WROUGHT IRON RAILING DETAILS IN NYC

It is amazing what you can discover when you have the time to walk around New York City and really pay attention to what is around you. I had the luxury just the other day to wander around looking for inspiration for a wrought iron railing for a stairwell that we are designing in one of our client’s homes. While I was walking up and down the streets I couldn’t help but notice all of the beautiful metal grid work that was created on the buildings. Some of the work was very simple straight lines, while others were very ornate and contained gold and brass metals as well as the wrought iron itself. It is incredible how this architectural detail can add so much character and interest to its surroundings. Next time you are in the city and have some free time, I highly recommend taking a moment to really admire the beautiful architecture and other details that this city has to offer. Here are some of my favorite examples..

GRANGE EVENT

    I was invited to design a vignette in the Grange showroom at 200 Lexington Ave. for the launch of Grange's new outdoor furniture collection called St. Tropez. 
April 4, 2012 was the exciting building event. 
    I decided to make my vignette in their window a "Moroccan Fantasy" ....
I used Dupioni Silk in a bright orange and fuchsia combination which I had sewn into stripes, this made up the "tent". The lounge chair cushions and throw pillows were a beautiful silk print by Donghia called Spice Market. The velvet for the top of my "tent" was also by Donghia called Covet. All the seat cushions for the chairs as well as the love-seat were an intricately woven fabric called Kanthas by DesignTex. All the lighting, Brass and Copper Accessories and gorgeous rug were  loaned to me by the Stephanie Odegard showroom.  
    I think this whole project turned out really nice. Please feel free to come to the NYDC -200 Lexington Ave. Grange is on the 2nd floor. "My Marrakech Nights" window will be on display for the next three months.. By the way everything may be purchased by a design professional.. 

Flowers: Terracotta, Great Neck, NY  

Photo Credit : MNIP  Photo@Mynameisphoto.com  

IGHL FOUNDATION HONORS LOIS H. SILVERMAN

On Thursday evening I was invited to the Lori Bookstein Fine Art Gallery to honor Lois H. Silverman. Lois has been an inspiration to many. IGHL stands for Independent Group Home Living Program. In addition to her support of IGHL Lois volunteers at Mount Sinai Hospital and raises funds for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. She also collects finances for Queens food banks & the Hebrew Union College Soup Kitchen. She has been apart of the Reform Temple of Forest Hills for many years, always bringing joy to those who have the pleasure of knowing her. Lois truly is living a life of service, making a big difference through acts of loving kindness. I am so proud to call her my very dear friend! Bravo Lois!! 

FOLK ART AT NYDC

There is a Folk Art Exhibition at the NYDC (200 Lexington Ave.) on the 10th floor. This exceptional presentation will be on display until February 25, 2012. It is a great glimpse into our design history, notice the wonderful shapes , patterns and mixture of color. Try and get up there before it closes... Enjoy! 

COLOR INSPIRATION

    So far this has been the mildest NYC winter weather that I can remember, I haven't even complained once! So I was compelled to take a stroll down Fifth Ave. the other day to see the windows of some of my favorite stores, such as Bergdorf Goodman and Saks. The reason I think this is important is because I always get my inspiration for interiors from the fashion world. The cruise line is out, and there is an abundance of COLOR this year.. Bright colors, all mixed together in a new way. I think this will definitely have a very interesting affect on the coming season of the interior design industry, actually it already has.. Enjoy! 

WESTCHESTER " MAN CAVE"

    I have just completed this incredible project with a couple of my favorite clients, in Westchester NY.  This "lower level" (much too high end to call a basement) has 2,500 square feet of space which incorporates something for everyone.  

We built back rooms for storage, there is a gym, spa bathroom, movie theatre, play room for the kids, a custom wine cellar and bar, pool table, powder room and family sitting area. 

   Some details: There is a warm camel grass cloth on the walls above the wainscoting. Also the main carpet which is wall to wall is a woven leopard. The bar panels are shagreen. The handles on the bar doors are woven leather as are the stools. The light fixture over the pool table is an antique. The spa bathroom has glass on the back wall and a jagged stone pattern on the floor.  The wine cellar also has stone walls as well as the powder room. 

I am very proud of this new project.. I think it came out exceptionally well. What do you think?? 

Don't forget to click on the photos to see the full view!      Photo Credit: Tony Calarco 

ITALY

I was lucky enough to go to Italy in June of 2006. It is a trip I will never forget. We went to Venice, Florence, Lake Como, Milan and some smaller towns. (like the town where they sell Prada at wholesale)  It was ten days of the most blissful heavenly scenery, people and shopping. I think of all the wonderful memories often, so I would like to share them...