Andrea Leung Turns Her Own Tribeca Apartment into a Light-Filled Hall of Mirrors

Alex Bass, founder of Salon 21, an education and commerce platform for the art world, showcases how she curated a sophisticated yet youthful dining nook within her West Village studio apartment. Her approach reflects the same philosophy as Salon 21: a blend of traditional concepts with a contemporary, youthful twist. Bass skillfully partitioned her studio into distinct areas without structural walls, utilizing creative staging to define each space. The dining nook, a key focus, features a marble table and Cesca chairs, complemented by a gallery wall and an antique mirror, strategically placed to enhance the room's perceived size and openness. The article delves into Bass's design process, emphasizing how she created this particular nook to be both stylish and highly practical for small-space living. Bass highlights the importance of natural light and the pre-war architectural details of her studio, such as archways and iron-paned windows, which inspired her furniture and decor choices. She aimed to integrate pieces that matched the inherent sophistication of the apartment, opting for a neutral and warm color palette in the dining nook to foster a sense of focus and relaxation. This deliberate choice contrasts with the more vibrant colors used in her living and bedroom areas. The space is designed for dual functionality, serving as both a workspace with a drop-down desk and a dining area, demonstrating her commitment to practicality in a compact environment. Her design philosophy for small spaces revolves around being decisive and maximizing utility without accumulating clutter. A core tenet of Bass's design approach is the strategic mixing of colors, textures, and styles. While the nook predominantly features muted tones, rusted golds, and browns to create a classic, luxurious feel, she introduces an orange basketball planter for a subtle pop of color, connecting it to other pieces on her bar cart. She stresses that the most crucial element in design is the juxtaposition of old and new elements. For instance, she pairs mid-century modern metal, wood, and cane Cesca chairs with a simple white marble slab table, achieving a modern aesthetic. This blend of styles, she argues, is essential for creating intrigue and balance in a space. Her appreciation for 'older' design, exemplified by her love for the Breuer-inspired chairs that evoke childhood memories, informs her ability to integrate vintage pieces with modern twists, such as the burl wood cabinet that perfectly fits the space. The gallery wall in the dining nook holds personal significance, featuring seven film photographs taken by Bass herself, given to her by her mother as a gift for her first apartment. These photographs, framed in brushed metallic, were carefully placed around an antique mirror, demonstrating how she adapted existing decor to fit a new layout. This process of re-evaluating and re-positioning items when moving into a new space, considering both style and logistics, is a practical aspect she emphasizes. Bass also shares her sourcing strategies, preferring to independently scour the internet and enjoy the hunt for vintage pieces. She highlights Overstock.com for good deals on items like her Cesca chairs and praises Etsy for its array of high-quality vintage finds, including the drop-down desk/armoire and various light fixtures she has personalized throughout her apartment. Finally, Bass discusses her intentional approach to maintaining a clean and functional table space. She uses candlesticks for ambient lighting during meals and keeps fresh flowers, a reminder of the outside world, especially during the pandemic. Her philosophy, inspired by a high school English teacher, advocates for dedicated spaces for different activities—working at the desk, sleeping in bed, and eating at the table—to maintain mental clarity and prevent clutter from encroaching on relaxing areas. This intentional separation of functions contributes to the overall tranquility and efficiency of her studio apartment's design. #StudioApartment #SmallSpaceLiving #InteriorDesign #DiningNook #HomeDecor #ArtDealer #VintageFurniture #ModernDesign #SpacePlanning

The article details the transformation of a “dark” Craftsman bungalow parlor into a brighter, more inviting space by stager Sarah Reed. The original parlor, typical of Craftsman-style homes, suffered from a lack of natural light due to its architectural design and placement. Reed's primary objective was to counteract this inherent dimness by strategically using color, furniture arrangement, and textiles to enhance the room's luminosity and perceived spaciousness. The initial state of the parlor presented challenges common to older homes, including limited light and potentially outdated decor that contributed to a heavy, dark atmosphere. Reed began the transformation by implementing a thoughtful color palette. Instead of relying on stark white, she chose soft, light neutral tones for the walls, which effectively reflected available light and created a sense of openness without making the room feel sterile. This choice was crucial in setting the foundation for a brighter environment. Furniture selection and placement played a significant role in the parlor's metamorphosis. Reed opted for pieces that were not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional in enhancing the room's brightness. The sofa was chosen in a light gray hue, contributing to the overall airy feel. Complementing the sofa, two accent chairs in white were introduced, further brightening the seating area. The arrangement of these pieces was carefully considered to maximize open floor space and light flow, avoiding clutter that could absorb light and make the room feel smaller. Textiles were another key element in Reed's staging strategy. A cozy rug, featuring a blend of white and gray, was selected. Reed emphasized the importance of rug size, noting that an 8’x10’ rug was appropriate for the room's dimensions, allowing both the sofa and accent chairs to rest comfortably with their front legs on it. This thoughtful detail helps to anchor the seating arrangement and prevent the space from feeling disjointed. Additionally, chunky light neutral textiles, such as throw pillows and blankets, were incorporated to add texture and warmth while maintaining the bright aesthetic. The combination of these design choices—light wall colors, carefully selected light-colored furniture, and coordinating textiles—resulted in a parlor that feels significantly lighter and more spacious than its original state. The transformation successfully addressed the challenge of inherent dimness in the Craftsman home, creating an appealing and comfortable living area. The article concludes by noting the effectiveness of Reed's staging, as the house went under contract shortly after being listed, indicating the positive impact of her design work on potential buyers. #HomeStaging #InteriorDesign #CraftsmanBungalow #RoomTransformation #BrighteningSpaces #NeutralDecor #HomeRenovation #RealEstateStaging

The article discusses the significant impact of proper lighting on the appearance and perceived value of New York City apartments and brownstones, particularly for those looking to sell or renovate. It emphasizes that updating lighting fixtures or even just bulbs can instantly refresh a space, making it appear more modern and appealing. Real estate brokers and stagers frequently adjust lighting in listings, as poor lighting can date a property, while bright, well-chosen illumination can lead to higher sales prices. The piece highlights that effective lighting doesn't necessarily require a large budget, with many stylish and affordable options available from retailers like Wayfair and Overstock. Lighting is categorized into two main types: functional (ambient) and statement lighting. A balanced approach incorporating both is recommended, using various fixtures like recessed lighting, pendants, and table lamps to create a complete and versatile ambiance. This layering of light sources allows for different moods and helps define spaces in open floor plans, such as using a floor lamp to create a reading nook. The article delves into the pros and cons of recessed lighting, noting its ability to provide consistent illumination but also its limitations in pre-war and post-war buildings due to ceiling height constraints. While some buyers prefer removing recessed lights for more decorative fixtures, dimmed recessed lighting is considered a valuable investment for both daily living and resale, offering flexibility in brightness. Alternative ambient lighting options include track lighting, floor lamps, and sconces, with sconces gaining popularity for their functional and sculptural qualities, especially in situations where ceiling installations are difficult. For spaces where ceiling or wall modifications are not feasible, the article suggests various solutions that do not require extensive wiring. Floor lamps are a practical choice, particularly in living areas without existing ceiling lights. Plug-in, pin-up pendants are another versatile option, available across various price points, and can be strategically swagged from ceilings to create an intentional design element. Plug-in wall lamps and sconces also offer easy installation and space-saving benefits. The entry area is highlighted as a prime location for statement lighting, as it sets the initial tone for the entire home and can significantly impress buyers. Similarly, a striking fixture over the dining table is considered essential for defining the dining area in an open floor plan and is often a key selling point. The article also provides examples of using chandeliers or LED ring fixtures to fill vertical space in living areas with double-height ceilings, while more subtle track lighting is recommended for smaller alcove apartments with lower ceilings. Stairwells, often overlooked, are presented as opportunities for dramatic, double-height light fixtures that enhance ceiling heights and connect different floors visually. In the kitchen, a combination of functional and welcoming lighting is crucial, with island pendants being a cost-effective way to add both style and utility. Coordinating lighting in single spaces by using consistent materials or palettes is advised to ensure cohesion. Creative solutions like integrating lighting into custom millwork or using LED panels to mimic windows in interior spaces are also discussed as ways to improve aesthetics and functionality. Finally, the article touches upon updating bedroom lighting, noting the growing trend of bedside dropped pendants for a minimalist, hotel-like feel and improved light quality for sleep. For children's rooms, imaginative lighting such as customized pendant shades can create a playful atmosphere. The importance of swapping out traditional bulbs for LEDs and maintaining a consistent color temperature throughout the home is emphasized. Investing in smart home systems like Lutron or Crestron for integrated lighting control is also suggested, along with the rising popularity of human-centric lighting systems that adapt to circadian rhythms. The article concludes by addressing the negotiation of light fixtures during a sale, advising sellers to stipulate exclusions early to avoid disputes, as buyers generally expect attached fixtures to remain with the property, especially in high-end transactions. #NYCRealEstate #ApartmentRenovation #HomeStaging #InteriorLighting #DesignTips #SellingNYC #HomeImprovement #ArchitecturalLighting #SmartHome

The Designer Show House, a biennial event sponsored by the Village Improvement Association in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, showcases diverse interior and exterior design inspirations across its 6,000 square feet of space and nearly an acre of outdoor areas. This event serves as a platform for regional designers to present their expertise and offers visitors a wealth of ideas for their own homes. One featured space is a sunken living room, designed by Kate FitzGerald-Wilks of Timeless Design in Landenberg, Pennsylvania. This room embodies a West Indies aesthetic, characterized by bold lines, soft sandy hues, and rich textures. Key elements include vintage stick bamboo chairs painted black, adorned with Kuba cloth and Ralph Lauren zebra-stripe pillows on a slipcovered camel-backed sofa. A mid-century hutch is repurposed as a cocktail bar, complemented by sculptural metal and glass console tables flanking the fireplace. Wood mirrors with faux tortoise shell lean against textured wallpaper, while modern sculptures and art blend with antique books and global treasures. FitzGerald-Wilks also designed the dining room, aiming for a dramatic effect with a backdrop of 200 wine bottles and a striking Dolcetti chandelier crafted from shells and crystals, evoking sea glass. An 8-foot-long reclaimed wine rack sits atop a buffet. The room's color palette consists of soft creams and tans, punctuated by emerald green accents in the chandelier and wine bottles. Windows are framed with woven ikat print panels. An airy sunroom, conceived by Alfred Wolf Home (a new venture from Design Center of Rehoboth or DCOR), was designed to create a light-filled, contemporary transition between the house and garden. This involved removing existing French doors and window grills, painting the room in various shades of white and French gray-green, and incorporating textural elements of white canvas, iron, and marble. The family room, also by DCOR, maintained the warmth of its original paneling and fireplace stone, setting the foundation for a soft khaki and cream palette. The room is furnished with herringbone, tweed, and leather fabrics, offset by tortoise shell wood finishes and local tidal scene artwork. Mary Stewart of M. Stewart Interiors in Bear designed the upstairs hobby room, named "Just Us," intended as a shared family space for various pastimes like painting, photography, reading, chess, and Lego building. The room features updated cherished family heirlooms and is painted simply white to highlight paintings by Nadia Zychal. Nile Johnson of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, designed the second-floor paneled library, drawing inspiration from Rehoboth's laid-back yet cosmopolitan atmosphere. This space offers an updated interpretation of a classic library, decorated in layers of sandy tans. Cyndi and Ron Oronzio and Cathie Sheetz of Dreamweaver Interiors of Rehoboth Beach decorated a bedroom and bath, inspired by vibrantly patterned fabrics. They utilized Robert Allen fabrics as wallpaper for an accent wall, building the room's design around this print. The team selected fabrics for their depth, crisp patterns, contrasting textures, and detailed embroidery, incorporating a bright coral pink accent color and rhinestone embellishments for a feminine touch. Brenda Carder of blcINTERIORS of Rehoboth Beach designed a small guest bedroom, combining natural cotton and linen fabrics with metal and reclaimed wood. Crown moldings add formality. To compensate for limited sunlight, the room was kept light and bright, with a deep navy blue accent wall and touches of bright yellow for warmth. The second floor features art by Libby Zando of Zando Designs and Art Affects in Milton, alongside works by award-winning regional artists. Boardwalk Builders of Rehoboth transformed a hallway into a gallery space by adding wainscot paneling, creating an updated cottage aesthetic that visually broadened the hallway. Mark A. Polo of The Urban Dweller in Boonton, New Jersey, designed the master suite, aiming for comfort with soft textural colors ranging from taupe to blue. The furniture is upholstered to enhance the room's softness, featuring taupe draperies of embroidered sheer linen and silk edged in leather and freshwater pearls. Blonde floors are softened by a long-fiber rug. Outdoors, Erin Walls and Justin Bartels of Bella Terra Landscaping in Lincoln repurposed existing flagstone patios and walkways, adding new stones to create a Celtic-inspired design. The layout divides the space into a grand area for social gatherings and secluded nooks for quiet retreats. Creative Concepts Furniture of Lewes and Ocean View furnished the patios as outdoor rooms with bright coastal colors, including a sectional, loveseat, dining area for six, and lounge chairs, inviting visitors to envision themselves in the setting. #DesignerShowHouse #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #RehobothBeach #DelawareDesign #LuxuryInteriors #OutdoorLiving #DesignInspiration