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!

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.

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 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 

 

 

 

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

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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PAINT THE TOWN RED!

I am just back from a gorgeous Valentine's weekend in St. Barths and I just can't get the color red out of my mind! This incredible Island is covered in hints of red everywhere you go. From the rooftops to the flowers, this beautiful color made me giddy with joy. Red is a great color to bring into the home as well. Wether it is just a touch in a corner or covering a whole wall, this elegant, rich color will brighten up your day! 

St Barths

St Barths

Red Roofs in St Barths

Red Roofs in St Barths

Eden Rock Hotel

Front door to Eden Rock Villas

Front door to Eden Rock Villas

The Bright Group- Red Velvet Chair

The Bright Group- Red Velvet Chair

Global Views Tufted Bench

Global Views Tufted Bench

New Traditionalists Bar

New Traditionalists Bar

Access To Design Office- 200 Lex

Access To Design Office- 200 Lex

*Note: The images contained in this blog are not property nor work of New York Interior Design, Inc. They are strictly images acquired for inspiration and admiration of the industry's talent. New York Interior Design, Inc. does not claim rights to any of the works pictured above. All photos in the portfolio section of nyinteriordesign.com are the work and designs of New York Interior Design, Inc.

THE DORILTON

One of the most rewarding experiences I have had as an interior designer is to decorate an apartment in a prewar landmark beauty.  I have just been honored with decorating such a gem. The Dorilton was constructed in 1902 and designed by Janes & Leo, the New York City-based architectural firm of Elisha Harris Janes and Richard Leopold Leo for real estate developer Hamilton M. Weed. It is located on the Upper West Side of NYC. 

The building is noted for its opulent Beaux-Arts style limestone and brick exterior, featuring monumental sculptures, richly balustraded balconies, and a three-story, copper and slate mansard roof. The exterior masonry, decorative terra-cotta work and chimneys and roof were expertly restored in 1998 by the Walter B. Melvin architectural firm.

This is our latest project... I am so excited to share it with you!  Please Enjoy!!! 

All photos of this exceptional exterior and interior are by: Jonathan Beckerman 

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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!

BEFORE PHOTOS

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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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