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

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.

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

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!

FEATUREED IN NYC COTTAGES & GARDENS/ TRIBECA PIED-A-TERRE

As we celebrate our 25th year in business, I'm thrilled to reflect on one of our favorite projects. To me, the key to success is establishing a great rapport with clients. When there's mutual trust and positive energy, everything falls into place beautifully.

This project was a true testament to the power of joyful collaboration. The clients, a happy couple who had just become empty nesters after marrying off their children, were looking for a pied-a-terre that would serve as a peaceful retreat in the heart of Tribeca. Since both of their newlywed children lived nearby, they wanted a cozy space where they could all come together, visit and unwind.

The challenge was to create a design that combined bold, exuberant colors with a sophisticated style that conveyed a sense of understated luxury and comfort. The result was a space that radiated joy, happiness, and tranquility, perfectly suited to the client's needs and personalities.

The foyer reflects the owner’s love of color and gives you a glimpse of what’s to come.

This exuberant, colorful living room was designed with the wonderful personalities of the clients in mind.

The living room shines like a jewel. The starting point of the design started with this gorgeous Tibetan Rug! Bold, colorful , fun and alive!

Blues and greens with a splash of exotic Spring flowers add to the drama.

Vintage vessels and vases add soul and character to the space. The linen drapery lets the soft light filter through and defines the space..

Vintage finds and antiques mix with wonderful bold patterns and color, bringing a sense of of harmony to the living room.

Soft grasscloth , a custom bar reflecting light with antique mirror and an ombre ottoman are all married together to form an intimate space.

The kitchen is wide open and serves as a gathering spot for both family and friends.

We kept the textured wall covering, handmade cashmere rug, and drapery soft and soothing to set a tone of utter tranquility.

We added touches of whimsy to keep the mood lighthearted…

Art, soft textures and beautiful patterns all come together to form a sexy oasis in the primary bedroom.

The home office was designed for a sophisticated lady who loves soft muted ombre tones giving this space a dreamlike ambience.

The guest room is sheathed in a soft floral wallpaper where tension is created with the rough texture of this sea grass rug against both the wall covering and the soft velvet of the bed.

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

SANDS POINT DREAM HOUSE RENOVATION

When one of our wonderful repeat clients called and said they just bought this 1950’s mid-century modern house, we were very excited to get started on the gut renovation

This home sits high on a hill overlooking the Long Island Sound with water views from every room of this 4 Br, 5 Bath retreat on over 2 acres of land In The Heart Of Sands Point.

We came up with a new 21st century modern luxurious architectural plan, updating every room in the house. We worked to make it a forever home with smart technology, energy efficiency, and zen beauty.

We also incorporated a new landscaping plan. and an infinity pool…. What we never expected was building this home in the middle of a pandemic, with all kinds of shutdowns and delays…

After three and a half long years these are the photos of the new house. We might have to wait a couple of more years until all the interior decorating is finalized. So for now, enjoy these photos showing all of our design choices for flooring, moldings, fireplaces, bathrooms, primary closets, and an amazing chef’s kitchen. As they say… “it’s all in the details! “

This house was designed with harmony and tranquility in mind incorporating the beautiful outdoors.

Blackened steel windows, huge stone multi-colored walls, wood siding and copper details were all designed to give this house a sense of 21st century modernism.

The new huge front door is stained a dark blackened brown color , giving a sense of excitement to what lays ahead…

New poured concrete floors, a stainless steel staircase and white oak shiplap ceilings (punctuated with steel) were all part of this modern gut renovation. It’s all in the details!

Poured concrete floors with a blazing fire welcome you into the new living room. We designed this home with a Zen sensibility marrying the inside with the outdoors.

This Arabescato marble fireplace sets the welcoming tone to the living room. The chandelier references the Zen simplicity of the house and the leaves outside.

The round dining room table and comfy leather chairs are conducive to great conversation, the crystal drops on the chandelier reference the water view.

What can be more beautiful than this view overlooking the Long Island Sound over any meal in this house?

This Chef’s kitchen has it all. Italian Walnut hand planed cabinetry, and a stainless and a leather Python marble countertop! Let the cooking begin!

Wall ovens are flanked by hand-planed walnut cabinets that light up all interior shelves. The suspension lights over the island mimic candles when lit in the evening.

The mosaic terrazzo floor was custom made to fit perfectly, The sapphire blue faucet handles and rock crystal sconces add a little bling to the Powder Room!

The new fireplace separates and defines the two distinct areas, the bedroom, and the huge closet. The floors are white oak planks, the bed and nightstands float giving the space a sense of lightness and simplicity.

We carved out a niche for the Primary bed and clad the head board with a sumptuous blush colored leather.

Wonderful bedside table lamps and art and soft sheer window panels will complete this space.

We designed this closet with luxury in mind. The window seat and ottoman are covered in a soft textured blush fabric to keep the area light and airy.

Each closet opens up to lit leather interiors .

The centerpiece of the closet is this gorgeous rock crystal chandelier which will light up the space in the evenings.

We designed the shower wall and floor with this incredible Thassos marble mosaic. The result is a peaceful luxurious oasis to dream in.

Closeup of the soaking tub and Thassos mosaic floors. The tub filler is floor mounted.

We wanted all of the fittings in this Primary bathroom to look like beautiful jewelry !

The fireplace wall was clad with handmade Moroccan tile. This downstairs game room will have a bar with a copper countertop and a copper-colored mirror.

This game room will have a Moroccan theme with a pool table and built- in bar.

This game room leads to the infinity pool and beautiful landscaped gardens.

The cabana bath has porcelain tile that mimics the waves outside in the Long island Sound.

The cabana/mudroom sits just opposite this bathroom with a very detailed wallpaper depiction of fish. Everything here floats just like the water.

Another downstairs bathroom serves as the guest bath. The porcelain tile mimics a grasscloth wallpaper on the floating vanity wall.

The shower walls are clad with a two dimensional tile that fit together like a puzzle.

Textured geometric tile surround this guest shower.

The new exterior of the house faces the infinity pool and the beautiful new landscaping.

The whole exterior was meant to harmonize with the incredible backyard which leads directly to the Long Island Sound. The pool was completely redesigned to flow into the Bacchi Court.

The backyard was designed with many outdoor lights strategically placed to light up the path to the water.

The balconies were designed with the same flooring, staircase and shiplap ceilings to bring the outdoors in . We wanted a continuance of product to make the spaces seamless .

Finally the view from the hill a top this Sands Point modern retreat!

A GRAMERCY CONDO, FULL OF LIGHT, FUN AND FLOWERS…

This light and airy new construction in Gramercy with 14’ ceilings and amazing views of the city was designed for a fun family of four. We know this family pretty well at this point since we designed an apartment in Chelsea and helped with a house in Sag Harbor for them before this project arose. At this point, all the trust is there to make an apartment a dream come true.

The design concept from the very beginning was to make this apartment in the sky a very colorful and happy place for all. After the long pause of Covid and leaving the city for the Hamptons, coming back to this happy place was just what this family needed!

Gramercy Square, a new beginning .

Gramercy Square, a new beginning .

This hand-painted wallpaper sets the tone for the apartment and leads your eye down the long hallway to the gorgeous views of the city lights beyond.

This hand-painted wallpaper sets the tone for the apartment and leads your eye down the long hallway to the gorgeous views of the city lights beyond.

This bedroom was designed for a little girl to grow up in. Colorful flowers and butterflies fill this space with fun and happiness in mind.

This bedroom was designed for a little girl to grow up in. Colorful flowers and butterflies fill this space with fun and happiness in mind.

We custom designed this  tufted toy chest to coordinate with the pink velvet tufted daybed.

We custom designed this tufted toy chest to coordinate with the pink velvet tufted daybed.

Fun, happy and comfy!

Fun, happy and comfy!

A colorful home office with deep blue lacquered walls and an iridescent Murano blue chandelier .

A colorful home office with deep blue lacquered walls and an iridescent Murano blue chandelier .

Peonies on the ceiling! Which tween wouldn’t be happy waking up to this?

Peonies on the ceiling! Which tween wouldn’t be happy waking up to this?

Close-up of this custom fashion forward girl’s room bed with gold trim.

Close-up of this custom fashion forward girl’s room bed with gold trim.

A place to do homework and dream! Silk Taffeta draperies with a velvet cuff add texture to the room.

A place to do homework and dream! Silk Taffeta draperies with a velvet cuff add texture to the room.

Dark taupe Sparkle wall covering adds a touch of luminescence to the Powder Room.

Dark taupe Sparkle wall covering adds a touch of luminescence to the Powder Room.

A glam Primary Bedroom with silver leaf hand-painted wallpaper, silk rug, and a rock crystal chandelier. The woven-wool draperies add the final touch!

A glam Primary Bedroom with silver leaf hand-painted wallpaper, silk rug, and a rock crystal chandelier. The woven-wool draperies add the final touch!

What can be more fun than a vintage glass fronted dresser with brass fittings?

What can be more fun than a vintage glass fronted dresser with brass fittings?

Detail shot of Primary bedroom showcasing the Carrara marble fireplace we installed for cozy nights in.

Detail shot of Primary bedroom showcasing the Carrara marble fireplace we installed for cozy nights in.

Sunny Living Room Drama with 14’ ceilings leads to this amazing view!

Sunny Living Room Drama with 14’ ceilings leads to this amazing view!

Full view of this spacious great room which holds the living room/dining area and kitchen.

Full view of this spacious great room which holds the living room/dining area and kitchen.

This vintage brass light fixture and  marble topped dining table make this Dining Area special.

This vintage brass light fixture and marble topped dining table make this Dining Area special.

Color pattern and texture set the tone for this close-up of the Great Room.

Color pattern and texture set the tone for this close-up of the Great Room.

A GLAMOROUS DINING ROOM FOR ENTERTAINING

We are finally at the point in this awful pandemic where we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Most people are just dying to reconnect with friends and family in person, these lovely clients are no exception. Timing is everything! We started this renovation quite some time ago and then wound up jumping to other more pressing areas of the house. This dining room was designed to balance the Bar Lounge on the other side of this Center Hall Colonial in a very nice community in West Harrison, NY.

Finally, the formal Dining Room can be utilized! ! My very cool, friendly, popular, warm-hearted clients can now host the dinners they have been so anxiously dreaming about. They can finally socialize again in person as they always did in the past. Family and friends can come over again to eat and celebrate life!

Let the fun begin!

Photo Sep 11, 10 15 11 AM.jpg

First came the major renovation.

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Next we sourced this beautiful handmade rug. Soft blues and silver shimmer.

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We wanted a very dramatic wallpaper. These foil leaves did the trick.

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Warm and inviting, it’s all about performance velvet.

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We needed a beautiful , yet functional dining table. This one did the trick!

Did I mention Glam? This crystal chandelier and sconces certainly fit the bill!

Completed Formal Dining Room

Completed Formal Dining Room

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.