PAINT THE TOWN RED!

I am just back from a gorgeous Valentine's weekend in St. Barths and I just can't get the color red out of my mind! This incredible Island is covered in hints of red everywhere you go. From the rooftops to the flowers, this beautiful color made me giddy with joy. Red is a great color to bring into the home as well. Wether it is just a touch in a corner or covering a whole wall, this elegant, rich color will brighten up your day! 

St Barths

St Barths

Red Roofs in St Barths

Red Roofs in St Barths

Eden Rock Hotel

Front door to Eden Rock Villas

Front door to Eden Rock Villas

The Bright Group- Red Velvet Chair

The Bright Group- Red Velvet Chair

Global Views Tufted Bench

Global Views Tufted Bench

New Traditionalists Bar

New Traditionalists Bar

Access To Design Office- 200 Lex

Access To Design Office- 200 Lex

*Note: The images contained in this blog are not property nor work of New York Interior Design, Inc. They are strictly images acquired for inspiration and admiration of the industry's talent. New York Interior Design, Inc. does not claim rights to any of the works pictured above. All photos in the portfolio section of nyinteriordesign.com are the work and designs of New York Interior Design, Inc.

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 

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..

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 

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...

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...

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

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

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

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

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

Powder room wallcovering/ bronze Crocodile 

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 

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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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                                                                                                                                                                                                                 DEMO

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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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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!

ANKASA

People always ask me "where are your favorite places to shop?"  One of my favorite places is Ankasa, www.anaska.com . They just opened a new retail store on Madison Ave. between 87th & 88th streets. They carry mostly high-end  accessories, pillows, lighting and small pieces of furniture.. They have a very glamorous look, their merchandise always intrigues me. Ankasa's pillows always look handmade. They use wonderful textiles, like cashmere and lace, skins and embroidery... Their products would help finish off any room in your house, check them out the next time you are in the Upper East side of Manhattan.. Happy Holidays!!!! Enjoy!! 

Ankasa Display
Throw Pillows
Ankasa
Ankasa window display
Ankasa canopy bed
Window shopping at Ankasa

ART NOUVEAU AT THE MET

Here is a great example of Art Nouveau (French for 'New Art') used in Interior Design. What you're looking at is a fireplace surround that is capturing the true essence of nature itself. The beautiful ceramic glass uses colors that are found outdoors. Unlike most fireplaces that are characterized by harsh 90 degree angles, this surround only uses soft curves -- just like you'd find in a natural environment. Personally, I find it amazing that an artist can take a hard material, like ceramic, and imbue it with such flowing lines, reminding us of waves -- the tide coming in. Most importantly, the focal point is a mask representing humanity.  Art Nouveau celebrates the relationship between humanity and her environment.

This style is best used in rooms that are meant to make us feel welcome.  Although this piece looks harsh standing on a bare wall, it would be right at home in an Bohemian hotel with young Parisians sitting nearby arguing passionately, wine glasses in hand. Perhaps a beautiful accent to this grand surround could be a classic candelabra (Beauty and the Beast style) with a piece of art by Gustav Klimt --perfect for above the mantle. If this is the taste you desire, then Art Nouveau is exactly what you're looking for!

Attributed to: Desire Muller( French, 1877-1952) French Luneville, ca.1900 Glazed Stoneware