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!
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!
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.
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! “
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!
First came the major renovation.
Next we sourced this beautiful handmade rug. Soft blues and silver shimmer.
We wanted a very dramatic wallpaper. These foil leaves did the trick.
Warm and inviting, it’s all about performance velvet.
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!
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
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!
ANTIQUE ROW: SHOPPING IN WEST PALM BEACH FLORIDA WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER'S EYE
As an interior designer and antique lover, I love coming to Antique Row for one of a kind finds... If you have never been here, this is a great destination!!! What can be better than coming to sunny West Palm Beach to shop in the middle of February? There is so much to see and do here. If you're lucky, you will be walking in 80-degree weather with blue skies. Full of amazing vintage and antique shops, plus it's home to a wonderful place to relax and grab a great meal, Belle and Maxwell's Cafe.
These are a few of my favorite finds on this shopping expedition...
Designing In Stages For a Growing Family
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!!
HOMENATURE