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.

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 :)

I JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW....

Every summer I try and get to my favorite latest projects and do a professional photoshoot. This past summer (like everything else) that ritual had to be put on hold because of Covid-19. Hopefully, I will be photographing some new projects as soon as possible. CAN’T WAIT!!

Everything in our world (as far as I’m concerned) has been placed upside down since last March. I do not know one person that has not been negatively and personally affected. This has been very hard on all of us in so many different ways. I want to reach out to anyone who has gotten extremely sick or worse yet, lost a loved one.

For you, this has been horrific. I am sending my deepest sympathies.

We are all in this together, and I just wanted you to know that I am still working although differently. (I am doing a lot of Zoom and FaceTime sessions). I am also helping a lot of people (stay happy) by doing a one-hour consultation over the phone. Let’s chat and stay connected!

Since I feel that what I do is always about relating to people, listening to their hopes and dreams, so much more than just design, let’s keep it up! So many of my dear clients have asked, YES! I am available to work.

I would love to work with you this new (hopefully temporary) way. I always feel like a guide, and really care about trying to make people happy. Making your home more beautiful, that’s my passion!! Until we all see one another again, Let’s all keep dreaming of better times!

STAY HAPPY, SAFE & HEALTHY! Evelyn

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" ...

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




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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