a constant news headline during our time there. The reason?

New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer leaves his apartment building on New York’s Fifth Ave., Wednesday morning, March 12, 2008. Spitzer announced Wednesday, March 12, 2008, that he would resign effective March 17, completing a stunning fall from power after he was nationally disgraced by links to a high-priced prostitution ring.

That was when the media arrived, and from then on we wore sunglasses going in and out of this building that Elliot Spizer lived in with his family and owned.

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 :)

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.

Designing In Stages For a Growing Family

 
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This NYC Penthouse apartment in the Chelsea Mercantile building was renovated and decorated over a few years time.  My clients wanted a beautiful space to raise their two small children.  The apartment had to be practical for this young family and their dog. The caveat? They still wanted a cool downtown vibe. 

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THE OPEN LIVING + DINING AREA

The first order of business was redesigning the lighting scheme in the living room and updating and redecorating the existing open living room and dining area. We revamped the lighting by employing two lighting fixtures as the main focal points - a huge contemporary chandelier in the main living room and one simple, yet sophisticated, pendant over the dining table. Then we added cove lighting around the perimeter of the room. We sheathed the walls in a very textural metallic grasscloth. The fireplace mantle was custom designed by New York Interior Design and completely reconstructed utilizing a Carrara marble. The drapery panels add a finishing touch to the space,  rich color and pattern, and a frame around the incredible view.

The dining area came next. We custom made the marble slab dining table. Then we added visual dimension and reflection of the view with an asymmetrical mirror.

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THE MASTER BEDROOM

The most challenging aspect of this project came when the new baby was on its way, and we reconfigured a tiny nursery out of a pretty large master bedroom closet. The master bedroom itself was redesigned to be an urban sanctuary that's just a bit sexy. Mixing lush textiles, contemporary patterns, and a soothing palette created the perfect vibe - playful and inviting, yet all grown up. Carefully designed built-ins lining the master bedroom maximized space and gave my clients back their closet. Keeping with the glamorous feel, the floor to ceiling built-ins were topped with dramatic crown moulding and jewelry-like hardware.

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THE BATH

The following year it was time for a gut renovation of the bathroom. This bathroom is for both the kids and guests. The bathtub was banished in favor of a custom shower. The huge faux carrara marble tiles (a dream to maintain) coordinate and lend continuity with the other marbles in the apartment. We gave the clients a flexible, family-friendly bath with a clean modern look and the luxe glam sensibility they wanted. 

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THE KITCHEN

Lastly, it was time for the major gut renovation of the kitchen. This new eat-in kitchen design was all about the gorgeous Arabescato Vagli marble, as well as the new tufted custom banquette. The cabinets were custom designed in a charcoal gray color to both enhance and compliment the marble. The crystal lighting on the banquette wall was meant to give the room a little bling. Beyond the beauty, optimizing storage and work space is always a must in NYC kitchens, and this one was designed for the challenges of a busy urban family. Now both children and parents are comfortable and happy in their newly redesigned apartment in the sky! 

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Photo Credit: Beckerman Photography

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

A HOME ...THREE YEARS IN THE MAKING

Once in awhile I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to get in on the ground floor when it comes to constructing a brand new home for a lovely family. This amazing project was my ideal. 

We started planning this light-filled, 6,100-square-foot dream home in Roslyn New York, three years ago. This was a team effort. From the drawings by esteemed architect Michael Wallin to the actual building by Robert Beer everything was a collaboration.

My clients basically knew what they wanted ... a forever home that was luxurious yet suitable for their two young children and two loving dogs. They wanted a unique one-of -a- kind modern home that was equally sophisticated yet young and fun. My job was to make sure they were happy, comfortable & excited by the design. 

The following are a few of the rooms completed so far... 

Photo Credit : Beckerman Photography 

 

FRONT VIEW

FRONT VIEW

THE BREAKFAST ROOM 

THE BREAKFAST ROOM 

THE KITCHEN

THE KITCHEN

THE MUD POWDER ROOM

THE MUD POWDER ROOM

THE FAMILY ROOM 

THE FAMILY ROOM 

THE POWDER ROOM

THE POWDER ROOM

THE MASTER BATH

THE MASTER BATH

THE MASTER BATHROOM

THE MASTER BATHROOM

THE MASTER SHOWER

THE MASTER SHOWER

COOL GIRL"S ROOM

COOL GIRL"S ROOM

GIRL'S BATHROOM

GIRL'S BATHROOM

BOY'S BATHROOM 

BOY'S BATHROOM