ANTIQUE ROW: SHOPPING IN WEST PALM BEACH FLORIDA WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER'S EYE

March 1, 2018

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...

Honey also admires this amazing table with crystal legs!

A desk, chair and art at Authentic Provence

Fabulous Beaux Art Server with Bronze Inlay at Authentic Provence

Antique Inkwell at The Elephant's Foot Antiques

Antique box at The Elephant's Foot Antiques

Designing In Stages For a Growing Family

January 9, 2018

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

September 24, 2017

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

THE CHIHULY EXHIBIT

September 17, 2017

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

FALL INTO FASHION 2017

September 3, 2017

Fall is slowly but surely creeping up on us! Even though we are sad to see the summer go, I must admit, the excitement for fall fashion has taken over... The fashion world and Interior design world are always connected. They come hand in hand, season by season. Take a look at our two shopping days, one in the fashion market and the other in the interior design market, for early fall trends.. same styles...same trends...Fall 2017!!!

Brett Design Wallpaper @ Bradley Showroom - 200 Lex

Kelly Wearstler Showroom - 200 Lex - fall 2017

Brett Fabric @ Bradley Showroom - 200 Lex - Fall 2017

A HOME ...THREE YEARS IN THE MAKING

July 18, 2017

Once in awhile I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to get in on the ground floor when it comes to constructing a brand new home for a lovely family. This amazing project was my ideal.

We started planning this light-filled, 6,100-square-foot dream home in Roslyn New York, three years ago. This was a team effort. From the drawings by esteemed architect Michael Wallin to the actual building by Robert Beer everything was a collaboration.

My clients basically knew what they wanted ... a forever home that was luxurious yet suitable for their two young children and two loving dogs. They wanted a unique one-of -a- kind modern home that was equally sophisticated yet young and fun. My job was to make sure they were happy, comfortable & excited by the design.

The following are a few of the rooms completed so far...

Photo Credit : Beckerman Photography

A TASTE OF SUMMER....

July 9, 2017

Finally, summer is here!!! Every New Yorker seems happier! Not only are we feeling it on this beautiful day in New York but we are feeling it in the New York Design Center too #nydc . Vibrant fabric colors filling the showrooms on sofas and chairs, new combinations are here to stay.. Colors are HOT and sultry or pastel and soft... Let's all have a fun and exciting summer ....

Color is an essential aspect of Interior Design

PINK CURVED SOFA AT BRADLEY SHOWROOM - 200 LEX

BRIGHT YELLOW CHAIR AT BRUETON SHOWROOM  - 200 LEX — BRIGHT YELLOW CHAIR AT BRUETON SHOWROOM - 200 LEX

STRIPED CHAIR AT KGBL SHOWROOM - 200 LEX

FUSCHIA CHAISE AT KGBL SHOWROOM- 200 LEX

NEW PROJECT FOR A NEW SEASON

September 12, 2016

Once in awhile, I am lucky enough to be asked to design a space in a NYC building that I adore. Huys is just such a building. Located in the heart of NoMad , on Park Ave South, Huys is a neoclassical building dating from 1917. This building underwent a huge conversion from commercial offices to 58 luxurious and elegantly detailed condominiums . It was designed by the world-renowned Piet Boon . This charming apartment is a pied a terre for a lovely couple that actually live upstate NY. I am very proud of how it turned out. I very much enjoyed designing the interiors, I hope you enjoy seeing the results!

Soft tones in this  comfy living room accentuate the view — Soft tones in this comfy living room accentuate the view

The walls of the dining room are covered in  textured squares.. — The walls of the dining room are covered in textured squares..

Drama in the powder room is evoked with this wallcovering that seems almost 3D

It's all in the details, soft gray suede walls envelope the master bedroom like a cocoon...

Grasscloth walls , leather headboard  hide rug and distressed night stands all mix for high drama in this relaxing guest room.. — Grasscloth walls , leather headboard hide rug and distressed night stands all mix for high drama in this relaxing guest room..

NEW PROJECT IN NOMAD, HUYS BUILDING

June 14, 2016

Located in the heart of NoMad , on Park Ave South, Huys is a neoclassical building dating from 1917, with neighboring stately mansions from NYC's Gilded Age. This building underwent a huge conversion from commercial offices to 58 luxurious and elegantly detailed condominiums . Developed by the prestigious Dutch Kroonenberg Groep, designed by the world-renowned Piet Boon and renovated by the well-established construction management firm Sciame. Huys is one of the my favorite buildings. This is one of the incredible apartments I was asked to design. The amazing iron windows and light brushed oak floors were already in place. Photo Credit: Beckerman Photograpy

Master Bedroom with Grasscloth headboard wall

GLORIA VANDERBILT "A RETROSPECTIVE"

April 28, 2016

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

March 30, 2016

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....

RENOVATION, MODERNIZATION, RESTORATION...

March 18, 2016

I recently was lucky enough to be asked to help renovate a house built 100 years ago in the town of Kensington, Great Neck, NY. The complete renovation consisted of 2 fireplaces, all wood floors, the powder room, main staircase, kitchen , master bath, a kids bathroom and an attic bath. This project took 8 months to complete. I am happy to report that the homeowner is over joyed with the finished product ! Please see some amazing before and after photos...