FLATIRON GLAM

Once in awhile as a designer you come across that perfect project. The space, the location and the client are all very interesting and exciting.  That was the way I felt about this  beauty in the center of the Flatiron District. The apartment is in a Landmark building on very desirable Fifth Avenue with oversized windows and 10.5-foot ceilings allowing light to flood the apartment. The highest level of finishes complement this fully restored 1897 Beaux Arts building. Located in a very cool area surrounded by new interior design shopping destinations and incredible restaurants,  This building is one of downtowns finest new conversions . It was renovated with a more traditional style in mind and the highest level of finishes. The cherry on the cake is the  fully restored copper cupola and curved plate glass windows... 

Doing the interior of a space like this comes very easily, it was conceived of totally with my client in mind and the way she lives her life.. exciting, adventurous ,colorful and worldly... Photo credit : Beckerman Photography

1897 Beaux Arts 

The rug started it all.. Fort Street Studio in a round motif to mimic the round windows... Walls Maya Romanoff white paper..

We utilized one of my favorite lights as wall sculpture by: Aqua in purple silk. Dining chairs: High Style Deco 

The whole back wall was custom built to incorporate wood paneling, headboard, floating nightstands and base...

Closeup of another fav of mine metal Stephanie Odegard dresser...

1970's fur topped Stools were found at 1St Dibs 

This sexy den incorporates black velvet drapes with a textured black wallcovering 

Powder room wallcovering/ bronze Crocodile 

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 

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

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 DEMO

 IN PROGRESS

AFTER PHOTOS

Photo Credit: Beckerman Photography

ARTS & CRAFTS STYLE

This home is an architectural dream, a truly special place. It's dwellers are just as special and delightful. Built in 1938 in Roslyn Estates I can say without knowing him that Frank Lloyd Wright would have admired this house. In design it is always a treat to work on something out of the box, something unique and not run of the mill, that was this house. All decorating and designing aside, her bones spoke for herself in every part, in every corner. The detail, the architecture was flawless and just simply left us in awe. Over the year we worked on this, the beauty just seemed to unfold before our eyes at every step of the way. This to me is design at its best, when you walk into a home and not everything hits you in the face all at once. Its slow and subtle, and takes your breath away slowly. We just enhanced what was already existing inside the home. It's almost like the house spoke to us and told us what it needed. Some places it screamed for movement on the walls while in others it was dying for african themed sculptures...While this is definitely a specific style, it may not be for everyone and thats just fine. We just ask that you observe, take in and appreciate the beauty that lives here, because it is here and it is something to look at. These walls tell a story, one that this family will be able to tell over for years to come.

ANTIQUE SHOPPING STAMFORD STYLE

Stamford Connecticut is one of the best place to antique shop. I always love going there for clients. When you find incredible, one of a kind pieces for someones home it's a feeling like no other. Not only are you bringing elements into their homes that are rare and special, you are also bringing in something old that tells a story. I love finding out what period each find is from and knowing the background behind them all. I usually have a rule that I never shop for myself when I am out with a client, however there were such amazing things this time that I just could not help myself and snagged some incredible pieces:)...

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!

"THE DORILTON" BEAUX-ART AT ITS FINEST

One of our favorite clients just moved from one apartment on the Upper West Side to a new apartment in the same area.  The Dorilton, wow what a building! It was built in 1902, restored in 1998, and the Beaux-Art style stands out in comparison to the minimalist style of later architecture.  In a Manhattan increasingly characterized by faceless skyscrapers, the Dorilton really makes a statement. The detail and durability of the materials used are exquisite.

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The interior of the building is just as extravagant as the exterior. The foyer holds angelic cherubs surrounded by carefully constructed framework that reads more like art. Upon turning the corner, you’re met with a unique railing that speaks to the structure’s French history. There was no holding back when it came to detailing the interior, and it makes an impression.

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The interior space has stained glass windows, very intricate crown moulding and heavy doors that are all solid wood. The interior wood floors are the finest walnut in a herringbone pattern. Once again, it is ALL IN THE DETAILS!!!! Now starts the fun part, making this new apartment feel like a warm and cozy home to our clients and their three children.