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.

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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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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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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UNIQUE SURFACES

The sky is the limit when it comes to creativity in design. Texture, color, abstract forms, and material finishes all become a work of art when mixed together to create gorgeous, one-of-a-kind  pieces. A unique surface in an unexpected way has always caught my attention. Using your table top as a unique display of creativity and craftsmanship is a perfect opportunity for making a statement and stepping out of the box. Check out what I mean in these snapshots collected throughout my daily travels:

Iridescent ripple effect glass Dining table

Iridescent ripple effect glass Dining table

Metal inlayed glass side table with hammered metal legs

Metal inlayed glass side table with hammered metal legs

White pearlescent mosaic tile drink table in a radial pattern

White pearlescent mosaic tile drink table in a radial pattern

Round metal inlayed side table with hammered iron legs

Round metal inlayed side table with hammered iron legs

Blue stained glass drink table with a ripple effect

Blue stained glass drink table with a ripple effect

ABSTRACT ART HUNT

 

Recently, I have been scouring the city for great looking, unique pieces of artwork in the abstract style, for some savvy  clients.  From paintings to wall sculptures, it has been an exciting adventure to see what is currently being exhibited in the art market today. One of the most popular areas of Manhattan for art is the Chelsea neighborhood, recognized for its plethora of art galleries, constantly updated exhibitions, and the variety of up and coming artists. Another fantastic destination for art is the 10th floor of the NYDC (www.nydc.com). There is always a new exciting art exhibition promoting exceptional artists. Take a look at some of the pieces I loved at the various galleries below:

STEVEN W. MILLER

Private Art Gallery | New York, NY | By Appointment Only

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KATHI ROBINSON FRANK

1stDibs at New York Design Center • 10th Floor

200 Lexington Avenue | New York, NY 10001

                                                                      &nbs…

                                                                                                    "Transition"

                                                                         Mixed media on canvas 72" x 56" (on hold)

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ANDREW ZIMMERMAN

March 12-April 11, 2015

Sears-Peyton Gallery 

210 Eleventh Avenue, Suite 802 | New York, NY 10001

                                                                       &nb…

 

                                                                                                  Rescue Green, 2015

                                                                                                             ZIM344

                                                                       wood panel with urethane paint, 42 1/2 x 26 inches

Light Lemon, 2015ZIM345wood panel with urethane paint, 46 x 36 1/2 inches

Light Lemon, 2015
ZIM345

wood panel with urethane paint, 46 x 36 1/2 inches

A13 Atlantik Blau MET, 2014ZIM327wood panel with urethane paint, 46.5 x 35 x 1 3/4 inches

A13 Atlantik Blau MET, 2014
ZIM327

wood panel with urethane paint, 46.5 x 35 x 1 3/4 inches

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AMBER COWAN

"Chroma Revival"

Heller Gallery

303 10th Avenue | New York, NY 10001

GRAY 802014Flameworked American pressed glass/steel/mixed media68 x 24 x 5 in.

GRAY 80

2014
Flameworked American pressed glass/steel/mixed media
68 x 24 x 5 in.

SKY BLUE, COBALT AND SLAG (DETAIL)2014Flameworked American pressed glass/steel/mixed media34 x 39 x 9 in.

SKY BLUE, COBALT AND SLAG (DETAIL)

2014
Flameworked American pressed glass/steel/mixed media
34 x 39 x 9 in.

SKY, MILK AND METAL2014flameworked American pressed glass/mixed media32 x 9 x 7 1/2 in.

SKY, MILK AND METAL

2014
flameworked American pressed glass/mixed media
32 x 9 x 7 1/2 in.

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ANNI KOCH-KNUDSEN

Agora Gallery

530 West 25th Street | New York, NY 10001




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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BLUE DOORS OF PARIS

I just returned from the most fabulous trip to Paris. Something that really struck me was these bright cobalt blue doorways and doors. Everywhere I looked there was another one. Paris seems to be ahead of the trends that's for sure. The Cobalt color has been around there for years, in many different ways and is only now making its debut here in the states as the "it" color of the season. It is such a gorgeous, energetic color. Clearly Europeans are not afraid of color, and maybe we can take a tip from them. Embrace life, embrace the blue!