How They Pulled It Off: A Glowing Orange Door Delineates a Cozy Bedroom for a New York Studio

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

The Whistling Well, led by founder and principal designer Milena Bica-Shibata, undertook the task of transforming an expansive yet outdated Manhattan apartment into a modern sanctuary for a family of three. The design focused on creating a home that supports the family's lifestyle, which includes frequent hosting and communal meals. The 1,800-square-foot apartment now features three bedrooms and baths, alongside generous communal areas such as a lounge and living room, all designed to foster tranquility and connection. Bica-Shibata emphasized the careful selection of natural materials to achieve harmony and a variety of textures and temperatures throughout the space. The chosen materials include stained oak, ash, leathered quartzite, linen, leather, wool, brass, artisan ceramic tile, marbles, and warm tinted glass. This diverse material palette is complemented by a balanced scheme of cool and warm colors, creating a dynamic yet serene aesthetic. The design incorporates clean lines and rounded edges, contributing to a soft and inviting atmosphere. A custom wood ceiling trim in the living room serves to balance the space and draw the eye upwards, adding architectural interest. This wooden element extends into the kitchen and a custom-designed bar area. The bar was specifically conceived as a continuation of the perimeter millwork, seamlessly transitioning into the eat-in area, which features an operable partition. The design team meticulously studied proportions and materials to ensure a cohesive and visually appealing composition for these integrated spaces. The kitchen itself is a multifunctional tranquil zone, complete with a breakfast nook and the aforementioned bar, catering to the family's culinary and social needs. The inclusion of playful wallcoverings adds a vibrant touch to various areas, such as the children's room where a bold pink and orange wallpaper creates a focal point behind a daybed, and the bathrooms, which also feature lively patterns. Subtle neutrals anchor the main bedroom, promoting a sense of calm and restfulness. Layers of natural materials and earthy hues are consistently applied throughout the home, imbuing it with an overarching sense of peacefulness. This careful curation of design elements and materials successfully transforms the apartment into an oasis, offering a serene escape for the family and their guests amidst the bustling environment of Manhattan. #ManhattanApartment #InteriorDesign #LuxuryLiving #NaturalMaterials #CustomMillwork #ResidentialDesign #Wallcoverings #ModernHome #TranquilSpaces

This article features an interview with interior designer Alice Leigh, who details her approach to creating a serene and luxurious bedroom scheme. Leigh describes the room as a relaxing and feminine space, carefully designed to avoid being overly sweet. The primary color palette involves a muted pink, specifically Farrow & Ball’s ‘Setting Plaster’ for the walls and ceiling, providing a gentle backdrop that doesn't overpower the senses. This base is complemented by a range of green tones and natural elements, aiming to bring the outdoors in, reflecting a countryside aesthetic while maintaining a contemporary feel. The design brief for this project was to craft a stylish and serene countryside bedroom, offering a peaceful retreat from city life. The client sought a space where she could unwind, distinct from her urban dwelling. Leigh fulfilled this by integrating natural inspirations, such as fresh flowers and floral motifs on blinds, balanced with modern accents. The success of the design lies in the harmonious combination of pink and green, a pairing Leigh identifies as consistently effective for bedrooms. This blend is achieved through various textures, lighting circuits, fabrics, and materials, alongside complementary wood finishes from furniture and vaulted ceiling beams. Leigh's strategy for combining patterns successfully centers on selecting a 'hero' pattern, in this case, Christopher Farr’s 'Carnival' fabric for the blind. She then extracts color threads from this dominant pattern, weaving them into smaller, complementary patterns such as stripes, geometrics, and animal prints. The layering of diverse textures is crucial for achieving depth and preventing the scheme from appearing flat or one-dimensional. Furthermore, she emphasizes using multiple shades of green and pink rather than single hues to enhance the layered effect. Adding an unexpected color through a small accessory or flowers at the final stage is a technique Leigh employs to introduce an element of surprise and further personalize the space. When it comes to adding personal finishing touches without creating clutter, Leigh highlights the importance of curation. She prefers clients to incorporate their own books, ceramics, and personal items, but if these are absent, she carefully selects items that align with the space and the client's personality. The key is to style these items thoughtfully to ensure they look considered rather than haphazard. Leigh often revisits clients' homes years later to assist with restyling, particularly when shelves and surfaces have become cluttered, underscoring the ongoing need for thoughtful arrangement. #InteriorDesign #BedroomDecor #AliceLeighDesign #ColorPalette #PatternMixing #HomeAccessories #CountrysideHome #LuxuryInteriors

This article details the transformation of a 925-square-foot apartment in Almaty, Kazakhstan, by designer Elina Mussakulova of sdelaemremont.kz. Initially, the apartment presented significant challenges, including an unpleasant odor due to faulty plumbing, and a long, uninteresting layout described as trailer-like. Mussakulova's primary goal was to make the space welcoming and visually appealing for the new owner, Raushan. Upon entering the renovated apartment, guests are now greeted by handcrafted Metlakh floor tiles and a retro GPO Bermuda record player in the foyer, replacing the previous issues. A major design hurdle involved load-bearing transoms in the living room and bedroom that were awkwardly placed. Instead of concealing them, the design team decided to highlight these architectural elements with plaster corbels. Similarly, the long, seismic corridor was transformed into a series of nicely framed passageways, effectively addressing what was once considered a significant aesthetic problem. The kitchen's design originated from a unique wallpaper by Zak + Fox featuring monkeys, chosen because it reminded Mussakulova of the client's active personality and curly red hair. The purple fruit depicted in the wallpaper inspired the color choice for the kitchen cabinets, establishing a personalized and vibrant theme. A notable decision involved connecting the bathroom directly to the kitchen to create a more spacious entry hall. To mitigate the issue of a toilet next to the oven, a small room was ingeniously built within the bathroom to discreetly house the toilet. The apartment also features resourceful storage solutions, such as a yellow freestanding cabinet found at a flea market. Although its wood was in poor condition, painting it gave it a new lease on life, demonstrating a creative approach to repurposing. The homeowner's preference for a soft bench in the kitchen over a narrow island with stools was adopted, contributing to the kitchen's intended function as a relaxed social gathering area rather than solely a cooking space. This client's infrequent cooking habits allowed for the use of a tiled countertop, an unconventional material choice that perfectly suited her lifestyle. A rolling library ladder was a non-negotiable element for the designer, incorporated to visually heighten the ceiling and add a whimsical touch. The project also involved collaborating with a plaster specialist for the first time, who created custom plaster corbels under the transoms, adding intricate detail. The article highlights the use of stained-glass doors, a new and highly successful feature for the design team, which they plan to incorporate into future projects. These doors, despite limited color options, were combined to create a cohesive and striking visual element. The design philosophy also emphasized unconventional art placement, such as positioning pictures in unexpected corners, to create more engaging and dynamic visual effects. Key products and suppliers mentioned include Anthropologie for handles, Original BTC for lighting, Tikkurila for wall paint, Finarte for rugs, Zak + Fox for wallpaper, and Zara Home for furniture, illustrating a mix of high-end and accessible design elements used in the project. #ApartmentDesign #InteriorRenovation #KazakhstanHome #ColorfulInteriors #StainedGlass #CreativeSolutions #HomeTours #SmallSpaceDesign

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

Brett Heyman, founder and designer of Edie Parker, showcases her former Manhattan apartment as a vibrant example of eclectic and confident interior design. Described as a "hodgepodge," the Upper East Side home, shared with her husband, Gregory, and their three children, injects a Technicolor aesthetic into a classic prewar building. The design philosophy embraces a playful mix of styles, colors, and textures, creating an environment where each glance offers a new visual revelation. The apartment tour begins with an open foyer leading into an aubergine lacquered library, where a series of 10 Andy Warhol *Flowers* prints are displayed like wallpaper. The living room features a striking hot pink pigment-filled Yves Klein coffee table, while the dining room is adorned with a ROYGBIV (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet) arrangement of multi-era art. Bathrooms are designed in robin's-egg blue, and the children's rooms boast inspiration walls covered in stickers. Even Heyman's bedroom mirrors have a purplish wash effect, cleverly concealing a collection of shoes. A seemingly straightforward black and ivory powder room is balanced by a surprise magenta-painted coat closet, illustrating the home's irreverent charm. Heyman emphasizes that the secret to this seemingly disparate yet harmonious mix lies in confidence, a touch of naivete, and a strong sense of humor. The home successfully integrates a variety of elements, from vintage knickknacks atop a 1970s green malachite Ado Chale table to contemporary sculptures paired with antique dishes. Pieces sourced from high-end retailers like 1stDibs coexist with flea market finds, and neon hues blend seamlessly with pastels, all while maintaining a balance between polished and campy aesthetics. This approach is further exemplified by an Ettore Sottsass shelf filled with a collection of her children's drawings, old Edie Parker designs, and a nonworking metal-and-bead peacock lamp. Heyman's personal touch is evident in her appreciation for unique finds, such as a framed cat collage discovered at a Connecticut flea market, which she proudly made a focal point above a chrome Paul Evans bar. Each vignette within the apartment is designed to be both welcoming and intriguing, reflecting Heyman's sophisticated, confident, and humorous personality. The article also draws a parallel between Heyman's home decor and her professional work with Edie Parker. Inspired by mid-century design, her accessory collection transforms acrylic into luxurious, handcrafted items. The brand's products, from clutches and mini totes to board games and coasters, are infused with levity through fun names, vibrant colors like honeydew and poppy, and graphic floral and heart motifs. Heyman’s signature cheeky sayings and custom names, which predate mainstream meme culture, continue to be a staple of the brand, now expanding into materials like wicker and wood, and new categories such as tableware and bar accessories. Ultimately, the home serves as a tangible expression of Heyman's belief in surrounding oneself with beloved objects, regardless of external opinions, echoing the sentiment that "everybody has a different opinion, but I live here." #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #EclecticStyle #ColorPalette #LuxuryInteriors #VintageFinds #AccessoriesDesigner #ManhattanApartment #DesignInspiration

A couple returning to New York City after two decades in the New Jersey suburbs sought to renovate their 1,210-square-foot West Village apartment, engaging design and engineering studio Dunham Robinson for the project. The primary objectives were to enhance storage, refresh the aesthetic, and improve the apartment's overall circulation, transforming it into a welcoming family home where their adult sons could comfortably visit. The apartment, initially a 'blank slate,' allowed the couple to define their evolved taste. One of the most impactful transformations was the creation of a custom-built foyer piece designed to anchor the entryway and extend across the wall. Rachel Robinson, architect and founding partner, emphasized that this built-in was a key solution to a missing architectural and emotional component in the apartment's pre-renovation state, where the entrance led directly into the dining room. The new foyer piece, measuring two feet deep, seven feet long (or 12 feet including the door), and eight feet tall, was meticulously designed to establish an entry sequence and improve the apartment's flow without overwhelming the space. This design also incorporated much-needed storage in the form of a coat closet. Dunham Robinson focused on creating depth without making the space feel cramped, utilizing careful proportions, strategic placement, and integrated solutions. The design team employed color and texture to enhance this sense of depth, notably incorporating a pale-blue paint and leather details. To ensure continuity and a warm, cohesive ambiance, the foyer piece was constructed from natural, unstained oak, a material choice that harmonized with the new flooring. Textural accents, such as leather-wrapped cabinet handles, complemented the oak, and the built-in's extension across the wall and over the threshold contributed to a comfortable sense of enclosure. Beyond the foyer, the renovation included other clever design solutions throughout the apartment. The former galley kitchen was efficiently enlarged by extending new cabinetry around the corner into the dining room, visually opening the kitchen to the rest of the space and providing additional storage. Custom built-in pieces were also integrated below the windows in the bedrooms and living room, serving to conceal HVAC units while offering extra storage. In the guest bedroom, a Murphy bed from Resource Furniture was installed, surrounded by custom cabinetry by Black Square Builders, maximizing space and functionality. The renovation successfully transformed the apartment into a functional and aesthetically pleasing home that not only met the couple’s immediate needs but also created a welcoming environment for hosting friends and family, reflecting their current lifestyle and taste. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #CustomBuiltIns #FoyerDesign #SpaceOptimization #ApartmentRenovation #DunhamRobinson #NewYorkCityLiving #ModernHome

Designer Anita Yokota shares insights into creating a functional and harmonious shared bedroom for her two daughters, Natalie (12) and Emily (7), who share a bunk bed. Having grown up sharing a room herself, Yokota understands the dynamics of siblings cohabiting a space, acknowledging both the squabbles and the cherished memories formed. Her immediate goal is to enhance their living area, particularly focusing on organization, as a tiny, old closet with problematic sliding doors has been a persistent challenge for the girls. Yokota, also a trained marriage and family therapist, emphasizes that constant struggles over space can negatively impact sibling relationships. To address the closet issue, Yokota devised a clever DIY solution. She removed the original, nearly 30-year-old mirror sliding doors, which offered limited access, and replaced them with extra-tall curtain panels made from durable Sunbrella Fusion fabric. These panels were mounted on a ceiling track, allowing both girls simultaneous access to their belongings and significantly reducing conflict over space. She highlights that this simple yet effective modification has eased the stress of sharing. Beyond the curtain solution, Yokota advocates for investing in personalized, structural storage systems within the closet. She specifically praises the Container Store's Elfa products, which she customized to include a mix of open shelves, hanging rods at varying heights for different types of clothing, and drawers. While acknowledging the initial higher cost, she argues that such systems save money in the long run by eliminating the need for numerous basic bins and baskets. She stresses the importance of customizing storage to fit odd spaces, advising against a one-size-fits-all approach. Furthermore, Yokota offers practical advice for other aspects of a tween bedroom. For flooring, she recommends luxury vinyl tiles that mimic hardwood or, as a more budget-friendly option, washable rugs over existing carpet, recognizing that shared bedrooms often become snacking zones. To promote better sleep, she replaced old shutters with light-blocking roller shades and airy drapery, and swapped a non-bunk-bed-friendly ceiling fan for a woven pendant light, creating a more cocoon-like environment. A kid-sized mid-century inspired vanity by the window adds a functional and stylish touch. Finally, Yokota discusses the strategic placement of a rattan swing, which, after being monopolized by the girls in the living room, found a new home in their bedroom. This whimsical, space-friendly piece, safely secured in a ceiling stud, not only adds a playful element but also provides a soothing activity beneficial for child development. The swing also implicitly encourages the girls to practice sharing and taking turns, reinforcing the positive aspects of their shared space. #SharedBedroom #TweenRoom #ClosetOrganization #DIYStorage #HomeDesign #KidsBedroom #InteriorDesign #SpaceSaving #ParentingTips

This article highlights how designer Nina Carbone transformed a new construction four-bedroom apartment in Manhattan's Gramercy neighborhood into a functional and stylish three-bedroom family home. The apartment, initially featuring typical new construction design choices that prioritized maximizing square footage, lacked the thoughtful utilization of space often found in older, pre-war buildings. Carbone’s approach focused on intelligent design solutions without drastic architectural changes. A key design element was the strategic use of steel casement doors to delineate spaces. Unlike traditional walls, these doors allow light to filter through and, being on rollers, save space compared to hinged doors. This innovation created distinct areas within the open layout, such as an entryway, a den, and an "urban mudroom," a concept Carbone believes is gaining traction in city living. The overall goal was to refine the builder-grade aspects of the apartment to better suit the family's needs, resulting in a comfortable and modern home that is highly functional. The clients' strong design aesthetic, leaning towards mid-century modern, and their extensive art collection heavily influenced Carbone's plans. While the designer initially aimed for a neutral backdrop to highlight the art, the clients desired a more colorful scheme. This led to the incorporation of color in more unexpected elements, such as burgundy accents in the den and a pink Italian dining table, rather than overwhelming the main palette. Carbone paid special attention to maximizing the functionality of transitional spaces. The large entryway, despite not being a living area, was made more useful with a mid-century corner cabinet and a custom shelving system for storage. This shelving unit was designed to blend seamlessly with the hallway's gallery wall, which guides visitors into the home. In the living room, floor-to-ceiling windows meant the city views were the natural focal point. Carbone designed the space with low-profile furniture and clean lines, drawing inspiration from French modernism to create an inviting atmosphere without distracting from the external scenery. For the kitchen and dining area, Carbone opted for an unconventional layout. Instead of placing the dining table next to the kitchen, she positioned it on the opposite side of the main room, near the corner windows. This decision was based on the premise that the most valuable part of the apartment, the windowed corner, should be enjoyed. To optimize space and provide versatility, a banquette with durable faux leather was installed. Storage was a significant concern for the clients, who preferred a clutter-free environment. In the den, a custom USM Modular unit was incorporated to provide ample storage while also serving as a modern focal point with integrated color and a graphic design that echoed the casement doors. The master bedroom was designed with a darker color palette, leveraging the large window to prevent the room from feeling too dim. Textured walls and a vintage carpet added warmth and character. For the smallest and most awkwardly shaped bedroom, designated as the kid's room, Carbone implemented custom solutions. A corner headboard and a trundle bed optimized sleeping arrangements, while a custom desk on casters provided a flexible workspace and additional storage, ensuring that even the youngest family member's room was both smart and stylish. #NinaCarbone #NYCInteriorDesign #ApartmentTransformation #SteelCasementDoors #ModernFamilyHome #SpaceSavingSolutions #MidCenturyModern #ArtCollectionIntegration #FunctionalDesign

The entryway serves as a crucial transition point from the external world to the internal sanctuary of a home, influencing the overall mood and first impressions of a living space. It acts as a buffer between daily chaos and a calm domestic environment. A well-designed entryway should evoke a sense of peace, reduce stress, and instill a feeling of being comfortably at home upon entry. This is achieved through careful consideration of elements such as color schemes, storage solutions, seating, textiles, decor, mirrors, and lighting. Creating a relaxing entryway begins even before entering the house, with the front porch. A well-maintained and inviting porch, featuring comfortable seating, lush greenery, and subtle lighting, can set a welcoming tone. This outdoor extension of the home should reflect the interior's overall style, with features like a porch swing adding an intimate touch and fostering a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Inside the entryway, a light and breezy color scheme is recommended to promote tranquility. Muted, neutral tones such as soft beige, pale blue, or light gray are visually soothing and make the space feel more open and airy. These calming hues should be integrated into walls, furniture, and decor to achieve a cohesive and serene atmosphere. Effective storage is essential for maintaining a clutter-free entryway, which directly contributes to a peaceful home environment. Built-in storage or dedicated solutions for shoes, bags, and everyday items help to keep the space tidy and alleviate mental clutter. Incorporating elements like shoe baskets, enclosed cabinets, or hooks can significantly improve organization. Custom storage solutions, including vertical designs for narrow hallways or integrated seating with storage, can maximize space and flexibility. Adding a bench or a comfortable chair provides a functional spot for putting on or taking off shoes, while also enhancing the area's relaxing ambiance. Such seating can be further enhanced with pillows, soft fabrics, and blankets to elevate comfort. Incorporating naturally textured forms also contributes to a more peaceful and welcoming feel for both residents and guests. Textiles like front door curtains can introduce softness, elegance, and coziness to an entryway. These curtains can also serve practical purposes, such as insulating against drafts and providing privacy. Choosing insulating materials like wool and allowing for some pooling length can create a cocooning effect, reinforcing the sense of warmth and security. Personalized decor helps to infuse the entryway with warmth and character, reflecting the homeowner's style. This can include artwork, family photos, or statement pieces. Console tables can be styled with decorative accents like fresh flowers, scented candles, or unique dishes for keys and other small items. Integrating bookshelves or niches for books and art further personalizes the space. The chosen artwork should have a calming and positive effect. Mirrors are a versatile addition, bouncing natural light to create a perception of greater space and allowing for last-minute appearance checks. A statement mirror can add both functionality and decorative flair. To further enhance light, opening up sightlines with picture windows into adjacent rooms or using glass-paneled doors can visually connect the entryway to the rest of the house, making it feel larger and brighter. Finally, thoughtful lighting is crucial for establishing the right mood. Multiple light sources, including overhead fixtures, table lamps, and wall sconces, can create a layered and inviting ambiance. Table lamps on console tables offer a warm glow, providing an alternative to brighter overhead lights. Scented candles can also contribute to a relaxing atmosphere, greeting guests with a pleasant aroma and soft illumination. #EntrywayDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #RelaxingSpaces #ClutterFree #ColorPsychology #LightingDesign #PersonalizedDecor

John Marsala and Becka Citron, the creative and business partners behind Modern Anthology, have shifted their focus to interior design services after closing their physical retail stores in Dumbo and Cobble Hill. This move builds on their original business model, as interior design was their primary focus before venturing into retail. Their signature industrial chic aesthetic, previously evident in their stores, is now a hallmark of their interior design projects, such as the Dumbo loft featured in this article. The project involved furnishing a 2,400-square-foot loft for a young couple with a small child. The loft, located in a converted industrial building, retained original features like exposed brick and wooden columns. The designers were tasked with creating a functional and stylish living space, moving away from the clients' initial plans for fully custom-made furnishings. A key structural change was the addition of a dividing wall to create a dedicated den/TV area, separating it from the main living space. The primary focus, however, was on sourcing new furnishings, predominantly from retail outlets. The design choices were influenced by the homeowners' existing art collection, which included quirky pieces such as a framed print humorously stating ‘I was young and needed the money’ and a striking, large-scale portrait. These artworks signaled to Citron that the clients were open to bold design elements and did not wish for an overly conventional approach. The designers integrated these artistic cues into a cohesive design that blended industrial elements with comfort and personality. Key furniture selections included a Chesterfield-style sofa and egg-shaped mid-century chairs from Restoration Hardware, demonstrating a blend of classic and modern aesthetics. A vintage wing chair was given a distinctive update with plastic-coated fabric imprinted with street signs on the back and a tailored pin stripe on the front. An over-dyed vintage rug from Nomadic Trading Company added texture and color, while a Serge Mouille wall-mounted sconce provided sophisticated lighting. For the informal breakfast area, blue vintage chairs paired with a Saarinen-style pedestal table created a casual yet elegant spot. The dining area features a live-edge table complemented by wire chairs reminiscent of Eames designs from Modernica. A long hallway leading to the bedrooms was transformed into a gallery space, displaying framed photos and art unified by simple wood and metal frames. The primary bedroom maintained a warm ambiance with natural brick, furnished with a bed by Brooklyn-based Uhuru Design, a dresser by L.A.-based designer Thomas Bina, and a chandelier from Apparatus, further emphasizing the blend of industrial roots with contemporary design. This project exemplifies Modern Anthology's ability to create warm, functional, and industrially chic interiors using a mix of sourced retail pieces and thoughtful design interventions. #DumboLoft #InteriorDesign #ModernAnthology #IndustrialChic #HomeRenovation #BrooklynDesign #FurnitureSourcing #ResidentialDesign

Interior stylist Olga Naiman approached the design of her Brooklyn new-build condo with a philosophy centered on creating distinct narratives for each room, avoiding a singular, uniform theme throughout the entire space. Her approach emphasizes wondrous and surprising juxtapositions, blending diverse shapes, textures, and colors that, while seemingly disparate, coalesce into a harmonious and unique aesthetic. Naiman's design strategy for her own home mirrors her professional work in styling and event design, where storytelling and recurring themes guide the creative process. For her living room, Naiman intentionally combined unconventional elements, such as an Artemide Tizio table lamp placed on stacked cinder blocks alongside a corduroy-upholstered Milo Baughman sofa. This eclectic mix contributes to a sense of the surreal and the sacred, forming a visual dialogue that unfolds as one navigates the apartment. The choice of a Matisse-inspired fabric for window treatments served as the initial design inspiration for the room, setting a vibrant and artistic tone. A cowhide rug was selected for its practicality and resilience, particularly its ability to withstand spills and heavy use, making it suitable for a home with children. A significant alteration made to the living room was the addition of a wall to create a second bedroom, necessitated by the birth of Naiman’s twins. To counteract the potential reduction in perceived space, this new wall was entirely mirrored, effectively creating an illusion of greater depth and expansiveness within the room. This clever design solution maintains an open feel despite the architectural modification. In the kitchen, Naiman implemented creative and cost-effective solutions to personalize the space without a full renovation. She silver leafed the existing cabinets, adding a touch of elegance and shine. Furthermore, she enlisted a scenic painter to apply a distinctive pattern to both the cabinet doors and the underside of the counters, transforming standard cabinetry into custom-designed features. White-painted pegboard was incorporated into the kitchen, serving a dual purpose: it adds another layer of pattern and texture to the aesthetic, while also providing practical storage for hanging pots and pans on the opposite wall. Naiman’s design choices reflect a keen ability to infuse personality, functionality, and artistic flair into a new-build environment, demonstrating that thoughtful interior styling can transform a standard space into a unique and inviting home. #InteriorDesign #HomeStyling #BrooklynApartment #EclecticDecor #OlgaNaiman #NewBuildDecor #CreativeSolutions #PersonalizedHome #SurrealAesthetics

Harriette Cayzer, co-founder of the design firm Taylor & Turner, undertook a significant renovation of a London bachelor pad she initially refused to move into due to its overgrown garden and muddled furniture. With a growing family, including a 3-year-old daughter named Isobel and a second child on the way, Cayzer needed to transform the space into a functional and welcoming home. Her primary focus was to expand the third-story loft to accommodate a guest suite and a dedicated bedroom for Isobel. The loft space, despite being the smallest in the Victorian home, was strategically designed to maximize its potential. Given the heavily slanted roof, Cayzer opted for a built-in daybed, envisioning it as an "enclosed nest" for her daughter. To create space for a closet in an adjacent guest room, she ingeniously borrowed square footage from Isobel’s room, leaving just enough for a twin bed. Cayzer, who dislikes "dead space or voids," incorporated a nightstand niche and a bookcase, which has become a cherished spot for Isobel’s nightly bedtime stories. To enhance the coziness of the sloped bed alcove, Cayzer employed a clever fabric trick. She paneled the walls and ceiling with Pierre Frey’s Fleurs Etranges textile, further accentuating it with a red Samuel & Sons trim. The area was softened with a matching headboard and footer, upholstered in Romo’s Ruskin linen in a raspberry hue. Additional decorative elements included scalloped bedding from Cologne & Cotton and a sconce featuring a Fermoie pleated shade. For the rest of the room, Cayzer chose a custom pistachio paint from Dulux, meticulously matched to the floral fabric. Initially, she harbored some reservations about this color choice, jokingly attributing it to "pregnancy brain." However, once the Pierre Frey textile was installed, she recognized the perfect harmony between the fabric and the paint. The pistachio hue creates a bright and airy atmosphere during the day, yet transitions to a soft, glowing ambiance in the evening, ensuring the room never feels dark. Storage was a critical consideration for the second floor, which housed the main bedroom and nursery. Cayzer prioritized adding ample storage solutions within the extension. Under-bed drawers provide space for out-of-season items, while a closet on the opposite wall, featuring doors that seamlessly blend into the monochromatic mint scheme, stores Isobel’s clothes. The hanging rails are thoughtfully placed at Isobel's height, and nooks are included for her treasured possessions, with her dresses often displayed on the knobs. Upon completion, Cayzer realized the profound, almost subconscious, connection to her own childhood bedroom, which also featured a pink and green color palette, indicating a recreation of a beloved memory. #KidsRooms #SmallSpaces #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #PistachioHue #FabricWalls #BuiltInBed #LondonHome #StorageSolutions

Marie Lu, a bestselling author, and Primo Gallanossa, a game designer, sought a flexible and inspiring urban sanctuary in downtown Los Angeles's Arts District. They commissioned architecture firm CHA:COL to transform a 1,450-square-foot live/work loft into a space that could accommodate their writing and game design needs between frequent travels. The design brief emphasized creating a creative den for work, relaxation, and retreat. CHA:COL, led by design principals Apurva Pande and Chinmaya Misra, drew inspiration from the couple's professional backgrounds, particularly the game "Monument Valley" and the whimsical geometries of M.C. Escher. The central element of the loft is the "Writer’s Block," a custom-designed, multifaceted piece of oak veneer millwork. This versatile unit functions as a desk on one side, a lounge on the other, and incorporates shelving, effectively dividing the space while offering multiple uses. The design aimed to allow the clients to navigate and inhabit the loft in unique ways, much like Princess Ida moves through different levels in the Monument Valley game. The loft's design integrates both two-dimensional and three-dimensional elements. For example, white oak planks from the Writer’s Block seamlessly transition into FLOR carpet tiles that extend up an opposing wall, complemented by a matching mural. This playful mashup creates an optical illusion, making the two-dimensional elements appear three-dimensional and vice versa. Extensive studies were conducted to achieve the precise geometry for the wall art, eventually simplifying to paint swatches to complete the effect. Beyond the primary workspace, the loft also includes dedicated sleeping and kitchen areas. The kitchen features IKEA cabinets and a peninsular bar designed to encourage social interaction. Acoustic considerations were incorporated into the design, and the space is illuminated by a Zaneen pendant in addition to natural light from a facade of windows. The bathroom features a minimalist, monochromatic aesthetic with a custom white lacquer vanity and Porcelanosa tiles. The sleeping area is discreetly tucked away at the back of the loft, illuminated by a George Nelson Saucer Lamp. The project successfully created a highly functional and creatively stimulating environment. Initially conceived as an occasional getaway, the loft proved so effective that the clients found themselves spending more time there, reducing their need for frequent commuting. The design prioritized a simple, streamlined palette and carefully selected light fixtures that enhanced the spatial flow and movement within the loft, creating an urban oasis that fosters creativity and well-being. #LiveWorkLoft #CreativeSpace #GameDesignInspired #MultifunctionalFurniture #LosAngelesArchitecture #SmallSpaces #InteriorDesign #CustomMillwork

The article details the renovation of Unit 622, an apartment located within Montreal's historic Habitat 67 housing complex. Designed by the interior and industrial design firm Rainville Sangaré, the project transformed the space into a bright, open, and modern home. The renovation focused on simple lines, material integrity, and a minimalist aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the Brutalist architectural style of Habitat 67 itself. The original complex, conceived by Israeli-Canadian architect Moshe Safdie in the 1960s, aimed to provide affordable urban living through 158 stacked, prefabricated concrete units. Unit 622 features a unique T-shaped layout formed by two prefab blocks. A key aspect of the renovation involved preserving the concrete junction where these two volumes meet, leaving it exposed as an homage to the apartment's history, complete with original construction markings. The design choices were also influenced by Habitat 67's location on the Saint-Laurence River, particularly the challenging winter conditions. Rainville Sangaré opted for a minimal material and color palette, incorporating raw finishes like steel and concrete throughout the space to enhance the natural light and reflect the building's robust character. The living room features built-in shelves framing the window, and custom-made ventilation grids were installed, reflecting the owners' interest in local craft and design. A notable artistic element is a commissioned piece by local artist James Kennedy, mounted on a sliding door that conceals the television. The apartment is entirely outfitted with Sangaré’s UNITÉ lighting, a collection inspired by Habitat 67's rectangular prefab blocks. The kitchen, designed for efficiency, was crafted by local brand À Hauteur d’homme. The guest room is designed for versatility, featuring a hideaway bed that allows the space to function as an office, also lit by Sangaré’s UNITÉ lighting. The main bedroom is predominantly oak, with a custom-designed bed and nightstand, and also features lighting by Sangaré. Streamlined oak panels are used for the wardrobe. In contrast to the minimalist living areas, the bathrooms introduce color and intriguing finishes, including a dichroic glass shower divider that changes color under different lighting conditions. Concrete tiles in the bathrooms further reference the building's Brutalist origins. The renovation successfully marries contemporary design with the historical and architectural integrity of Habitat 67, creating a sophisticated and functional living space. #Habitat67 #MontrealRenovation #ModernApartment #BrutalistArchitecture #MinimalistDesign #InteriorDesign #PrefabHomes #RainvilleSangaré