Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Problem...SOLVED!

Great interior design is often a series of exercises in problem solving. They usually require us to think outside of the box. Or, in this case, inside the box of my New York City apartment.
For better or worse, apartment dwellers get to know their neighbors intimately. One of the challenges I face is trying to create a calm, quiet, and serene retreat in the midst of this hectic city. Here are some great tips from my contribution to Time Out New York....After the ceiling is soundproofed a clever way to finish it off is by using wallpaper. I find that wallpaper often solves many design dilemmas. For my dining room I choose a bold look that I'm experimenting with for several other projects I'm working on. Wolf Gordon makes a fabulous smooth patent wall-covering in many beautiful shimmery colors. I chose a metallic bronze that reflects the light of the chandelier. Not only does this create a great finishing touch, it also gives the illusion of additional space....Something every New Yorker yearns for in their apartments. The use of the grosgrain ribbon from MJ Trimming and silver nail heads add a finished appeal as well as architectural interest. This project really freshened up my cozy dining room. Definitely pick up a copy of this Home Design Issue of TimeOut NY...There are so many great ideas!


"Believe it is possible to solve your problem. Tremendous things happen to the believer. So believe the answer will come. It will." - Norman Vincent Peale

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Made to Order

Sometimes I just can't seem to find the perfect piece to finish off a project...So it's off to the drawing board.
Mixed metal, diamond shaped fireplace screen in your exact dimensions......The appropriate size coffee table for intimate seating & conversation.....The perfect bench with hard to resist Greek Key details....Designer Katherine not included!
Oh, the myriad of seating
options....It's always a question of which one works best? I love to mix it up....even in the same room. Traditional sofas and chairs can sometimes be so expected and way too structured. These alternatives provide ample flexibility....From the Tet-e-Tet to comfy floor cushions to an easy to place slipper chair, the prospects are endless.


This shadow box filled with specimen butterflies is one of my all-time favorite custom projects.
"The difference between something good and something great is attention to detail." - Charles R. Swindoll