How One NYC Designer Unified a Massive Open Floor Plan Using a Wall Mural

This article details the renovation of a Toronto home, focusing on how designer Jaime Zimmerman of JPZ Interiors successfully integrated a distinctive wall of 34 orange-tinted, 1980s-era windows into a modern, functional living space. The homeowners, drawn to the unique character and backyard view offered by these windows, wished to retain them despite their dated appearance and the contractor's suggestion to paint them. Zimmerman emphasized that these windows contribute to the home's natural feel and character, making them a special feature she aimed to preserve. The renovation tackled several challenges, including a "wonky" layout where different areas of the great room, kitchen, mudroom, family room, and dining area were on varying levels, creating tripping hazards. Zimmerman’s primary goal was to create a cohesive and safer environment. One significant improvement involved extending the steps to the left of the fireplace thresholds and constructing them from white-painted brick, matching existing elements in the room, to address a safety concern for the homeowners' children. The kitchen, originally separated by a peninsula, was opened up further to seamlessly connect with the great room. The designer maintained the integrity of the windows by not adding upper cabinets in their vicinity, instead maximizing storage with custom organizers for pots and pans integrated into drawers near the range. The vent hood, strategically placed in front of the windows, was painted the same color as the new flat-slab cabinets to make it blend in and appear less obtrusive. Material selection, particularly wood tones, was crucial. Zimmerman replaced the terracotta tiles with engineered hardwood flooring, opting for a honey-hued finish that harmonized with the existing orange tones of the window frames and ceiling panels. In the new front entryway, a checkerboard tile was introduced, along with an oak coat closet. For new wood furniture and built-ins, lighter stains and species were chosen to avoid a heavy aesthetic. This new entryway, now functioning as a mudroom, had its floor raised to be level with the kitchen, and the double door was replaced with a single opening and sidelight windows for improved accessibility. Lighting also received careful consideration. Given Toronto's dark winters, a functional yet subtle lighting plan was implemented. Zimmerman avoided grand chandeliers, instead incorporating simple track lights over the dining table and mono-point flush mounts above the peninsula. Sconces were used to mark the new arched thresholds and steps leading to the family room. The formal dining room, a long and narrow space, was an exception, featuring a series of three long-hanging fixtures with textured white shells that complement the room’s linear design and blend into the background. #homeRenovation #interiorDesign #beforeAndAfter #windowDesign #kitchenRenovation #floorLeveling #woodTones #lightingDesign #mudroomDesign #TorontoHome

The article details designer Dane Austin's approach to transforming a potentially cold, cavernous open-concept living space in the 2024 Whole Home into an inviting communal area. Austin, who expressed a general disinterest in the open-concept trend, focused on creating warmth and distinct zones within the large room, which features 22-foot ceilings and expansive windows. His design process began by drawing inspiration from the natural surroundings of Asheville, particularly the sunset hues and the blue tones of the mountains, which influenced his material and color palette choices. A key element in the living room's design is a Farrow & Ball cherry blossom wallcovering, which reproduces a Renaissance-era chateau design. To further define the space and add architectural interest, Austin collaborated with the build team to install a floor-to-ceiling chimney breast made from Dekton’s ultra-compact surface material, providing depth and dimension. A surrealist sculptural landscape by local artist Colton Dion serves as a focal point, adding a unique artistic touch to the room. Austin’s design philosophy emphasizes a curated, timeless aesthetic, combining old and new, masculine and feminine elements, and a mix of custom-made and flea market finds. This approach is evident in the diverse selection of furnishings, which include various velvets, leathers, and linens. He intentionally included abundant seating options, advocating that a living room should accommodate as many guests as there are dining room chairs, especially for a holiday home. To avoid a monolithic wallcovering effect in such a tall space, Austin cleverly incorporated a shelf at rafter height, painted in Farrow & Ball’s Selvedge color, which is used to display baskets and pottery, breaking up the vertical expanse and adding visual interest. Thoughtful details are also highlighted in the area around the fireplace, where bench seating and shallow cabinetry feature custom brass inserts from Architectural Grille, echoing the wallpaper motif. Above this built-in, a Samsung Frame TV seamlessly integrates technology by displaying evolving artwork and converting to a movie night mode with the push of a button. For the expansive floor, a custom Fibreworks rug was chosen to anchor the living area. Lighting plays a crucial role in distinguishing the living and dining zones, with a multitiered Clementine chandelier by Visual Comfort & Co. hanging above the lounge, and a plastered Mollino pendant, also by Visual Comfort & Co., positioned lower over the dining table adjacent to the kitchen. In the informal dining area, designed for simple entertaining, Lee Industries settees and chairs are paired with a Wayfair Professional table. The Adelaïde wallpaper from Farrow & Ball and a Fibreworks rug continue the aesthetic from the living room. Additional lighting, including a pendant, sconces, and a picture light from Visual Comfort & Co., and custom art from Colton Dion Gallery, complete the dining space. Austin further delineates the open-plan by introducing a “room-within-a-room” concept, using drapery made from Sanderson fabric. This fabric, featuring a crewel stitchwork in blush and blue, adds softness and allows the kitchen to be cordoned off for privacy, especially after events, offering a practical yet elegant solution to open-concept living. The article concludes with a comprehensive list of vendors and products used in both the living and dining areas, reflecting the meticulous planning and curated selection involved in the design. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #OpenConceptLiving #LivingRoomDecor #DiningRoomDesign #DaneAustinDesign #Wallcovering #CustomFurnishings #LightingDesign

Interior decorator Starrett Zenko Ringbom and artist Happy Menocal collaborated on a whimsical, hand-painted mural for the entryway of Ringbom’s Upper East Side Manhattan apartment. Their working relationship, which began with Ringbom's branding materials, evolved into a friendship, making them an ideal creative pair due to their shared bright, playful aesthetics and willingness to take design risks. Ringbom expressed implicit trust in Menocal's understanding of her aesthetic point of view. The mural serves as a central focal point in the newly redecorated two-bedroom residence, which exudes significant character. The design inspiration for the home, and consequently the mural, stemmed from bold hues and the surrealist design of a Fornasetti umbrella stand situated in the entry. Ringbom describes her interior decor theme as neo-traditional, envisioning an Italian aristocrat who, after facing financial hardship, moved into a smaller pre-war apartment but still sought to live grandly and eccentrically. This concept underscored her desire for a mural in the entry. Ringbom was committed to realizing her dream of a tailor-made, hand-painted entry, emphasizing that small spaces should not limit style. She cited the entrance to L’Institut Guerlain, designed by Jean-Michel Frank with wall murals by Christian Berard, as a long-standing inspiration for her own mural project. The collaboration with Menocal involved incorporating themes from the rest of the home into the personalized painting. Menocal noted that Ringbom’s apartment and overall aesthetic blend "zippy Italian mid-century" with "classic old-guard formality." To honor this, and Ringbom's admiration for writer and illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans, Menocal integrated elements like topiary and cypress trees to evoke an Italian feel, alongside stylized color fields and a limited palette for a 1960s mod touch. The resulting mural is a spirited, celestial depiction of Ringbom and her family, featuring ethereal foliage and a muted background. Each family member is represented in portrait-painted medallions, reminiscent of characters from Bemelmans’ famous creation, _Madeline_. Achieving her vision of luxury and customization, Ringbom encourages others to consider mural painting in their own homes. She suggests it as an excellent alternative to wallpaper for spaces like entries or powder rooms. Ringbom advises embracing bold design choices, stating that "half-measures and fear will only restrain what could be glorious. Be brave!" The article highlights how a personalized artistic element can transform a space, making it both unique and deeply reflective of the homeowner's personality and inspirations. #InteriorDesign #MuralArt #EntrywayDecor #PersonalizedDesign #HomeDecor #ArtistCollaboration #UpperEastSide #NeoTraditional

The article explores the resurgence of wall murals as a bold and impactful interior design choice, offering a more distinctive alternative to traditional wallpaper. Unlike wallpaper's repeating motifs, murals feature a single large image or pattern, often custom-designed or created with oversized repeats to fill a significant space. Several high-end companies, such as Gracie, Fromental, and De Gournay, specialize in hand-painted, intricate scenes on silk or paper rolls, meticulously installed to account for architectural features like doors and windows. Some artisans, like MJ Atelier, even incorporate three-dimensional details into their panels, effectively transforming a wall into a built-in piece of artwork that can even serve as a backdrop for additional hanging art. The article showcases numerous examples of designer-curated wall murals across various styles and settings. Charlotte Terrell, for instance, offers commissioned murals hand-painted on paneled birchwood, digitally scanned to create wallpaper with the texture of an oil painting, often inspired by clients' special locations. Courtney McLeod's open-plan apartment features Voutsa's "Menagerie Chinoiserie," a whimsical and detailed four-panel mural. In the Kips Bay Show House Palm Beach, Craig & Company collaborated with MJ Atelier to create an ocean-themed mural enhanced with real seashells for added texture. Designer Bailey Li specializes in hand-painted abstract murals, drawing colors from the room to create mesmerizing effects. Other notable examples include Sarah Gilbane's circus-themed dining room, where decorative artist Brian Leaver painted palms and flamingos over grasscloth wallpaper, and a trompe l'oeil tented ceiling. Eric Olsen commissioned artist James Goldcrown for a custom graffiti heart mural in his daughter's California home. Jeff Robinson created a lush, jungle-like mural inspired by Henri Rousseau for Molly Luetkemeyer's LA home. Raji RM warmed up a modern home with full-wall murals, including one derived from an 1807 painting by Louis-Léopold Boilly. Studio DB utilized De Gournay's "Japanese Garden" to create a romantic backdrop in a dining room, while Aamir Khandwala enlisted Shantell Martin to create a bespoke graphic wall treatment using a Sharpie in a Bellport retreat. Miles Redd incorporated De Gournay's "Sans Souci" motif with apple green details in a bold bedroom. Denise McGaha commissioned Bettinger Studio to create a mural that harmonized with the adjacent kitchen cabinetry in a Texas home. A Gracie mural in lavender transforms a modern dining room by Mary McGee into a secret garden. Devin Kirk adopted a modern approach by using stencils with Farrow & Ball paints to create a hand-painted effect in a hallway. Dee Murphy commissioned Diego Arturo Mendoza for a custom graffiti wall celebrating her family and neighborhood. Miles Redd also demonstrated how framed art can add extra dimension to mural-swathed walls. Kevin Isbell designed a Moby Dick-inspired mural that extended onto the ceiling in an East Coast beach house, and Christopher Maya's dining room featured a high-contrast De Gournay mural with red lacquer millwork and cerulean tones, highlighting the versatility and transformative power of wall murals in interior design. #WallMurals #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignerInspiration #CustomArtwork #WallpaperAlternatives #MaximalistDecor #HandPaintedMurals #RoomTransformation

In one of the oldest cities in the U.S., Philadelphia, finding a historic rental that aligns with a modern lifestyle can be challenging. Creative consultant and interior stylist Alexandra Morris Flint encountered this while searching for an apartment in early 2018. While many charming townhomes were available at affordable prices, they often proved to be too small or had low ceilings, which was a significant consideration given her husband's height. Morris Flint and her husband initially visited an apartment with 14-foot ceilings and oversized windows, which, despite being the first they saw, left a lasting impression due to the abundant natural light. Although the apartment’s historic exterior contrasted with its recently renovated, classic "white box" interior, Morris Flint saw potential to infuse it with character. Her first step was to repaint the space, transitioning from a cold, flat gray to Benjamin Moore’s Simply White to create a warmer ambiance. Due to the open floor plan, she strategically used Farrow & Ball’s Parma Gray to differentiate the living room from the kitchen, painting the walls adjacent to the island and cabinetry in the contrasting hue. To further personalize the space, the couple immediately hired an electrician to replace the existing light fixtures. They chose large-scale pendants, 19 inches in diameter, by Thomas O’Brien, which enhanced the vaulted ceilings and transformed the apartment from a generic listing into a more inviting home. Morris Flint also highlights that lighting fixtures are a renter-friendly upgrade as they can be taken when a lease ends. Morris Flint adopted a gradual approach to decorating, allowing the apartment to evolve over time, consistent with her relaxed and lived-in aesthetic. She views a home as a living laboratory for creative exploration and style development. This philosophy guided the placement of their IKEA dining table, which became a central feature after experimenting with various layouts. Initially positioned under the windows, it was moved to a more central location to optimize the floor plan, now serving as both a dining area and a room divider, draped with a Zsuzsanna Nyul textile. Morris Flint advises flexibility with furniture arrangements, noting that initial ideas often need adjustment once one is living in the space. Her signature 14-foot-tall gallery wall, a focal point of the apartment, also evolved through experimentation. Initially a smaller, more cautious arrangement, it was rehung multiple times before extending to the ceiling. Morris Flint's approach to gallery walls involves anchoring the display with two or three larger pieces and then filling in with smaller details. She emphasizes that impactful art doesn't require a large budget, incorporating sentimental items like a restaurant valet ticket and a vintage wallpaper fragment. This creative ingenuity extends beyond wall decor; the couple's bed features a unique headboard made from a folding screen borrowed from her mother, designer Suzanne Kasler, adapted with brackets and a coordinating bed skirt. Three years into living in the apartment, Morris Flint continues to refine the layout and introduce new elements, embracing the impermanence inherent in decorating a rental. Her advice to others is to allow time to live in a space before feeling pressured to decorate everything at once, as this iterative process is key to creating an authentic and happy home. #RentalDecor #HomeStyling #GalleryWall #InteriorDesign #PhiladelphiaHomes #SmallSpaceDesign #DIYDecor #CreativeLiving #ApartmentTherapy

Designer Clive Lonstein, based in Manhattan, showcases his philosophy of creating balance through contrasts in the transformation of a bedroom with a sitting area in a New York City suburb. Lonstein's approach blends antiques with contemporary elements, Old World craftsmanship with modern colors, and fosters intimacy within expansive spaces. His design for this project heavily features Italian-made luxury fabrics, rugs, and wall coverings from Coraggio, along with a custom area rug from Thibaut and throws from Rosemary Hallgarten. A key aspect of Lonstein's design is the strategic use of texture over overt patterns. He highlights that texture is a hallmark of his work, and Coraggio's sumptuous, to-the-trade offerings were ideal for fulfilling the client's desire for an intimate room that avoided feeling dark or cluttered. The Coraggio Elevato Wallcovering, a basket-weave raffia, was chosen for its ability to add detail and warmth while maintaining a sophisticated, minimalist palette. Lonstein notes the dual scales at play: the macro scale of large squares composed of much finer strands, creating a rich yet uncluttered aesthetic. The natural variations in the 100-percent-raffia fibers contribute to a variegated color and dimensional texture, particularly around corners and the bed's bump-outs. Despite the room's cathedral ceiling and inherent openness, the wallcovering imparts a sense of coziness and intimacy, transforming the overall feel of the bedroom. Another principle applied by Lonstein is clothing traditional shapes in modern colorways, aiming for a rich appearance without excessive complexity. He appreciates the material integrity of Coraggio's offerings, even in simple, solid colors, which lend a contemporary feel. For a classic armchair in the sitting area, he selected a shimmering cognac-colored Royal Silk Mohair Fabric from Coraggio, enhancing it with accessories in similar shades but different fabrics, such as a Solaro fabric pillow in Cognac and a Pebble Strie throw in Camo from Rosemary Hallgarten. For an adjacent loveseat, Lonstein opted for green, a favored shade for its freshness and versatility, using Coraggio’s linen-cotton blend Solaro fabric in Olive. Throw pillows in Astratto and Burano fabrics, along with other accessories like a jade lamp base and bed bolster, maintain a monochromatic, tone-on-tone scheme within this zone. Lonstein emphasizes the paramount importance of quality in textiles, noting that Coraggio's materials are crafted by master weavers in Italy, ensuring luxurious finishes and drape. Lonstein also focused on marrying timeless style with practical, modern elements. The bedroom features an eclectic mix of antiques and new acquisitions, including vintage wood doors hung on roller tracks that serve as a visual anchor and subtly connect to the loveseat's fabric and outdoor greenery through their remnants of green paint. While mostly vintage tables dot the space, they are accessorized with contemporary ceramics. A practical addition is the neutral-colored, highly textural Sonoma AREAS Rug from Thibaut. Made from synthetic PET, this rug is both soft underfoot and durable, as well as easy to clean. This versatility is crucial to Lonstein’s design process and influences his material choices. He asserts that high-quality, high-design lines like Coraggio’s provide significant design agility. Lonstein believes that environments profoundly impact human well-being, and transforming a home to reflect its inhabitants creates immense harmony. Coraggio products are available to the trade, with information on their offerings and services accessible online. #InteriorDesign #LuxuryFabrics #BedroomDesign #CliveLonstein #DesignContrasts #Coraggio #Thibaut #RosemaryHallgarten #TextureInDesign

Marta and Scott Dragos, residing in Winchester, built their home with an open floor plan, primarily to accommodate Scott's stature as a former NFL player, avoiding a 'dollhouse' feel. However, with three young children and a puppy, the first floor, particularly the great room, became chaotic. The family often congregated there, leaving the television on during meals, while a formal living room remained unused and the playroom, visible from the entry, was perpetually messy. Marta felt the room synergies were misaligned with their family's active lifestyle. To address this, they enlisted Liza Kugeler and Laura Ogden of Realm Interiors. The designers aimed to bring order and integrate Marta's stylish aesthetic in a way that suited an active family, all without structural renovations. The designers first reassessed the function of each room. They implemented 'low-impact modifications' to define and connect the spaces. A significant change involved moving the dining table from the bay window to the center of the great room. This repositioning anchored the open floor plan, effectively dividing the kitchen from the living area, and created a clear circulation path around a commissioned Scandinavian-style table from Saltwoods. This adjustment also created a new focal point in the bay window and improved the overall flow and visual appeal from the entry, highlighting a pleasing contrast between light wood and black accents. Further modifications included reworking the kitchen island. The original white marble top was replaced with a larger slab of leathered black granite, and legs were added for support. The base was painted in Farrow & Ball Pigeon, transforming the island into a statement piece and a more functional eating area. The kitchen also received matte black hardware for cabinetry, updated lighting, and oak trim detailing on the hood, enhancing its style and utility. The designers also swapped the functions of the living and family rooms. The original living space, adjacent to the kitchen, had become a default gathering spot. They removed the television and reoriented the furniture, replacing facing sofas with a layout that encouraged conversation rather than constant movement. The walls were covered in a neutral grass-cloth, extending into the entry to unify the spaces, and the furniture was upholstered in family-friendly fabrics, making the room both cozy and durable. The television was moved to the previously underused formal front room, which had convenient pocket doors. This former formal room was transformed into a functional family room with two shades of gray paint, tailored furnishings, and custom artwork by Pauline Curtiss. It now serves both adults for cocktails and children for cartoons, elevating the space to withstand family use while maintaining a high level of design. The playroom, once an 'eyesore' off the entry, was converted into a stylish office after the toys were relocated to the basement. This new office features dark, saturated walls, a sculptural bleached oak desk, and a framed fashion photo, reflecting Marta's personal style. Marta noted that these changes significantly improved how her family interacts with the home, leading to less aimless wandering and a 100 percent increase in calmness, as each room now serves a defined purpose. #InteriorDesign #OpenFloorPlan #HomeRedesign #FamilyLiving #HomeOrganization #SpacePlanning #TransitionalDesign #ResidentialInteriors

Many individuals find blank walls uninspiring, and while acquiring art or installing wallpaper can be costly and challenging, creating a mural offers an accessible and personal alternative. This article showcases the experiences and techniques of four DIY mural artists, demonstrating various approaches to transforming interior walls into artistic canvases. Luiza Solano, for instance, embraced a "bold and blocky" style for a closet mural in her Miami Airbnb. Working within a budget, she found inspiration in color references, particularly from a boutique hotel in Oaxaca, Mexico. Solano directly sketched lines onto the wall with a pencil, refining the composition until it achieved balance. To plan the wraparound mural's palette, she utilized a wide-angle photo and an image-editing app. Her final choice involved nine complementary colors, with three shades of blue created by mixing different amounts of white paint to maintain tonal consistency. Despite her initial inexperience, Solano "trusted the process" and layered an off-white, matte-finish paint from Behr in Shoelace over the entire mural to produce a "faux limewash effect." She noted that color blocking provided a high-design aesthetic without significant difficulty. Clare Sullivan, an interior designer and home-improvement content creator, adopted a "stencil and stamp" method for her Cape Cod-style house in Connecticut. Her goal was to achieve a wallpaper-like effect at a fraction of the cost. Sullivan sourced stencil templates online, recommending buying multiples to expedite the process. For color selection, she typically chooses a main color, a complementary shade, and two accent colors. Prior to stenciling, she repainted the room white and meticulously measured to create a symmetrical, wallpaper-like grid. Her essential tools included a bowl of water, cut kitchen sponges, the original wall paint for touch-ups, and Scotch Spray Mount Adhesive, which she preferred over painter's tape for its clean removal. Sullivan emphasized dabbing paint gently to prevent bleeding under the template and suggested cutting stencils for awkward spaces. She believes DIY projects are rewarding and cost-effective. Sydney Moss, a Brooklyn-based interior designer, chose to "split it in half" by painting a low mural in her narrow hallway. This design created a trompe l’oeil chair rail, effectively dividing the space and allowing her to paint while seated. Inspired by her gardening hobby, Moss freehanded marigolds using leftover sample paints, opting for Behr’s Dynasty paint line for its one-coat primer, fast-drying properties, and scuff resistance, which is ideal for rental properties. She acknowledged a learning curve, expressing a future intention to apply a base coat first. Moss approached her rental project with a Zen mindset, accepting that the mural might eventually be painted over. Following an unexpected move, she embarked on a new project: a floor-to-ceiling mural of trees in her windowless office, drawing on psychological research suggesting that nature imagery can promote calm and reduce anxiety. Finally, Brooklyn artist Laura Chautin used a "bits and bobs" approach to create whimsical mural vignettes around her bed. During her first trimester of pregnancy, she painted imaginative scenes with her usual art supplies, including acrylics. Rather than a full wall mural, she strategically positioned illustrations to frame her bed, avoiding the need to move furniture. Her height limitations influenced the scope of the paintings. Chautin’s murals, like her ceramic goods, are highly detailed, featuring moody clouds, blooming trees, and footpaths, all rendered in her characteristic color palette of pinks, reds, and greens. The existing warm white walls and Japanese pendant lights provided a pleasant backdrop, influencing the overall effect of her artwork. #DIYMurals #WallArt #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #CreativeProjects #BudgetDecor #Stenciling #ColorBlocking #ArtisticHomes

This article details the transformation of a raw, 4,300-square-foot apartment in Philadelphia into a tranquil sanctuary from the bustling city, envisioned by its owner, a media executive. Interior designer Alexii Friedman of Studio Friedman collaborated with Mark Sanderson and Harris Ford of the architectural firm DIGSAU to achieve this vision. The apartment, initially a blank canvas with only stud walls, offered a unique opportunity for a design deeply rooted in craftsmanship and local artisan collaboration. The design process began with a significant piece the owner had already acquired: a custom walnut dining table by George Nakashima Woodworkers, which celebrates the natural beauty of wood. This selection set the tone for the entire project, emphasizing quality materials and the work of skilled makers. The owner's request for a peaceful retreat from the vibrant urban environment, despite the building housing a busy restaurant on its ground floor, guided every design choice. Key to the apartment's aesthetic is the extensive use of local craftsmanship. Renowned blacksmith Warren Holzman was commissioned by the architects to create several custom elements, including blackened steel doors and exquisite bronze louvered shutters. These shutters not only add a touch of sophistication but also provide privacy for the nine-foot-high windows, which face the city. Holzman also fabricated the home bar in the living area and metal shelves in the entryway, contributing to the apartment's refined, art-gallery-like atmosphere. Travertine plinths display sculptures, further enhancing this curated feel. To address the apartment's limited natural light, with windows on only two facades, a wall of reeded glass was incorporated behind the entryway shelves. This design solution effectively draws natural light deeper into the home's core. The walls throughout the apartment are finished with textured lime plaster, a testament to exceptional local artistry. Mark Sanderson explains that these walls were treated not merely as surfaces for art, but as artful elements themselves, complementing the owner's Impressionist and contemporary art collection. The striking fireplace, designed to blur the line between sculpture and structure, also features this unique plaster finish, anchoring the public spaces. The kitchen, a central element of the home, was meticulously designed after consulting with a New York chef. Its innovative layout includes a change in floor height, allowing the monolithic quartzite island to serve as both a standard work surface and a dining-height table. Adjacent to the kitchen is the apartment's most distinctive feature: a loggia. This space is equipped with custom retractable windows that can be fully opened, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living and creating a seamless connection with the leafy square below. The design intentionally echoes the park's natural elements through choices like the grass-seated dining chairs and a branching chandelier in the dining room. The owner's existing art collection was reframed and integrated with new contemporary pieces sourced by Alexii, ensuring a harmonious dialogue between all artworks. The project's success is attributed to the strong collaborative spirit among the homeowner, designer, and architects, highlighting a meticulous attention to detail, even down to the decision to forego doorknobs in some areas. This collaborative approach resulted in a cohesive and personalized living space that perfectly embodies the owner's desire for a calm and reflective home within an urban setting. #InteriorDesign #LuxuryApartment #PhiladelphiaHomes #CustomCraftsmanship #ArtisanCollaboration #UrbanSanctuary #ModernLiving #ArchitecturalDesign

The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge features a striking 25-foot vertical living wall in its lobby, blending industrial aesthetics with natural elements. Designed by Harrison Green, this living wall diverges from conventional green walls by emulating the natural migration patterns of plants, allowing vegetation to grow organically across concrete and steel surfaces. The installation serves as a dynamic, artistic focal point, continuously evolving with its plant life. The design strategy emphasizes a graceful and simple framework, supporting a diverse selection of plants including staghorns, ferns, vines, and creeping ficus. These species were chosen specifically for their suitability to the interior environment and lighting conditions of the hotel. To supplement natural light, custom-designed pendants equipped with daylight spectrum bulbs are installed, mimicking sunlight to support the plants' growth and vitality. This living wall is a central feature within the eco-conscious 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, contributing to its overall design ethos. The hotel, situated by the Brooklyn Bridge and New York's East River, integrates natural themes and sustainable practices throughout its design. The living quarters and accommodations, designed by Marvel Architects and INC Architecture and Design, further synthesize the natural world through their material selections and overall motifs. The installation transforms the lobby into a luxurious space that feels both sculptural and organic, yet modern and raw. It embodies the hotel's commitment to harmoniously blending history, design, and nature, offering guests a unique waterfront retreat experience. The strategic placement and organic growth of the plants create a visually compelling experience that connects visitors with nature even within an urban setting. By creating a living, breathing art piece, the hotel enhances its ambiance while reinforcing its eco-friendly credentials. The living wall not only adds aesthetic value but also contributes to a healthier indoor environment, aligning with the hotel's mission to offer a sustainable and immersive natural experience. This innovative approach to interior design highlights how green elements can be thoughtfully integrated into commercial spaces to create dramatic and impactful installations. #LivingWall #HotelDesign #Brooklyn #HarrisonGreen #InteriorDesign #EcoConscious #GreenArchitecture #BiophilicDesign #UrbanNature

Alvin Wayne, an interior designer, transformed his 800-square-foot rental apartment in Long Island City, New York, into a visually dynamic space utilizing strategic design choices, particularly wallpaper. Wayne's passion for rearranging furniture began in childhood, leading him to pursue a career in interior design. After the 2008 recession, he spent a decade in luxury retail visual merchandising before returning to interior design in 2020 by documenting his apartment's renovation on social media, which quickly garnered clients. Wayne's approach emphasizes the 'why' behind design decisions, moving beyond mere aesthetics. In the living room, he created a five-star hotel lounge ambiance with low-profile furniture, including a Mario Bellini–inspired sofa and custom nesting coffee tables made of pink and red marble. These choices not only provide a sense of luxury but also maintain the room's open feel. Addressing the challenges of a rental apartment, such as a lack of overhead lighting and an immovable structural column, Wayne implemented clever solutions. He mounted an articulating sconce on the column and designed a custom marble-topped table to fit around its curves. An unsightly electrical panel was concealed with a large, frameless artwork by his friend Ronnie Williams. In the kitchen, Wayne upgraded plain upper cabinets with $9 contact paper from Amazon, giving them the appearance of solid brass. For entertaining, which he frequently does, the dining space features landscape wallpaper and staggered pendant lamps with shades resembling clouds, creating the illusion of a field despite being in an urban setting with views of the Empire State Building. An interesting find, a neon "Kiss Me Karl" sign, salvaged from a Karl Lagerfeld event, adds a personal touch to the entry, where another Amazon wallpaper mimics concrete. The living room also features a removable wall mural behind a credenza, complementing his thriving monstera plant. Wayne's plant parenting extends to his bedroom, though he notes the challenges of varying light conditions in New York City, which led to the demise of a black olive tree. The bedroom itself is a testament to his design challenge: creating visual appeal with a monochromatic black and white palette. Graphic wallpaper extends from the walls to the ceiling, making the room feel significantly larger. This daring design choice, inspired by Tyra Banks's motto "Different is better than better," showcases how a limited color scheme can still produce a visually striking and expansive effect. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #NYC Apartment #RentalLiving #WallpaperDesign #SmallSpaces #DIYHomeDecor #OpticalIllusions #AlvinWayne

This lookbook explores ten examples of loft conversions and renovations across New York City, showcasing how designers have ingeniously utilized open spaces through the strategic insertion of partitions, storage solutions, and other architectural elements. Loft apartments, characterized by their expansive open floor plans, soaring ceilings, and large windows, are a quintessential part of New York City's architectural landscape, often found in converted commercial, manufacturing, or warehouse buildings. Their industrial heritage provides a vast, flexible canvas that has been continuously reimagined by creatives. The featured projects demonstrate a variety of approaches to organizing these open interiors, including the removal of existing walls, the addition or reduction of mezzanines, and the integration of glass or wooden storage units, all while often embracing and highlighting the building's original structural components. One featured project, Another Seedbed in Williamsburg by Ignacio G Galán, Jesse McCormick, and Future Projects, transformed a 19th-century cast iron hat factory into a dual-purpose loft apartment that functions as both a residence and an event space. This was achieved by strategically placing plywood and clay-covered volumes to define private areas within the open plan, complemented by movable furniture to facilitate easy conversion for performances. In Dumbo, Crystal Sinclair Designs introduced a library mezzanine and a substantial glass partition to demarcate space within a loft, leveraging the building's 14-foot ceilings for the mezzanine addition and using the glass to enclose the bedroom while maintaining an open feel for the rest of the apartment. No Architecture's 'The Urban Tree House' in West Village saw the combination of two skyscraper units into a double-height apartment, which now features an extensive wooden structure with net beds spanning above the living area, designed to connect the interior with the adjacent Hudson River Greenway. Andrea Leung's renovation of her own Tribeca loft involved a complete gut renovation, including the removal of a mezzanine level. She organized private spaces in a linear fashion, concealing all but the living and dining areas behind a mirrored wall, drawing inspiration from hidden rooms in her grandmother's penthouse. Tala Fustok Studio's Manhattan loft in West Village employs a large glass and maple wood storage unit to separate the kitchen from the living area, with a custom corten steel staircase leading upstairs. The design emphasizes the apartment's tall ceilings and large windows, while limestone-washed walls add a softer touch. Worrell Yeung revitalized a NoMad loft, removing all internal walls to expose the building's original structures and pipes, then inserting bookcase units and cabinetry to redefine the space for a growing family. Light and Air's Frame Loft in the Financial District, originally a cluttered commercial building, was transformed by removing internal partitions to maximize the generous floor area and natural light from large windows. The studio also reduced the footprint of an overhead storage loft to increase ceiling height, integrating light wood shelving, seating, and a desk. In Clinton Hill, Dean Works inserted a Baltic birch plywood volume into a Brooklyn loft, creating additional storage and a private sleeping area further enclosed by a glass partition, positioning the living area near windows, the kitchen centrally, and the bedroom at the entrance. Julian King's Soho Loft, housed in a former silk warehouse, features a sculptural sleeping mezzanine and a built-in bookcase, maintaining an open feel under 13-foot ceilings. The mezzanine, which holds only a bed, is subtly hidden behind a partial wall with integrated LED lighting. Finally, Worrell Yeung's Chelsea Loft renovation focused on preserving continuous public living zones and maximizing daylight by minimizing partitions, concentrating private rooms on one side of the apartment, and updating a large kitchen island. #NewYorkCityLofts #InteriorDesign #OpenSpacePlanning #LoftConversions #ArchitecturalRenovations #CreativeInteriors #ResidentialArchitecture #SpaceUtilization

Designer Hollie Velten of Spaces was tasked with transforming an underutilized entryway in a Chatham, New Jersey, Colonial home into a functional and inviting space for a family. This project followed a successful basement renovation where Velten converted a 1,000-square-foot area into a versatile family hub. The client desired a similar transformation for the foyer, which, typical of center-hall Colonials, was largely wasted square footage, often serving merely as a spot for a console table and mirror. The goal was to make this passive space actively usable for both the family and their guests. The renovation began with a significant architectural change: the removal of a bulky coat closet adjacent to the fireplace. This immediate alteration opened up the space, making the foyer feel less confined. To compensate for the lost storage, a small mudroom near the front door was equipped with two cubbies, a shelf, and Shaker pegs for outerwear. A custom-built bench was installed in place of the old closet, becoming a central feature of the redesigned foyer. Velten drew inspiration from diverse sources for the bench's design, including the homeowner’s 1970s California upbringing, which led to the use of warm, organic wood. She also referenced historical photos of the Chatham train station, finding corbels with ring motifs, and the furniture designs of Viennese secessionists, particularly Josef Hoffmann’s bentwood chairs with circular cutouts from the 1940s. These influences culminated in a unique nook featuring perforated details, book shelves, and a curved arm. Understanding the reality of modern family life, Velten integrated practical solutions for device storage. A hidden cubby within the wall, equipped with an outlet for charging, was designed to store cell phones and iPads, concealed by a magnetic, hole-filled panel. This pragmatic addition addressed the homeowner's realistic expectation that the space would inevitably be used for screen time. To infuse the foyer with a sense of playfulness while maintaining tradition, Velten refreshed the fireplace with Delft-inspired tiles from Etsy, depicting scenes of children playing. This choice aimed to counteract the often serious aesthetic of Colonial homes. The fireplace was completed with a limestone hearth. Another design element was the recessed niche in the stairwell, initially considered for Tiffany glass windows. Instead, it was adorned with Antoinette Poisson wallpaper and narrow shelves, allowing the children to participate in curating displays with vases or even Legos, making the space more personal and engaging for the family. The adjoining powder room was also reimagined with a blend of industrial and precious aesthetics, drawing inspiration from the glamour of vintage train travel and its associated luggage. Velten incorporated a copper sink from Watermark Fixtures, complemented by red-brown zellige wall tile and honed Viola marble bullnose trim. Opposite the fireplace, the existing bay-window bench was enhanced with vintage floral fabric and custom shades. The designer deliberately kept the center of the room open, allowing for flexibility in hosting parties or providing space for children's activities. The family can easily arrange ottomans or side tables around the benches for conversational seating. The homeowner expressed immense satisfaction with the transformation, noting how the previously inactive foyer had become a frequently used and cherished area. The success of the renovation was underscored by a holiday party held shortly after its completion, where an accordion player entertained guests on the staircase, fully demonstrating the renewed vitality and functionality of the space. #FoyerRenovation #ColonialHome #SpaceTransformation #CustomMillwork #DesignInspiration #FunctionalDesign #HiddenStorage #TileDesign #PowderRoomDesign #BeforeAndAfter

This article highlights various 3D wall art options to enhance home interiors, moving beyond traditional art prints to introduce depth and texture. It features ten distinct pieces, each offering a unique aesthetic and functionality. The Project 62 Gold Decorative Wall Sculpture from Target, priced at $30, presents a mid-century modern feel with its burnished gold, angled metallic leaves that interact with light to create a multi-tonal effect. Despite its delicate appearance, it is noted for its sturdy construction. Next, the Umbra Prisma Decorative Accents, a set of six wire-frame gems available on Amazon for $36, offer versatility in gold, copper, or black, suitable for holding flameless tea lights or air plants, and can even be combined to form lightbulb pendants. West Elm's Floating Brass Shapes Wall Art, originally $249 and now $100, showcases three interlocking, hand-poured metal shapes with a brass finish, designed to be oriented in various ways to evoke different sentiments. The UncommonGoods Fire Escape Shelf, reduced from $129 to $99, merges form and function, mimicking urban fire escapes to provide a unique display for small potted plants. World Market's Gold Metal Leaf Wall Decor, available for $10, introduces a naturalistic touch with its golden, corrugated iron frond, complementing spaces rich in plant life. The Benzara Flock of Birds Wall Installation, costing $92 on Amazon, provides a minimalist, sturdy iron depiction of sea birds, suitable for various decor styles. Pier 1 Imports' Natural Woven Round Wall Decor, priced at $100, is a substantial sunburst-like sculpture, over 3 feet in diameter, crafted from cornhusk to bring natural softness indoors without overwhelming the space. CB2's Graham Wire Wall Art, discounted from $100 to $40, is a brass-plated steel sculpture designed to appear to float, offering a fresh perspective on a blank wall due to its lightweight build and easy mounting. The Home Sweet Home 3D Cursive Wall Décor from AllModern, at $62, adds a brass-colored, hand-scripted touch, ideal for an entryway. Lastly, the Grandin Road Aspen Metal Art, available for $199, is a woodland-inspired metal sculpture celebrated for its airy, naturalistic look, intricate detailing, and high quality despite its higher price point. These selections collectively offer diverse ways to integrate three-dimensional elements into home decor, providing visual interest and adding character to any room. #3DWallArt #HomeDecor #WallSculpture #InteriorDesign #DecorativeAccents #ModernHome #MetallicArt #UniqueShelving #ArtisticDecor

This article details the extensive renovation of a beachside home on Sydney’s Lower North Shore by interior designer Sara Horvath of Studio George, in collaboration with architect Tim West. The homeowners, a couple with two children, sought to transform their previously clinical and disjointed house, which featured a warehouse aesthetic of polished concrete and exposed iron, into a harmonious and welcoming space ideal for entertaining. The property's prime location was the main draw, prompting the family to undertake the renovation upon their return to Australia after living in Singapore for five years. The primary challenge of the renovation was to address the home's fractured layout, particularly the awkward connection between the original structure and an old extension. The owners expressed a desire for improved flow and maximized usable space, as certain areas of the house were previously underutilized. Horvath and West tackled this by making significant structural changes, including squaring off a confusing dog-legged entrance to create a clear and direct path through the home. They also repositioned the staircase to facilitate smoother transitions to the rear living areas. The renovated home spans four levels. The entry hall now features a green console, leading to a media room popular with the children and a secondary study accessible via a glass sliding door, ensuring ample natural light. Further into this floor are two bedrooms separated by a shared bathroom, situated on a split-level, tiered bridge. A stringer staircase descends to the lower ground floor, where a central living zone and kitchen are located beneath a double-height void. This architectural feature, mimicking the island's shape, replaced previously dead space, creating an open and natural ambiance that enhances the feeling of connection to the outdoors. A key design strategy to visually expand the dining area involved extending the indoor flooring seamlessly into the alfresco entertaining space with matching tiles. This optical illusion makes the dining area appear significantly larger, fulfilling the owners' desire for a beautiful entertaining space. The top floor was transformed into a private parents' suite, complete with a spa-like bathroom and a wardrobe ingeniously carved from the former roof space. A new window in this suite offers views of the beach and surrounding bushland, establishing a serene connection to nature and providing a peaceful retreat for the parents. Material selection played a crucial role in achieving the desired aesthetic. Inspired by the "beautiful tones of travertine" the owners admired in Singapore, Sara Horvath opted for a tight palette focusing on timber and marble in neutral, creamy tones. This choice created a calm and cohesive backdrop that complements the lively atmosphere of a family home and its beachside setting. The design successfully integrated a modern Mediterranean beachside feel, balancing functionality with an inviting, elegant environment suitable for family life and frequent entertaining. The project team included Studio George for interiors, THW Architects for architecture, and Red Cedar Constructions for building. #HomeTours #Renovation #InteriorDesign #ModernMediterranean #IndoorOutdoorFlow #SydneyHomes #FamilyHome #ArchitecturalRedesign

Ever Atelier, a Dallas-based wallpaper company founded by Ashley Leftwich and Sarah English, has made a significant impact on the interiors world with its vibrant and distinctive wallpaper designs. The founders describe their wallpapers as edgy, artistic, luxurious, and whimsical, emphasizing that each design incorporates artistic experimentation and tells a unique story or idea. They aim for their patterns to evoke a feeling, similar to the experience of viewing an art piece. The design process at Ever Atelier is dynamic and varies for each pattern. It typically begins with gathering inspirational imagery, which is then combined to form an initial concept. The creation of the interpretation can involve various techniques, including hand-drawn linework, hand-painted illustrations, photorealism derived from photography, and often a combination of these methods. For instance, their 'Rose Mary Rose' pattern integrates all these techniques. After the initial layout is completed, a detailed revision process begins, involving the generation of multiple strike-offs to refine the design. Some designs materialize quickly, meeting expectations early on, while others require more extensive development and time. The creative energy that drives Leftwich and English is fueled by their collaborative dynamic and a continuous search for inspiration. Sarah English notes that she actively seeks inspiration and sometimes encounters it unexpectedly, visualizing patterns in various everyday situations. She cultivates an openness to creative thinking and seeing, regardless of her environment or activity. This discovery aspect within the creative process is something she particularly values in her collaboration with Ashley Leftwich, as they mutually encourage and propel each other forward. Currently, Ever Atelier is engaged in numerous custom projects for clients. Beyond these bespoke endeavors, the company is actively working on developing and launching a new collection of designs. Additionally, they are in the process of expanding their product offerings to include Ever Atelier textiles, signaling a diversification into other interior design elements while maintaining their signature artistic approach. This expansion reflects their ongoing growth and influence within the interior design industry. #EverAtelier #WallpaperDesign #InteriorDesign #DallasDesigners #ArtisticWallcoverings #LuxuryInteriors #CreativeProcess #HomeDecor