Casa Perfect New York gallery includes David Chipperfield staircase

The article profiles Thomas Lollar, a ceramicist, teacher, and avid collector, and his 500-square-foot one-bedroom apartment in a prewar building near Columbia University. Lollar, who has been on the faculty at Columbia University’s Teachers College since 1988, is known for his extensive and eclectic collection of utilitarian objects and historical artifacts. His apartment, which the author describes as an “orderly jumble of all manner of curiosities,” houses items ranging from Roman keys and a traveling sundial to silver Italian Futurist objects and a Georgian English Paul Storr tureen. Lollar’s collecting passion began as a teenager when he discovered a 1706 silver medallion. Since then, he has amassed nearly 400 medallions in bronze and silver, alongside a diverse array of other historical items. His collection is not merely for display; Lollar frequently incorporates pieces into his studio art classes at Columbia, using them to inspire students to consider the historical context and meaning embedded in the objects they create. He emphasizes the stories these everyday objects tell about the lives of people from different eras. Among the notable items mentioned are a 2,000-year-old bronze strigil, an ancient Roman grooming device, and Etruscan hand mirrors. Lollar highlights the different cultural significance of reflection in the ancient world, noting the rarity of seeing one's own image before the advent of modern mirrors. His own artistic work, created in collaboration with Ricardo Arango, draws inspiration from these ancient hand mirrors and is slated for exhibition at the Venice Biennale. Despite the small size of his apartment, Lollar continuously finds space for new acquisitions. The article details various areas of his home, including a living room adorned with a Charles X secretary, a French Empire painting, and a Jim Dine silver Venus sculpture. The kitchen, described as a galley kitchen, remains unused for cooking, while the bathroom walls are covered with Fornasetti plates, and the ceiling features a hand-applied fragment of a 1748 Nolli map of Rome. His bedroom is custom-fitted to maximize space, with every inch of wall utilized. The article concludes by illustrating Lollar's ongoing fascination with historical objects, citing his recent discovery of a working 18th-century French lock that quickly found its place among his collection of ancient keys. #GreatRooms #DesignHunting #ThomasLollar #NewYorkMagazine #ArtCollector #InteriorDesign #Ceramicist #HistoricalArtifacts #NYCArchitecture

DGI Design x Build, led by co-owner and design director Devon Wegman, successfully undertook a significant interior design project for a new couple residing in a penthouse unit at One Bennett Park in Chicago. The couple sought to harmoniously integrate their individual personal styles, a goal that had eluded them with a previous designer. The overarching vision for the home was to evoke a unique, high-end hospitality ambiance, ensuring that daily living felt like a luxurious experience. A particular focus was placed on the primary bedroom, intended to emulate a sophisticated hotel suite while incorporating personalized touches. The primary challenge, as identified by Wegman, was to achieve a sense of tranquility and serenity within the bedroom, coupled with an impressive aesthetic capable of complementing the breathtaking city views offered by the penthouse location. The design team at DGI Design x Build meticulously addressed various aspects of the primary suite's design. The headboard, for instance, was custom-designed to appear as an intrinsic part of the room's architecture, deriving its datum lines from the existing structural elements. This integration was further enhanced by incorporating mirrors into the headboard, a strategic choice that extended the view of the lake into the room, creating an illusion of expanded space and a 'floating' sensation. Functionality was also a key consideration, as evidenced by the specially designed nightstands. These nightstands feature hidden access panels at the top, allowing homeowners to discreetly plug in chargers to outlets concealed behind the nightstand drawers. This thoughtful detail ensures that charging cords can be used without contributing to clutter on the nightstand surface. The collaboration involved several specialized entities. Ganas MFG was responsible for the millwork, contributing to the custom elements within the suite. Keith Striegl Painting Services handled the painting, while various suppliers provided key furnishings and decor. Art and Loom supplied the rugs, Bernhardt provided the dresser, and Blinds Gallery installed the window coverings. The chair came from Bright Chair, bedside sconces were sourced from Fair Design, and the bench and wallpaper were from Holly Hunt. Kuzco Lighting supplied the dresser pendants. The overall execution of the project was highly successful, culminating in a space that not only met but exceeded the clients' expectations. Their satisfaction was such that they subsequently engaged DGI Design x Build for work on two additional properties, underscoring the strong client relationship and the effectiveness of the design solutions implemented. #ChicagoDesign #PrimarySuite #LuxuryInteriors #HighRiseLiving #PenthouseDesign #InteriorDesign #DGIDesignxBuild #CustomDesign #HomeDecor

Olivier Reza, the head of his family's eponymous jewelry house, opens the doors to his New York City home in the inaugural installment of Robb Report's "Grand Tour" video series. Reza, whose family has a history in the gemstone business dating back to the 18th century, took over the jewelry brand in 2020. His discerning eye for design, evident in the exquisite accessories his brand offers, extends to the meticulously curated interior of his personal residence. The article highlights Reza's approach to home design, which centers on the concept of mixing pieces from different eras to observe "how they talk to each other." This philosophy is immediately apparent upon entering his home, where the foyer features a striking juxtaposition of checkered black-and-white tiles with a moody, modern blue wallpaper, complemented by an array of art and decorative objects. This eclectic style continues throughout the residence, creating a unique and personal aesthetic. In the study, dark-hued walls and ebony wood provide a sophisticated backdrop for abstract and colorful art pieces. The design incorporates vintage elements, such as 1920s/’30s vases, alongside contemporary items like tableware from L'Objet, showcasing a deliberate blend of old and new. The living room further exemplifies Reza's diverse taste, featuring a curved wooden desk from the 1930s, vibrant blue animal-printed chairs, and textured grey sofas. The space is further enriched by various knickknacks, including a distinctive furry Hass Brothers beast, all contributing to a rich and layered interior design. Reza expresses a deep enjoyment for the process of sourcing these diverse items, whether for his jewelry collections or his home. He emphasizes that "the fun is in the curation," suggesting that the search and selection of each piece are as fulfilling as the final arrangement. This passion for collecting and curating is deeply rooted in his family history, with his father, Alexandre Reza, having established the Reza brand in the 1960s before Olivier moved the family business to its current location on the Upper East Side. The article illustrates how Reza's dedication to exceptional design and his love for unique finds create a home that is both personal and visually captivating. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #EclecticStyle #LuxuryHomes #OlivierReza #NewYorkCity #JewelryHouse #CuratedHome #RobbReport

Living in a New York City duplex might seem like a dream, but a spiral staircase can quickly turn into a functional nightmare. These structures, while sometimes aesthetically pleasing, are often impractical, difficult to navigate with items like laundry or hot beverages, and can pose significant safety concerns. Architects and real estate professionals frequently advise against them, noting that they are rarely installed in new constructions today due to their inherent drawbacks. One of the primary issues with spiral staircases is their steepness. Building codes typically limit the maximum rise of a standard staircase to eight and one-quarter inches, but spirals can exceed nine inches. Additionally, the run of the tread, where one places their foot, is often reduced from the standard nine inches to as little as seven inches in space-saving spirals, making them even more challenging to ascend or descend. The tight, twisting 360-degree turn can also induce dizziness and instability, particularly for children, the elderly, or individuals with mobility issues. Safety is a major consideration, as spiral staircases are hard on both young and old users. Architects like Carl Shenton highlight the difficulty for children to use these contraptions safely, and the challenge of supervising them. In multi-floor residences such as co-ops or condos, maintaining clear egress in case of a fire is critical, and spiral staircases can complicate this. While townhouses offer more leeway in this regard, the general consensus among experts is that spirals present more problems than solutions. Richard Gelles of Insensation, a staircase design company, actively dissuades clients from installing spirals, emphasizing that a staircase, unlike a kitchen or bathroom, is a long-term fixture that should last the life of the property. From a real estate perspective, spiral staircases can be a deterrent for potential buyers. While younger adults might not object, many prefer more conventional and safer alternatives. The negative impact of a spiral staircase tends to be more pronounced in larger units, such as 4,000-square-foot duplexes, where they can appear disproportionate and even be described as "metal death traps" for larger individuals. Linear staircases, on the other hand, are generally considered superior in terms of aesthetics and performance, offering more material options and often being more cost-effective. They can also be enclosed with glass panels to maintain an open sightline and allow light to pass through, enhancing the feeling of spaciousness. Floating stairs, which lack visible support between treads, similarly contribute to an open and airy ambiance. Replacing a spiral staircase typically involves structural modifications, such as opening up the floor on either end. The placement of new stairs is dictated by existing structural beams, and ideally, the new slab opening can be made between these beams to avoid extensive structural work. Additional steel framing may be necessary to secure the new opening. Logistical challenges, such as delivering prefabricated stair components to upper floors, must also be addressed, especially in New York City where service elevators may be absent or regular elevators too small. Several alternatives to spiral staircases are available. Straight stairs are a top choice when space permits, offering a clean, architectural look, though they require a significant amount of square footage. For instance, a 10-foot vertical expanse might necessitate a 15-foot horizontal run. Despite requiring more space, linear stairs allow for more sophisticated design possibilities without necessarily incurring higher costs. Switchback stairs, which feature two straight sections joined by a landing, are often recommended as the easiest replacement for spirals, offering a compact footprint (approximately six feet across) and the benefit of utilizing the space underneath for storage or even a small home office. Winder stairs provide a similar circular aesthetic to spirals but replace the central pole with pie-shaped treads, offering a safer and more visually appealing transition. Custom curved stairs, while requiring more radius, can also make a strong visual statement. The cost of staircase replacement or installation varies significantly. Engaging an architect includes design fees in addition to material and construction costs. However, modular kits from companies like Paragon Stairs, Viewrail, and Atlantic Stairs offer more budget-friendly options, with prices ranging from $1,500 for basic kits to $70,000 or more for custom designs with features like illumination. These companies often have in-house designers to assist with specifications. Installation typically requires a contractor, who must ensure compliance with both International Builders Code (IBC) and local NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) codes. In cases where a spiral staircase is unavoidable, such as leading to a rooftop garden, upgraded custom versions with high-quality materials are available. These can include features like built-in irrigation systems for plants, turning a functional element into a unique design feature. #NYCArchitecture #StaircaseDesign #HomeRenovation #DuplexLiving #InteriorDesign #SpaceSavingSolutions #BuildingCodes #RealEstateValue #ArchitecturalDesign

Valentino has inaugurated its new flagship store in Shanghai, marking a significant step in the brand's global expansion and its continued engagement with China's luxury market. This new establishment is strategically located within the IAPM Mall on Huai Hai Zhong Road, placing it at the nucleus of the city's bustling business district. The Shanghai flagship is notable for being the second-largest Valentino store worldwide, with its dimensions surpassed only by the brand's Milan flagship. The design of the Shanghai store was a collaborative effort, with Valentino enlisting the expertise of modernist architect David Chipperfield. Chipperfield's architectural vision aimed to distill the grandeur and essence of a monumental Venetian palazzo into a more intimate and personalized retail environment. This approach allowed for a sophisticated blend of historical reverence and contemporary luxury, tailored to the discerning clientele of Shanghai. Chipperfield's design strategy involved the meticulous use of a diverse array of textures, colors, and lighting schemes. Each room within the flagship store was conceived to possess a distinct atmosphere, contributing to a varied and engaging customer journey. The material palette includes Venetian terrazzo, incorporating Carrara chippings, alongside rich timber, exquisite marble, sleek glass, and sumptuous leather. These elements are complemented by heavy carpets that add to the store's luxurious feel and comfort. The lighting design is equally thoughtful, featuring both ambient lighting to create a welcoming and opulent mood, and focused white product lights designed to highlight the merchandise effectively. The overall aesthetic seeks to flatter the visitor by creating an experience that merges the privacy and comfort associated with a boudoir with the elevated sense of contemplation found in a museum setting. This dual approach ensures that patrons can explore the collections in an environment that feels both exclusive and culturally rich. In conjunction with the store's opening, Valentino's creative directors, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, were scheduled to present a new collection. This collection was specifically designed with the launch of the new Shanghai store in mind, emphasizing the brand's commitment to its expansion in the Chinese market. The fashion show was made accessible to a global audience through a live stream on Valentino's official website, underscoring the brand's embrace of digital platforms to extend its reach and engage with fashion enthusiasts worldwide. #Valentino #Shanghai #LuxuryFashion #FlagshipStore #DavidChipperfield #ArchitecturalDesign #RetailEnvironment #VenetianPalazzo #FashionShow #MariaGraziaChiuri #PierpaoloPiccioli