The Couple Behind Brooklyn’s Insta-Famous Vintage Store Never Stops Decorating

Nidhi Kapur, the founder of Maiden Home, established the brand in 2017 to address a perceived gap in the modern home decor market. Her experience furnishing her first home revealed a prevalence of generic designs and subpar craftsmanship among large retailers. Leveraging her technology background, Kapur aimed to offer sophisticated yet affordably priced furnishings directly to consumers. Maiden Home sources its products from artisans in North Carolina, focusing on quality and distinctive design. The direct-to-consumer (DTC) model enables the brand to maintain competitive pricing while delivering high-end aesthetics. In the summer of 2022, Maiden Home launched Tribeca House, a temporary pop-up experience in New York. This initiative aimed to provide clients with a tangible interaction with the brand's aesthetic and demonstrate how Maiden Home's curated approach could be integrated into their personal living spaces. The pop-up was situated in a two-story, 2,500-square-foot loft, offering ample space to showcase a selection of items from the brand's summer 2022 collection. The layout and presentation at Tribeca House were designed to inspire visitors and offer fresh perspectives on contemporary home styling. The featured pieces at Tribeca House included several key designs from the summer 2022 collection. Among these was the minimalist Mulberry ottoman, characterized by its clean lines and functional design, reflecting a blend of modern simplicity and practicality. Another highlight was the Kenmare chair, crafted from ash wood and upholstered in a white tweed fabric, emphasizing texture and natural materials. The Vestry nesting tables also garnered attention; this pair of tables featured asymmetrical forms and were constructed from domestically sourced red oak, showcasing the brand's commitment to quality materials and unique design elements. The pop-up aimed to illustrate the brand's 'collected home mindset,' encouraging customers to view furnishings as cohesive elements that contribute to a unified and sophisticated living environment. By presenting these items in a curated physical space, Maiden Home sought to bridge the gap between online browsing and the tactile experience of selecting home decor. The initiative reinforced the brand's dedication to providing accessible, high-quality modern furnishings that prioritize both design and craftsmanship. While Tribeca House was a temporary installation designed to engage customers and introduce new collections, Maiden Home's core philosophy emphasizes the enduring nature of its products. The brand's focus on timeless design, durable materials, and expert craftsmanship ensures that its furniture is intended for long-term use, contrasting with the fleeting trends often associated with mass-produced items. This commitment to longevity is a central tenet of Maiden Home's identity, promising pieces that will remain relevant and cherished in customers' homes for years to come. #MaidenHome #HomeDecor #NewYorkPopUp #ModernFurnishings #DirectToConsumer #InteriorDesign #FurnitureDesign #ArtisanCraftsmanship

Carole and Don Watanabe have transformed an ordinary 1963 California ranch-style house in Sebastopol into a unique and vibrant living art piece called Chez La Vie. Carole, a multi-talented artist, and Don, an architect, collaborate to create a home that is an ongoing project of artistic expression and precision. The property encompasses multiple structures, including their main residence, an attached apartment for Don's father, an appealing guesthouse known as the Art Chapel, and various utilitarian sheds that are integrated into the artistic landscape. The main house immediately catches the eye with its vibrant ultramarine blue exterior, trimmed with deep turquoise and brick red. A wide berm in front of the property features Carole's "drive-by gallery," where steel frames crowned with corrugated aluminum roofs will display sheet metal paintings by local children, sold to support school art programs. The entrance to their home and Don Sr.'s apartment are adorned with enormous antique Indonesian facades made of intricately carved teak. Tall columns flanking the Watanabe entrance are covered in colorful spirals, created by Carole using abandoned mirrors and broken ceramics, giving them a jewel-box appearance. This use of found and repurposed materials is a hallmark of Carole's work, with a significant portion of the home's materials sourced from salvaged items, often acquired for minimal cost from places like a Santa Rosa Goodwill store. The backyard features a stream circulating water through the Paradiso Pond, which Carole considers her most significant work. The pond, a 4-foot-deep, rubber-lined creation, is landscaped with truckloads of rock and adorned with lilies and other water plants, evoking a Monet painting. On the western edge of the property, an outdoor fireplace, a table under a large tree, painted chairs, tiled tables, carved benches, tiny sculptures, clever mobiles, and painted fences contribute to the whimsical atmosphere. A curving dragon made of random ceramics weaves through the garden, intersected by brick pathways leading to a double-doored gateway to the neighbor's property. Inside, the whimsical aesthetic continues with furniture crafted from discarded wood and an assortment of found objects. Walls are accented with Carole's cursive writing and display her paintings, drawings, and sculptures. Recessed altars and mirrors decorated with colorful tiles are present throughout the interior. The flooring varies from room to room, incorporating area rugs and even a floor covered with squares of fabric and old photographs sealed with Varathane. The master bedroom features a custom-made headboard and Carole's handwriting on the walls, while her studio serves as her creative sanctuary. The Watanabes envision Chez La Vie as an "elder compound" where they can age gracefully amidst their beloved creations. They plan to host art openings in their spacious backyard, with a pizza oven available for guests. Banners of art, much of it created by children, will adorn patios and fences, transforming the home into an interactive gallery open to the public. #HomeTransformation #ArtisticHome #RanchHouseRenovation #SebastopolHomes #CreativeCouple #FoundObjectsArt #GardenDesign #SustainableDesign #SonomaHomes

Rachel and Nick Cope, the husband-and-wife team behind Calico Wallpaper, discuss the inception and growth of their bespoke wallpaper company. The idea for Calico Wallpaper emerged from Rachel's background in design and sculpture, where she initially explored unique art installations. Nick, with his entrepreneurial spirit, recognized the potential to transform these artistic concepts into a commercial product, specifically wallpaper. Their first collection, Wabi, was inspired by ancient Japanese marbling techniques and the aesthetic principle of finding beauty in imperfection. This collection helped establish their brand identity, focusing on art-inspired, custom, and hand-finished designs that differentiate them from traditional wallpaper manufacturers. The Copes emphasize the importance of collaboration and leveraging their complementary skill sets. Rachel focuses on the creative direction and artistic development of new collections, experimenting with various art forms like watercolors and photography. Nick handles the business operations, including production, marketing, and client relations. This division of labor allows them to maintain both artistic integrity and business efficiency. They have expanded their team to include specialists in different areas, ensuring that all aspects of their company, from design to production and sales, are managed effectively. Their approach to design involves an organic process of artistic exploration, followed by a meticulous translation of these artworks into scalable wallpaper patterns. They aim to create installations that are both unique and timeless, suitable for various interior spaces. The couple highlights the challenges of balancing artistic freedom with market demands, noting that their dedication to quality and customization has been a key factor in their success. They work closely with clients, including interior designers and architects, to develop tailored solutions that meet specific project requirements, ensuring that each installation is a unique piece of art. Calico Wallpaper has gained recognition for its innovative designs and commitment to craftsmanship, attracting a high-end clientele. The Copes advise aspiring entrepreneurs in creative fields to build a strong network, seek mentorship, and understand the practicalities of business beyond artistic passion. They stress the importance of financial planning, legal knowledge, and effective marketing strategies. For them, success is not just about creating beautiful products but also about building a sustainable business that allows their art to flourish and reach a broader audience. The company’s philosophy extends to understanding the evolving market and consumer preferences. They continuously research new materials, techniques, and design trends while staying true to their core artistic vision. This adaptability, combined with their hands-on approach and dedication to customer satisfaction, has enabled Calico Wallpaper to maintain its position as a leader in the luxury wallpaper market. They view their work as a continuous journey of learning and innovation, where each project presents an opportunity to refine their craft and expand their creative horizons. #CalicoWallpaper #ArtAndBusiness #CreativeEntrepreneurship #DesignProcess #CustomWallpaper #ArtInspiredDesign #LuxuryInteriors #WabiCollection

Annie Kampfe and Cliff Donnelly, a retired couple from Kansas City, spent 2020 meticulously constructing a miniature midcentury modern home, dubbed MMH, which is scaled 1 to 12. The project began when Kampfe discovered a miniature needlepoint tiger rug at a craft store, sparking the idea of building a dollhouse. Initially purchasing a dollhouse kit, the couple found it didn't align with their vision for an accurate midcentury modern aesthetic. As a result, they extensively modified the kit, recutting most of its pieces to achieve their desired design. The inspiration for the midcentury modern style came from Kampfe's childhood home, which her parents had built and decorated in the early 1960s. Kampfe, a former interior designer, emphasized the importance of design accuracy, ensuring that every element, from the bricks laid with actual mortar to the carefully selected furniture, adhered to the midcentury modern theme. The project became a full-time endeavor during the COVID-19 lockdown in March, with Kampfe focusing on design and Donnelly on construction. The furniture for the MMH was primarily sourced from vintage German dollhouse pieces, while other items were acquired from online artists specializing in miniatures. The house features fully functional lights, many of which were custom-made by a friend who is also a miniature artist. The couple made a point of seeking out miniature stores during their travels, acquiring unique pieces from various cities including Atlanta, Maine, New York, and Paris. Significant structural modifications were made to the dollhouse kit, including the construction of a basement from plywood to reflect typical Midwestern homes. They also altered the roof shape, added a chimney wall with hand-done brickwork, installed windows, and ensured the entire house had functioning electricity. Donnelly's favorite part of the MMH is the garage, due to the effort involved in making the garage door fully operational. Kampfe's favorite is the master bedroom, notable for its high ceilings and containing the inspirational tiger rug. The house also incorporates personal touches, such as cork wallpaper identical to what Kampfe’s parents had in their den. The couple's nine children initially thought their parents' project was unusual, but upon its completion, they all expressed admiration and encouraged them to build another. The MMH has gained considerable attention, prompting Kampfe and Donnelly to leverage its popularity for a cause close to their hearts. They are encouraging fans of the miniature house to donate to The Alzheimer’s Foundation. This initiative is deeply personal to Kampfe, whose 91-year-old mother suffers from Alzheimer’s, and whose father passed away from dementia. Her grandmother also had the disease. The MMH symbolically shares the address of Kampfe's childhood home, a poignant detail given her mother's inability to recall it due to the disease. The project has become a testament to love and a means to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's research. #Dollhouse #MidcenturyModern #MiniatureHome #DIYProject #AnnieKampfe #CliffDonnelly #AlzheimersFoundation #HomeDesign #ScaleModel

David and Emma Engerer, a young couple, have embarked on a significant endeavor to revitalize the historic Stuart Neighborhood in Kalamazoo through the renovation and rental of its aging houses. David, 28, from metro Detroit, and Emma, 22, from Austin, Texas, met at a skateboarding contest in Houston and later married in October 2019. Their venture into real estate began after David's graduation from Western Michigan University, encouraged by his father to purchase and renovate older homes to generate rental income. The couple's commitment to the neighborhood is evident in their hands-on approach to renovations, with David performing most of the restoration work alongside Emma. Their efforts have been lauded by local residents, including Gary Wark, president of the Stuart Area Restoration Association, who notes the positive contrast with absentee landlords. The Engerers are part of a growing trend of younger individuals investing in the historic area, which boasts many houses dating back to the 1870s when it was a thriving community for businessmen and professionals. David emphasizes the importance of maintaining a vision for the properties' potential, despite the inherent challenges of home fix-ups. Their first acquisition was an American Foursquare stucco house at 821 Kalamazoo Ave., built in 1910. Originally a single-family residence, it had been converted into a duplex in the 1920s and suffered from neglect, including foundation, roof, plumbing, and electrical issues. Emma humorously compared it to the 'Money Pit' movie. Despite its condition, the house had existing tenants, and its structural integrity was surprisingly sound. This initial project served as a significant learning experience for the couple. Following this, the Engerers purchased two more 19th-century homes in the neighborhood, with plans for additional acquisitions. One of these is their personal residence, a 4,000-square-foot Queen Anne Victorian at 418 Stuart Ave., known as the French/Allen House, built in 1895. This house, rich in history with four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, stained-glass windows, and a sweeping veranda, was originally appointed by Marshall Field. It was once owned by Dorr French, a justice of the peace and city attorney, and later by Harold Allen, vice president of First National Bank and corporate secretary for The Upjohn Co. They acquired this house in May 2020 at a reduced price, undertaking interior upgrades such as replacing old galvanized steel pipes and plumbing, replicating door moldings, and re-doing bathrooms, all while meticulously preserving the historic integrity. David expresses strong disapproval of renovations that strip old homes of their original charming features. Local historian Sharon Carlson, a resident of the Stuart Neighborhood, commends the Engerers' dedication, noting that landlords who live in the neighborhood tend to be the most effective. In July 2020, they bought another rental property at 500 Stuart Ave., a four-unit dwelling built by George Rickman in the late 1880s, one of three brick Queen Anne-style houses on the street. They are currently performing exterior and limited interior renovations, with more extensive work planned as tenant leases expire. This house, along with its neighbors, is distinctive for its brick construction, unusual for Victorian homes of that era. Emma, who initially had no plans to leave Texas, credits her move to Michigan to her relationship with David and a strong sense of divine guidance. She discovered Michigan's distinct seasons, a new experience compared to Texas. David's background includes a past as an aspiring professional skateboarder and snowskater, sponsored by Ambition Snowskates. He graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in exercise science, initially intending to become a physical therapist, but discovered a passion for home renovation after summer jobs involving repairs. David's father, a successful physical therapist and experienced home renovator, has been a significant mentor, guiding them with insights into making properties profitable and managing renovations. The Engerers emphasize that while financial viability is crucial for such projects, passion and vision are paramount. They plan to remain in the Stuart Neighborhood long-term, expressing their love for the community and its historical homes. #HistoricHomeRenovations #StuartNeighborhood #KalamazooRealEstate #PropertyInvestment #CommunityRevitalization #QueenAnneVictorian #OldHouseRestoration #RentalProperties #NeighborhoodDevelopment

This article highlights the design philosophy and personal home of Katie Kath, an interior designer and partner at Jkath Design Build + Reinvent. Kath embarked on building her dream home with her husband, Jesse, on a double-wide lot along Minnehaha Creek, aiming to create a space that prioritizes timeless interiors, exceptional quality, and impeccable craftsmanship, moving away from a standard builder-grade aesthetic. The vision for their 4,000-square-foot home was to incorporate customized features tailored to their family of five, ensuring every detail was intentional and thoughtfully chosen. The construction of the home, which commenced during the pandemic, was completed in a swift eight months. Despite the rapid timeline, design decisions were meticulously made, with Katie acting as both the manager and client. This dual role necessitated careful attention to both major and minor details to ensure the home's enduring appeal. Key design elements on the main floor include reclaimed wood beams from Manomin Resawn Timbers and alder accents in the cabinetry, island, and built-in banquette, which together create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The cast stone fireplace surround, matching the kitchen cabinetry, serves as a contemporary focal point in the living room, with white oak flooring extending up to its base for a seamless look. The home's modern design is enhanced by black-frame windows, which are balanced with gold tones to maintain a comfortable and clean feel. The baseboards and millwork are intentionally taller than standard, adding a traditional touch. Unlacquered brass cabinet hardware from Armac Martin in London provides a desired contrast in the kitchen. Beyond the physical design, the article emphasizes that the true essence of Kath's home lies in the traditions she shares with her family, especially during the holiday season. These traditions transform the house into a cozy, safe, warm, and inviting home, fulfilling her original vision of a timeless, traditional abode with festive flair. Kath also shares practical tips for incorporating seasonal spirit into home decor without overwhelming the space or compromising on timelessness. She advises decorating for the season rather than specific holidays to allow decor to remain relevant for longer periods. Sticking to neutral earth tones for the main color scheme, with bright accents, is another recommendation. Kath suggests focusing decorating efforts on main entertaining areas, like the ground floor, and involving family in the decorating process to make it an enjoyable event. Finally, she advocates for investing in high-quality, reusable decor pieces, such as garland, and taking advantage of end-of-season sales to build a collection of timeless decorations that can be cherished year after year. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #TimelessInteriors #HolidayDecor #CustomHome #JkathDesignBuild #Renovation #FamilyHome #SeasonalDecor

The article details the design philosophy and interior of "The Ochre Home," the residence of artist and freelance stylist Geraldine Toh and her husband, Vincent Lim. The name "Ochre Home" was chosen by Ms. Toh to reflect the predominant color palette and earthy sensibility of their space, which primarily features shades of brown, yellow, and orange, reminiscent of the natural clay pigment. As an artist, Ms. Toh often uses ochre in her paintings, further solidifying its significance to her home's aesthetic. The home's style is described as mid-century modern inspired with an eclectic mix. Ms. Toh, who studied fine arts, showcases a keen eye for color, proportion, and design. The couple selected a 30-year-old apartment for its spaciousness, airiness, and square layout, which simplified space planning. Key layout modifications included removing a kitchen wall to create an open entrance, repositioning the common bathroom door for discretion, and moving the master bedroom door to facilitate an open-concept walk-in wardrobe. The initial impression upon entering the apartment is one of expansive open space. A central tenet of Ms. Toh's design approach is the belief that furnishing a home should be a gradual process, allowing for the collection of unique pieces with personal stories. She views her home as "forever a work in progress," emphasizing modularity and movability to allow for frequent rearrangements and to maintain visual interest. She favors eclecticism over perfectly matched sets, choosing standalone pieces that complement the overall color scheme and texture, ensuring that new additions enhance rather than disrupt the aesthetic. This approach creates pockets and corners with distinct functionalities within the larger open space. Throughout The Ochre Home, visual interest is evident in various details. Ms. Toh painted a mural of a flower on one wall, and customisable fabric outer jackets on the Toshiba Haori air-conditioning units blend seamlessly with the interiors. The couple dedicated time to assembling their furniture, often thrifting pieces or carefully selecting others for their historical significance and narrative. For instance, their Commune leather sofa was acquired from an expatriate family, and their stackable dining chairs are vintage 1980s Casala Obo Formsitz pieces sourced from AA Furniture, specializing in vintage Japanese furniture. The study area, carved out from the main living space without walls, features a 1960s Danish kidney-bean-shaped desk from local store Noden. Lighting fixtures also hold historical value, such as a vintage 1970s Louis Poulsen Panthella lamp from Aria Design Store, which exhibits a beautiful patina. Other notable pieces include a 1960s Danish coffee table, a thrifted Marcel Breuer cantilever chair, and a Flos Arco floor lamp. A 1970s pinecone wall lamp from a Danish vintage store in Vancouver was hand-carried home by Ms. Toh. Mid-century design signatures are prominent, with an Eames lounge chair, Hans J. Wegner’s CH24 Wishbone Chair, and a special-edition Safari chair by Kaare Klint. Personal touches include a pinewood side table and a kapur wood bench, both crafted by Mr. Lim. Beyond aesthetics, the home was conceived as a creative hub for the couple's artistic and hobby pursuits. A dedicated creative room stores art-making equipment, and plain white walls serve as a canvas for photographic prints, abstract paintings, and Ms. Toh’s first mural. The article concludes by noting that the couple's personal touches and years of inhabiting the space have successfully actualized their vision for The Ochre Home, creating a lived-in and deeply personal atmosphere. #EclecticHomeDesign #MidCenturyModern #OchreHome #ArtistHome #VintageFurniture #CreativeSpace #HomeStyling #SingaporeDesign #PersonalizedInteriors

This article explores the unique design elements of Glace Candy, a viral new candy shop in New York City, and how these elements can inspire residential kitchen design. Glace Candy is the sister shop to Glace, an ice cream parlor, both located on the Upper East Side near the Guggenheim Museum. The interior design, crafted by Brooklyn-based studio Faber/Hughes, blends 19th-century Parisian apothecary aesthetics with a historic New York institution feel. The co-founder, Audrey Hughes, describes the candy store as a "special little jewel box" designed to fit the high-end boutique and museum context of Madison Avenue. The shop's distinctive style incorporates an unexpected mix of walnut paneling, mint tiling, striped stone, and cloud-like lighting. The designers, Hughes and Levi Shaw-Faber, suggest how homeowners can integrate these rebellious design choices into their kitchens. A significant design takeaway is the attention given to the ceiling, often an overlooked space in kitchen design. Glace Candy features a curved walnut ceiling with wood paneling that forms a grid, framing cylinder lights and creating a cozy, retro ambiance. Shaw-Faber emphasizes that in limited spaces like the candy and ice cream shops, intentional ceiling design makes the spaces feel all-encompassing. Homeowners are encouraged to consider matching ceilings to cabinetry, adding trim for texture, or using paint to tie into the room's palette, and upgrading builder-grade lights to stylish mounted cylinders. Another key inspiration comes from the shop's choice of tile and stone. The mint tiles used around the candy displays feature a crackle glaze, which provides a balance of glossy and matte textures, contributing to a "candy-like" appearance. For those seeking to add personality, the ice cream counter's striped stone facade offers a bold yet achievable look for home kitchens. Shaw-Faber advises using strong, less brittle stones like granite, quartzite, basalt, or soapstone if cutting them into thin strips for practical application on an island front or floor. Finally, the article highlights the importance of combining durability with daring design. Despite its elevated aesthetic, Glace was built with materials chosen for their resilience against high foot traffic and potential spills, including stone, stainless steel, lacquer-coated wood, and tile. These materials are equally suitable for a home kitchen, a space that demands both beauty and longevity. Shaw-Faber notes that using non-porous materials can ensure a beautiful kitchen endures, concluding that a lasting finish is a key component of successful design. The overall message is to draw inspiration from the shop's blend of playful elegance and practicality to create unique and enduring kitchen spaces. #KitchenDesign #InteriorInspiration #TileDesign #StoneWork #CeilingDesign #MaterialSelection #HomeRenovation #DesignTrends #NYCDesign

Anne Keenan and Alexis Seeley, a couple living in a 3,000-square-foot Brooklyn townhouse with their 5-year-old son, Leon, and two dogs, decided to hire an interior designer after nearly a decade in their home. The 1899 property had undergone a gut renovation in 2009, led by architect Fred Tang, focusing on structural and infrastructural improvements. While the major renovation addressed issues like mechanicals, a bay window, and plasterwork, the interiors were initially handled by the couple themselves. As their family grew, they found their individual furniture pieces didn't create a cohesive and functional family space. Seeking professional help to optimize their living area, particularly the main-floor living space where the sofa, TV, and dining table coexisted awkwardly, they reached out to Tang, who recommended Barbara Reyes, the new director of interior design for his firm. The established relationship with Tang's team, who were already familiar with the house's structure, was a key factor in their decision. The project commenced just as the pandemic began, leading to unconventional collaboration methods like masked stoop drop-offs for samples and Zoom meetings. A pivotal design decision involved relocating the dining table from a bay window nook to the center of the main floor, paired with a custom-built banquette. This change, initially mocked up by Seeley using existing furniture, significantly improved the space's flow and functionality for both everyday meals and entertaining. Reyes focused on practical solutions for a family-friendly home, incorporating performance fabrics for upholstery and replacing fragile glass tabletops with durable, mirrored plexiglass. Addressing the couple's differing aesthetic preferences—Seeley's love for neon colors and Pop Art versus Keenan's desire for traditional elegance—Reyes successfully blended these styles, introducing a sense of playfulness. The design incorporated unique color pairings, with the couple often choosing unexpected, vibrant options. A recurring blue and pink palette was used throughout the house, with varying shades and saturations, balanced by rich contrasting colors like bold blue in Leon's room and a black dining table. Reyes also integrated Keenan's long-standing collection of miniature food figurines into the living room, displaying them as quirky curios. For Leon's bedroom, the design team fulfilled his request for a "rainbow" room with a Flat Vernacular wall mural featuring a gradient of bright colors, complemented by timeless Vitsoe shelving. A strong emphasis was placed on sustainability and budget, with the couple requesting Reyes to reuse as many existing furnishings as possible. This led to reupholstering comfortable chairs instead of replacing them and repurposing old cabinetry in the couple's bedroom with a modern raspberry hue and gold-flecked wallpaper. The final design created a welcoming, flexible, and durable home that perfectly suits the family's dynamic lifestyle. #BrooklynHome #FamilyLiving #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #HomeRenovation #PerformanceFabrics #SustainableDesign #CustomFurniture #KidsRoomDesign

This article offers guidance on how to effectively thrift home decor items for the bedroom, emphasizing the benefits of finding unique, one-of-a-kind pieces while also saving money. The content is based on insights from three interior designers: Danielle Davis, founder of 56th Street Design Studio; Becca Meyer, founder of BB Meyer Design; and Cortney McClure, founder of Cortney McClure Design. These experts provide specific recommendations on what to look for when shopping secondhand for bedroom furniture and decor. One key item highlighted is decorative trays. Danielle Davis suggests using them to organize small items like jewelry and perfumes, noting their ability to elevate a space simply yet effectively. She advises placing them on nightstands, dressers, or vanities to consolidate belongings and add a touch of style. Trays are versatile and can be found in various designs and materials at thrift stores, making them an accessible and affordable option for enhancing bedroom organization and aesthetics. Vintage lamps are another recommended thrift store find. Designers advocate for choosing vintage lamps over mass-produced ones to add character to a bedroom. Danielle Davis refers to light fixtures as the “jewelry of a room” and encourages shoppers to look for unique vintage options. She also provides a practical tip: if the lamp base is appealing but the lampshade is not, it can be easily replaced to match the room’s style. This approach allows for customization and ensures that even a seemingly imperfect find can be transformed into a valuable decor piece. Nightstands are also identified as prime thrifting opportunities. Becca Meyer points out that thrift stores often offer well-made nightstands, sometimes in pairs, that can introduce charm into a bedroom, especially when paired with new beds and rugs. She highlights that older furniture pieces found in thrift stores are often made from 100% wood, a quality increasingly rare in contemporary mass-produced items, which often use veneered or engineered wood. The article encourages creative repurposing, suggesting that items like small sewing tables can function as stylish nightstands in a modern bedroom setting. Picture frames are another practical and personal item to thrift. Cortney McClure advises that secondhand stores are excellent sources for affordable picture frames, both with and without glass. These frames can be used to display family photos, art, or other personal touches, contributing to a personalized bedroom aesthetic. Thrifting frames is presented as an ideal way to start or expand a collection for gallery walls or tabletop decorations, allowing for a cohesive look without significant expense. Finally, mirrors are listed as essential decorative elements that can enhance any bedroom aesthetic. The designers suggest placing mirrors above dressers, leaning them against a desk to create a vanity, or even installing them above a fireplace mantel if available. Vintage mirrors are particularly valued for their unique character and are often difficult to find at reasonable prices elsewhere. Thrifting mirrors offers an opportunity to acquire pieces with historical charm and robust construction, providing both functional and decorative benefits to the bedroom. The article implicitly suggests that thrifting is not just about cost-saving but also about discovering unique, quality items that add personality and history to a space, making it a preferred method for interior designers, even for high-end clients. #Thrifting #HomeDecor #BedroomDesign #InteriorDesignTips #SecondhandFinds #VintageDecor #SustainableLiving #BudgetDecorating

This article presents a diverse array of innovative products spanning home decor, personal accessories, and lifestyle items, each chosen for its unique design, functionality, or social impact. In the realm of home decoration, the Studio Cubbe Mini Floating Shelf from Lyon offers whimsical storage solutions with customizable colors and grout options, despite its miniature size. Similarly, Ugly Rugly's Amoeba Coaster Set brings playful, water-resistant designs to dining spaces, while &KLevering;'s Coupe Twirl Mint Set reimagines classic champagne glasses with colorful, retro forms. Lighting solutions include Zanwen Li's Heng Balance Lamp, a minimalist and interactive piece that illuminates through magnetic connection, and Siup Studio's handmade Minty Bubble Lamp, known for its experimental, bulbous ceramic form. For larger home accents, HAY's Flat Works Rug, designed by Ethan Cook, provides a blend of bold and subdued colors inspired by woven wall art, suitable for various decor styles. Storage and organization are addressed with DOIY's 'Mystic' ceramic boxes, which offer playful, magic-inspired vessels for trinkets and jewelry. Beyond home decor, the collection features personal accessories and apparel. The article showcases Piatnik's Takenobu Igarashi Playing Cards, originally commissioned by MoMA, which stand out for their timeless graphic design and use of negative space. For footwear, the FEIT + Oliver Jeffers Indoor Slippers, crafted from single-piece vegetable-tanned calfskin, feature illustrations from Jeffers' art book. Apparel items include the MAAP + The Arrivals Alt_Road Haelo Packable Jacket, a stylish and functional cycling jacket made from water-repellant and recycled materials, and The Fillmore Hoodie in Sunflower Embroidery by Taylor Stitch + Ron Finley, an organic cotton hoodie that supports the Ron Finley Project's guerrilla gardening initiatives. Accessories also include American Trench's Retro Stripes Socks, offering a nostalgic nod to the 1950s with durable, colorful designs, and the Q Timex 1972 Reissue watch, celebrating Timex’s iconic collection with a retro gold-tone stainless steel case and red face. The curated selection also highlights items with social or artistic significance. Heart n Soul Greeting Cards, featuring artwork by co-designers with learning disabilities, contribute 100% of profits to the Heart n Soul non-profit, promoting talent and inclusivity. The Galison “The Sunflower Quilting Bee at Arles” Puzzle transforms Faith Ringgold's powerful artwork, celebrating iconic Black American women, into an interactive piece. For pet owners, Dog Ear's Frankenball offers unique, handmade pet toys made from 100% recycled fabrics, emphasizing sustainability and outdoor enjoyment. Unique food and drink items include the Zojirushi PAC-MAN Stainless Mug, a limited-edition collaboration that combines classic gaming nostalgia with functional insulation, and Asha's Hello Kitty Cup Noodles, providing vegan noodles in playful, low-sodium packaging. Fine jewelry is represented by Lightbox Lab-Grown Diamond Cushion Cut Studs, showcasing technologically replicated diamonds in various colors and settings. Finally, the Rock Plan ChungKing Mansion Keychain pays homage to Hong Kong's ChungKing Mansion and Wong Kar-wai's film 'ChungKing Express', blending cultural reference with functional design. This collection emphasizes craftsmanship, unique aesthetics, and sometimes, a commitment to social responsibility or environmental consciousness, providing a comprehensive overview of products that aim to enhance daily life through design and thoughtful creation. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #LifestyleProducts #HandmadeCrafts #SustainableDesign #ArtisticCollaboration #GiftIdeas #UniqueDesigns

The article details the renovation journey of Christine Bayles Kortsch and her husband, Daniel Kortsch, as they transformed their 1924 Craftsman bungalow in Denver's Congress Park neighborhood. The initial challenge with their 1,800-square-foot home was its traditional bungalow floorplan, characterized by a cramped, narrow kitchen at the back of the house. This layout presented several issues, including a significant lack of natural light, which was crucial for Christine's food photography, and a highly inconvenient back door placement that opened onto an L-shaped staircase, making grocery carrying difficult. A single-width door between the kitchen and dining room also created a constant point of congestion for their family of four, who frequently entertained guests. After years of attempting minor cosmetic fixes like painting dark cabinets white and updating living room furnishings, the couple realized these superficial changes were insufficient to address the fundamental problems of the dysfunctional layout. This realization prompted them to undertake a comprehensive kitchen remodel during the pandemic. For this significant project, they enlisted the expertise of Christine’s sister-in-law, Vivian Bayles, a Manhattan-based interior designer and architect, and local builder Jim Copeland of Copeland Craftworks. The core of the renovation involved a strategic overhaul of the floorplan. Instead of simply modifying the partition wall at the back of the kitchen, they removed it entirely. The small, unusable nook was transformed by replacing its window with a 10-light glass door leading to a new exterior deck. The area previously occupied by the nook now serves as a spacious landing for a new, straight staircase to the basement, significantly improving accessibility and flow. Furthermore, the narrow doorway connecting the dining room and kitchen was dramatically widened, creating a more open and integrated living space. Another key improvement was the removal of a hard-to-access, recessed pantry located behind the old kitchen, above the back stairs. This change allowed for the installation of a full-depth refrigerator, a high priority for Christine, aligning seamlessly with the new cabinetry and appliances. Storage capacity was also enhanced by extending the new cabinets to the ceiling, maximizing vertical space. Rick Lutz, a kitchen designer from Home Depot, assisted with the cabinet configuration, emphasizing efficiency within the existing footprint. To maintain the home's historic character while integrating modern functionality, crown molding was added throughout the kitchen, dining, and living room, sourced from Austin Hardwoods to match the period. For finishes, Christine prioritized texture and a sense of aged patina, moving beyond standard modern choices. She selected durable Super White dolomite for the countertops, which offered a neutral surface ideal for photography while adding a distinctive natural stone element. The backsplash features Liberty thin-brick Clé tile, inspired by early 20th-century New York City, chosen for its uneven, rough texture that introduces character. A notable design decision was to conceal the microwave in a custom cabinet beneath the countertop, avoiding its traditional placement above the range, and Daniel designed and built a custom plaster-and-white-oak hood. The dining area received an unobtrusive chandelier by the Light Factory, a refurbished wooden table, a custom-built bench by Daniel, and vintage 1960s Danish chairs, fostering a rustic, communal atmosphere. The renovation also integrated the kitchen's new aesthetic with the rest of the main floor by updating the living room's fireplace hearth with leftover dolomite and white-oak trim, tying it to the new white-oak floors and complementing the home's existing bold wallpaper. Christine emphasized that the project, constrained by footprint and budget, fostered creativity, resulting in a bright, efficient, and cohesive space that respects the home's history while meeting contemporary needs. #HomeRenovation #CraftsmanBungalow #KitchenRemodel #InteriorDesign #DenverHomes #HistoricPreservation #FloorplanTransformation #CustomCabinetry #ArchitecturalRenovation

The recently opened J.Crew men’s store on the Bowery in New York City offers a unique shopping experience infused with vintage aesthetics and a distinct boathouse theme. Designed by Estelle Bailey-Babenzien of Dream Awake, the concept shop serves to launch the brand's first men's collection, spearheaded by her husband, Brendon Babenzien, J.Crew men’s creative director and Noah cofounder. The design aims to blend a classic yet current vibe that resonates with the J.Crew customer and the New York lifestyle, incorporating elements like unlacquered brass, warm woods, worn rugs, nutty brown leathers, and strategic splashes of J.Crew green, a deep foresty shade visible on the coffee bar walls. Beyond its retail function, the store's highly curated interior also serves as a source of practical and creative closet organizing inspiration. Bailey-Babenzien highlights three key strategies homeowners can adopt to transform their dressing rooms into spaces that are both functional and visually appealing. The first technique, termed 'Either Oar,' involves utilizing decorative items like oars not just for their aesthetic appeal but also for practical purposes. In the store, paddles are adapted into a rack for hanging garments, a concept that can be replicated in entryways or mudrooms to provide useful hanging space while maintaining a nautical theme. The second tip, 'Go Vertical,' encourages moving away from conventional enclosed closet rods. The store showcases an innovative hanging solution where clothing rods, rigged by a sailboat captain with climbing rope, can be installed in open spaces. This method allows for greater flexibility in placement and offers an opportunity to incorporate unique materials like black rope to match personal style, transforming a mundane storage solution into a design feature. Finally, 'Forward Thinking' focuses on the strategic use of simple hooks or knobs, exemplified by brass fixtures in the store. These elements are designed to turn clothing forward, making it easier to view and select outfits. Additionally, hooks provide convenient spots for organizing accessories, enhancing the overall functionality and tidiness of a closet or dressing area. These design insights from the J.Crew store demonstrate how retail space design can inspire practical and stylish home organization solutions, creating dressing rooms that are both efficient and aesthetically pleasing. #ClosetOrganization #DesignInspiration #RetailDesign #HomeOrganization #InteriorDesign #FunctionalDecor #JcrewStore #EstelleBaileyBabenzien

Furnishing and styling a living room can be a significant expense, but interior designers often find valuable items at thrift stores, allowing them to create inviting spaces without overspending. This approach is not only cost-effective but also adds unique character and personality to a room. Designers emphasize the thrill of discovering hidden gems that can elevate a living space. Books are a prime example of items frequently thrifted by designers. Both coffee table books and novels can be expensive when bought new, but secondhand stores offer an affordable alternative. Beyond their content, books can be utilized as decorative elements. Danielle Domingues, founder of Collins & Co Interiors, curates collections of varying heights, removes book jackets, and turns them around to display only the pages, creating a cohesive aesthetic. Jocelyn Polce, founder of August Oliver Interiors, enjoys thrifting books while traveling, as it allows her to incorporate unique finds and personal interests into a space, reflecting the homeowner's personality through diverse topics. Vases and bowls are another popular category for thrift store acquisitions. These versatile vessels can add both character and functionality to a living room. Domingues specifically looks for vases and glass bowls, appreciating their ability to introduce vintage charm at a low cost. She notes that these items often blend seamlessly with existing decor, and their origin is not apparent. Glass bowls can be used to organize small collections like matchbooks or crystals, while vases are perfect for displaying seasonal flowers, instantly refreshing a room's ambiance. Polce also champions thrifting vessels, highlighting their potential for repurposing beyond their original intent, such as transforming an old glass food container into a small vase. Ottomans and stools are frequently sought after by designers for their practicality and aesthetic appeal. These pieces provide additional seating in living rooms, particularly in spaces where another chair might be too bulky. They can also serve a dual purpose as coffee tables. Diane Rath, founder of The Rath Project, recommends looking for ottomans and stools at thrift stores, emphasizing that they don't need to be in perfect condition. With a bit of creativity and DIY effort, such as cleaning or reupholstery, a secondhand item with good structural integrity can be transformed into a stylish and functional piece. The cost of upholstery, especially when using leftover fabric remnants, is often minimal compared to purchasing a new item. Finally, silver and brass decorative accents are essential elements that designers integrate into their living room designs. Polce consistently incorporates these metallic pieces to introduce a sense of patina and history into a room. She actively searches for candlesticks, jars, small figurines, and decorative boxes at thrift stores. These accents can be strategically placed on bookshelves, coffee tables, or mantels, adding visual interest and warmth. Polce points out that if a designer or homeowner grows tired of these pieces, they are easy to store or re-style in a different room, offering flexibility and longevity in decor choices. #ThriftStore #InteriorDesign #LivingRoomDecor #SecondhandFinds #HomeStyling #BudgetDecor #VintageDecor #DIYHome

Axos Designs, a New York-based millwork shop, has established itself as a leading provider of custom architectural woodwork, cabinetry, and interior detailing for high-end residential and commercial projects across New York City. The company, originally a small family business, has been transformed by Chris Yerolemou, a former investment banker and the son of the founder, into a thriving operation recognized for its commitment to quality and ability to meet the demands of a competitive market. Axos Designs is particularly known for manufacturing 100% of its products in the United States, a core value emphasized by Yerolemou. The firm's portfolio includes collaborations with luxury brands and establishments such as Aime Leon Dore, Kith Ivy, Giorgio Armani, Casa Cipriani, Avra Hudson Yards, and Marquee New York. These projects span a diverse range, from custom shelves and wall paneling for retail spaces to intricate interiors for upscale restaurants and residential kitchens, like an oak veneer wall for a Southampton, NY kitchen. This versatility highlights Axos Designs' capability to cater to various high-end design requirements. The company's success is attributed to its unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technological integration. While skilled artisans apply finishing touches, Axos Designs also incorporates state-of-the-art machinery, such as Altendorf table saws, into its production process. This dual approach ensures both precision and the personalized care characteristic of bespoke woodwork. Yerolemou, leveraging his background in tech and finance, has made strategic investments in advanced equipment and project management systems, enabling the company to deliver projects on time and to exact specifications. Axos Designs has experienced significant growth under Yerolemou's leadership. The company is set to triple its current operational space, expanding to 40,000 square feet across two shops in Queens. This expansion includes integrating new machinery, increasing its workforce, and adopting the latest AI technology. The number of employees has grown from approximately 10 when Yerolemou took over to nearly 60, reflecting the increased demand for their services. Despite this rapid expansion, Yerolemou asserts that the company remains true to its foundational values of integrity, consistency, and excellence, ensuring that every project reflects the high standards set by his father. The firm's reputation for reliability and superior quality has garnered the trust of prominent design professionals throughout New York City. Axos Designs is currently in such high demand that it is acquiring an additional 30,000-square-foot factory to further accommodate its growth. The company's ongoing success demonstrates that in a fast-paced urban environment like New York City, there is still a significant appreciation for meticulous craftsmanship and a dedication to quality. #Millwork #CustomWoodwork #ArchitecturalMillwork #Cabinetry #InteriorDesign #NewYorkCity #LuxuryDesign #Craftsmanship #Manufacturing

Soldani Projects, a Sydney-based family business, specializes in premium Venetian plaster wall finishes, microcement, and feature walls, offering bespoke and eco-friendly artistry for sophisticated interiors. The owner, Alfonso Soldani, brings a wealth of experience from his native Italy, emphasizing the use of genuine, low-VOC Italian lime in their materials, ensuring durability and an authentic finish that distinguishes their work from competitors. The process begins with a collaborative approach, where Alfonso and his wife and business partner, Teresa, meet clients on-site to understand their vision and tailor solutions. During these consultations, they discuss color palettes, often referencing Dulux-accredited options, and create sample boards to demonstrate how different finishes will appear in the specific space. This detailed approach ensures that each project is customized to the client's preferences and the architectural context of their home. Soldani Projects offers a diverse range of finishes and textures, blending traditional Italian craftsmanship with Australian aesthetic sensibilities. Their offerings include the highly reflective Classic Venetian plaster, which imparts a luxurious sheen; the traditional decorative Travertino, known for its earthy, textured appearance; and the subtle matt Marmorino, which provides a sophisticated, understated elegance. A new addition to their collection is Volterra, a coarse-grain Marmorino designed to mimic the rough stone texture often seen in terrazzo, offering a contemporary yet timeless appeal. Beyond plaster, the company also specializes in microcement applications, which are increasingly popular for various surfaces such as bathrooms, alfresco areas, stairs, and even custom-made dining tables, due to its seamless and durable properties. Feature walls are another area of expertise, with Alfonso noting their capacity to dramatically alter the mood and character of a room. The creation of these exquisite wall finishes is a meticulous, hand-crafted process. Alfonso emphasizes that each application is done by hand with a trowel, requiring not only skill but also a deep passion for the craft. As an Italian, Alfonso embodies this passion, continuously striving for uniqueness and refining his techniques to achieve flawless, lustrous results. This dedication to artistry and quality is evident in every project, transforming ordinary walls into captivating works of art that tell a story of tradition, precision, and artistic commitment. The company prides itself on delivering high-end interior solutions that combine aesthetic appeal with environmental consciousness, using materials that are both beautiful and sustainable. #VenetianPlaster #InteriorDesign #WallFinishes #Microcement #LuxuryInteriors #EcoFriendlyMaterials #HomeDecor #ArtisanCraftsmanship

Ben Stern, a child psychotherapist and pottery enthusiast, purchased his 1901 Gowanus home in Brooklyn around the time he started dating Sophie Anderson-Stern, a multidisciplinary artist and tattooist. Stern deliberately left the house sparse for over a year, refraining from significant decorating or furniture purchases, anticipating Sophie's potential move-in and her influence on the interior design. If left to his own preferences, Ben admits the house would have leaned heavily towards mid-century modern aesthetics. However, with Sophie's artistic vision, the home transformed into a vibrant space infused with color and personality. During the initial phase of the renovation, Ben engaged MR Architecture + Decor for a comprehensive remodel. The firm converted the three-unit structure into a single-family home. A faulty rear addition was removed and replaced with two levels of terraces, featuring glass windows and doors. The architectural team installed a high-velocity HVAC system that utilizes flexible hoses, a less bulky alternative to traditional ducts, and opted for conventional electrical rocker switches over complex smart home systems, emphasizing simplicity in design. Many of the home's original details had been lost over time. To reintroduce character, MR Architecture + Decor meticulously replicated the sole surviving newel post on every floor. The original joists in the den were revitalized through wire brushing, and a set of old pocket doors found a new purpose as a unique headboard in the primary bedroom. Sophie further personalized this headboard by layering a small rug, aiming to seamlessly merge their individual styles. A shared design preference for the couple is the color green, which prominently features throughout their home. In the kitchen, they selected Benjamin Moore's Sage Mountain, a gray-green shade for the cabinets, a color they admired so much that they extended its use to their front door. The kitchen's layout was meticulously planned to accommodate two people working simultaneously without obstruction, featuring two sinks and ample counter space. A load-bearing wall was removed to create an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area, with two supporting columns discreetly integrated, one of which cuts through the kitchen island, almost imperceptibly. The kitchen also boasts a cold-rolled steel casement window system that offers views of and access to the garden, complete with an outdoor bar counter for entertaining. Incorporating family-made pieces was another key aspect of their decorating. Ben's brother, a woodworker specializing in guitars, crafted a custom long oval dining table from curly maple for the couple. As they prepared for their first baby, Sophie infused the nursery with elements of her half-Korean heritage, such as a norigae hanging for good luck and artwork inspired by Seoul's temple architecture. She intentionally created all the art for the nursery, with one exception by artist Ashley Brown Duran. She also sourced a vintage Danish rocker and adorned the Pinch pendant light, identical to the one in their bedroom, with paper butterflies and moths for a whimsical touch. The nursery walls are painted in Spotswood Teal by Benjamin Moore. Initially, after bringing their newborn home, the couple spent nights in the den on the couch. Now that a routine has been established, the den serves as a space for entertaining and gardening. A stained walnut millwork bar provides a station for cocktails or for arranging fresh flowers from the garden. Sophie, whose tattoo work often features botanicals, cultivated heirloom chrysanthemums during the pandemic, and gardening has become a significant annual focus for her. The landscape design was a collaborative effort between James Stephenson/The Artist Garden and Sophie Anderson-Stern. #HomeTour #BrooklynHome #InteriorDesign #Renovation #NurseryDesign #GreenInteriors #SustainableDesign #DIYHomeDecor #FamilyDecor