ODA’s Chelsea Mercantile lobby in Manhattan makes a grand entrance

Dominion Lighting has completed an extensive remodel of its 4,000-square-foot Chantilly showroom, marking its first major renovation in 37 years. This redesign follows a successful revamp of their flagship Arlington location three years prior. The Chantilly showroom, which reopened on June 8, underwent an eight-month transformation, shedding its dated appearance of low ceilings, brown carpet squares, and dangling lights. The new aesthetic embraces an industrial-style open ceiling, painted in the store’s signature Benjamin Moore Witching Hour charcoal gray, a color also used on the walls. The flooring now consists of charcoal-colored polished cement, contributing to a modern and sophisticated ambiance. Lighting fixtures are meticulously grouped by finish, look, and feel, creating a cohesive and visually appealing display. Matt Rowan, vice president of residential lighting, spearheaded the redesign, drawing inspiration and lessons learned from the Arlington location's successful overhaul. Rowan emphasized that the aim was to create a gallery-like environment, where lighting fixtures are showcased as art pieces. An innovative feature adopted from the Arlington store is the integration of a rotating art gallery, displaying works by local artists every three months. This initiative has proven highly successful, as the Arlington store experienced a 20 percent profit increase in the year following its redesign, followed by a 30 percent increase the subsequent year. Rowan notes that homeowners engaged in designing their spaces are often receptive to acquiring original art, creating a mutually beneficial scenario for both the store and the artists. The renovated Chantilly showroom also boasts functional enhancements designed to improve the customer experience. Consultation tables feature tops specifically designed for reviewing layout drawings, and an attached low platform allows customers to inspect fixtures more closely. For large-scale projects, a private room accommodating eight people is available for client consultations. The showroom offers an extensive selection of 300 lighting lines, including exclusive brands such as Tala, a U.K. brand that is otherwise only available on the U.S. East Coast in New York. Pricing for fixtures ranges from approximately $150 for sconces to $40,000 for custom handcrafted pieces from Art + Alchemy lighting designers, with most items falling within the $500 to $2,000 bracket. The success of these redesigns has also led to an unexpected expansion of Dominion Lighting's offerings to include furniture and accessories, as customers are inspired by the overall design and seek to replicate its various components in their own homes. Rowan highlighted the detailed approach taken, including a three-page list of specifications covering everything from tiles and hand soap to floor polishing companies and paint codes, underscoring the belief that thoughtful design significantly enhances the customer experience and inspires further purchases. #DominionLighting #ChantillyShowroom #ShowroomRedesign #LightingDesign #HomeRenovation #IndustrialStyle #ArtGalleryIntegration #RetailDesign #CustomerExperience

DUMBO, a neighborhood situated along Brooklyn’s waterfront, has transformed into a cultural hub, now recognized as the 'DUMBO Design District.' This area has attracted prominent architectural, interior design, and creative firms, offering an alternative to Manhattan's dense environment and fostering a community for creative professionals. Companies such as Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), Reform, and West Elm have established their presence here, drawn by DUMBO's historic charm and iconic loft spaces. The transformation of DUMBO is significantly influenced by Two Trees Management, a real estate developer with over 40 years of experience in shaping the Brooklyn landscape. Two Trees Management offers a diverse portfolio of loft spaces, ranging from 500 to 50,000 square feet, designed to accommodate various firm sizes and reflect their brand identities. These spaces are not merely offices but are considered statements of style and ambition, featuring high ceilings, ample natural light, and industrial detailing. The properties provide breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline or the East River, serving as a daily source of inspiration for occupants. A notable example is the iconic Stable Building at 16 Main Street, which houses Henrybuilt and Space Theory, marking their first shared New York retail space after two decades in SoHo. DUMBO's reputation as a design district is further solidified by its blend of upscale retail, art galleries, and culinary destinations. This environment appeals to professionals who value quality, aesthetics, and creativity, creating a network of like-minded visionaries. Two Trees’ buildings exemplify adaptive reuse, preserving DUMBO’s industrial heritage while integrating modern design elements. The office spaces are equipped with oversized operable windows, hardwood and polished concrete floors, and tenant-controlled HVAC systems, meeting the specific needs of design professionals. Flexible layouts and tech-enabled amenities allow businesses to create functional and aesthetically pleasing workspaces. Beyond the individual office spaces, DUMBO offers a comprehensive lifestyle that blends work and inspiration. Brooklyn Bridge Park provides expansive green spaces and recreational areas, while numerous boutiques and world-class eateries contribute to the neighborhood's vibrant atmosphere. Two Trees’ signature landscaped roof gardens, designed by Field Operations (known for New York’s High Line), serve as outdoor offices. These spaces are equipped with seating areas, Wi-Fi, and AV capabilities, offering a versatile alternative for meetings and presentations with spectacular city views. Further enhancing the district's appeal are high-end amenities such as bike parking, rentable storage, conference rooms on every floor, and pet-friendly facilities. Renovated lobbies with 24/7 digital access control and on-site parking garages ensure convenience and modernity. The landmarked loft buildings, including those at 45 Main Street, 55 Washington Street, and 20 Jay Street, combine historic preservation with forward-looking design. Features like exposed columns and polished concrete floors make these properties particularly attractive to design-oriented companies, fostering an environment where ideas can flourish due to abundant natural light, high ceilings, and industrial elements. This unique combination of modern infrastructure and historic charm positions DUMBO as a magnet for professionals who prioritize community, creativity, and innovation within New York’s evolving design landscape. #DUMBO #DesignDistrict #BrooklynArchitecture #CreativeWorkspaces #TwoTreesManagement #NewYorkDesign #OfficeLofts #UrbanDevelopment #ArchitecturalDesign

Restoration Hardware has officially opened its doors at Yorkdale Shopping Centre, launching RH Toronto, The Gallery. This multi-floor design gallery was inaugurated with an exclusive, invite-only party attended by notable figures from various sectors. The event provided a dazzling display of design, gourmet food, and champagne, offering guests an immersive experience within the expansive space. The grand opening fête was characterized by its lavish offerings, including a champagne bar, a caviar bar, chic vodka martinis served in mini Ketel One bottles with an Instagram-worthy ice display, a Bellini bar by Cipriani NYC, and a mojito bar. The four-floor, 70,000-square-foot gallery also features a rooftop patio that provides views of the city’s skyline. Canadian supermodel Coco Rocha was among the many recognizable faces who explored the space, which also attracted prominent individuals from Toronto's arts, fashion, business, and philanthropy communities. Despite being located within a shopping mall, the design gallery aims to create an environment that transcends typical retail expectations. The interior and exterior decor, the skylit courtyard cafe with Venetian plaster walls, heritage olive trees, and a trickling fountain all contribute to an atmosphere of extreme home luxury. The gallery boasts various floors of installations and interiors, highlighted by an opulent showroom featuring an installation of 23 Helix crystal chandeliers. The anticipation for the private party was heightened not only by the intrigue of such a large-scale design space but also by the involvement of a distinguished host committee. This committee included Canadian supermodel Coco Rocha, Ben and Jessica Mulroney, National Post writer Amoryn Engel, architect Alex Josephson, real estate maven Krystal Koo, clothing designer Christie Smyth, and interior designer Colette van den Thillart. The event combined design, sophisticated drinks, and fashion, with music provided by New York DJ Chris Malinchak. Gourmet bites were served by RH Café, a culinary venture led by celebrated restaurateur Brendan Sodikoff. This marks the first time a Restoration Hardware store in Canada has hosted a restaurant, offering an integrated culinary experience for visitors. Guests enjoyed mini doughnuts from Sodikoff’s Doughnut Vault in Chicago and were photographed by renowned photographer George Pimentel, while others captured the event through Instagram stories and photos, making themselves comfortable on the gallery’s beds and couches. The rooftop patio was a popular spot, with attendees like fashion lawyer Anjli Patel remarking on its lush and serene ambiance. RH Toronto represents the first large-scale Restoration Hardware gallery concept in Canada. The project is a continuation of the collaboration between Chairman and CEO Gary Friedman and James Gillam of Backen, Gillam & Kroeger, an architectural firm recognized globally for its design prowess. The grand opening event also served a philanthropic purpose, being held in conjunction with Breakfast of Champions, an annual fundraiser organized by young professionals in Toronto to support underfunded priority areas at The Hospital for Sick Children. #RestorationHardware #LuxuryDesign #YorkdaleShoppingCentre #RHGalleryToronto #GrandOpening #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #HighEndRetail #TorontoEvents

Tiffany & Co. reopened its flagship New York City store, known as The Landmark, on April 28 after four years of extensive renovations. The original Tiffany & Company, established in 1837, opened its Fifth Avenue location in 1940. This historical site gained iconic status through its feature in the 1961 film "Breakfast at Tiffany's," starring Audrey Hepburn. The renovation began in 2019, necessitating the temporary relocation of the store. Renderings of the remodeled exterior, released a year later, showcased a distinctive glass addition and an eighth-floor roof deck. During this period, French luxury conglomerate LVMH acquired Tiffany for $15.8 billion, integrating the jeweler into its portfolio of high-end brands. The newly re-envisioned store, now under the leadership of CEO Anthony Ledru and Executive Vice President Alexandre Arnault, celebrated its grand reopening with multiple celebrity-studded events, including a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a party featuring notable figures like Michael B. Jordan, Blake Lively, Florence Pugh, and a performance by Katy Perry. Upon entering The Landmark, visitors are met with a sophisticated atmosphere designed to immerse them in the Tiffany experience. The ground floor showcases iconic Tiffany jewelry, with digital displays mimicking Central Park views, creating an illusion of natural light and scenery. The elevators feature a Tiffany-blue painting by Jean-Michel Basquiat, echoing its appearance in a recent ad campaign. The fifth floor is dedicated to popular sterling silver pieces, silk scarves, including those featuring the "Bird on a Rock" pattern, and brightly colored handbags. This floor also pays tribute to "Breakfast at Tiffany's" with a continuous loop of "Moon River" and a display of Audrey Hepburn's black gown from the film. Descending to the fourth floor via a mirrored spiral staircase, inspired by designer Elsa Peretti, guests discover a collection of gold and diamond jewelry beneath a celestial chandelier, an artistic nod to Jean Schlumberger's designs. The sixth floor is dedicated to home goods, featuring meticulously arranged Tiffany dinnerware and real floral arrangements. This floor also houses significant artworks, including an untitled painting by Julian Schnabel and a dinner table installation with custom Tiffany-blue plates. Recreations of famous Tiffany window displays, such as Gene Moore's 1963 ice cream cone display and his 1970 flatware display with a deliberate "wrong fork," offer a journey through the brand's history. The Blue Box Cafe, operational and emitting inviting aromas, is also located on this floor. The seventh floor features a Patek Philippe boutique, offering high-end watches, typically by appointment, ensuring a quiet and exclusive shopping experience. The eighth floor remained inaccessible. The third floor, specializing in engagement rings, is adorned with artistic elements such as a towering Venus statue by Daniel Arsham, a foiled ceiling reminiscent of Andy Warhol's Factory, and a mirrored installation by Rashid Johnson. A particularly striking display on this floor is a Valentine's Day-themed window featuring arrows forming a heart around a large yellow diamond engagement ring. Throughout the visit, Tiffany employees provide attentive and detailed explanations of the store's art and architecture, enhancing the overall experience. The immersive environment successfully creates a luxurious escape from external realities. #TiffanyAndCo #LuxuryRetail #FifthAvenue #NewYorkCity #FlagshipStore #ArtInRetail #ArchitecturalDesign #Jewelry

The 2014 DC Design House, a fundraising initiative benefiting the Children’s National Health System, is set to unveil its transformed spaces. The project, which started in 2008, involves local designers reimagining 29 rooms within a nearly 8,000-square-foot stone estate in Forest Hills. Built in 1929, the house was originally owned by Marshall B. Coyne, founder of the Madison Hotel, known for his extensive collections of art, French furniture, and historical documents. The property was donated by Coyne’s granddaughter, Suzi Wilczynski. This year's selection posed a greater challenge compared to previous years due to its age and the need for renovation, demanding earlier involvement from the designers. Attendees have the opportunity to participate in the annual Bare Bones Tour, which provides a raw, 'before' glimpse of the house. Following this initial tour, the transformed spaces will be fully revealed on April 13. The home’s rich history, spanning 60 years within the same family, and its preserved original features like crown molding, wood floors, and custom cabinetry, were key factors in its selection. The project aims to blend the home's historic essence with modern design sensibilities. Several designers have outlined their plans for specific rooms. Kelley Proxmire of Kelley Interior Design is focusing on the living room, aiming to honor the house's 1920s glamour while ensuring livability. Her design incorporates antiques with modern, colorful accents, utilizing a neutral palette of whites, grays, and silvers, complemented by hints of warm gold. She plans to retain original features and introduce elements like a large sisal rug layered with an Oriental rug, high-gloss lacquer gray paint with white trims, a soft blue ceiling, and metallic detailing. Furniture will mix traditional pieces with unexpected modern additions, such as a white sofa and acrylic Chinese Chippendale chairs. Joanne Fitzgerald of Gatega Interior Design conceptualizes the powder room as a "jewel box." Her inspiration blends classic styling with modernism, featuring a classic British wallpaper, iridescent wall tiles to enhance ceiling height, an ornate Venetian-glass mirror, and contemporary fixtures. The objective is to create an elegant, playful, and dramatic space by straddling different design styles. For the second-floor family room, Dennese Guadaloupe-Rojas from Interiors by Design and Diane S. Taitt from De Space Designs are collaborating on an "L’eau-inspired elegance" theme. The room will be casual yet elegant, drawing inspiration from water’s movement and reflective qualities. The color palette includes silvery, textured beiges with accents of blues and purples. Rich textures and unique accessories will add flair, while furniture in simple, comfortable shapes and neutral shades will be grounded by a water-inspired organic patterned rug. A dramatic ceiling relief panel echoing the water motif will complete the serene and reflective space. TJ Monahan of ibby/Case Design/Remodeling plans to create a guest bath designed to "wow guests" through impeccable attention to detail and a playful combination of color, texture, and scale. His design integrates modern lines with the historic context of the space, featuring stained-wood vanity and mirror, a soft marble floor, traditional subway-style white ceramic accent tile, and practical storage niches. The goal is a fresh yet familiar aesthetic. Camille Saum of Camille Saum Interior Design is responsible for the entry hall and stairway, aiming to set a dramatic and timeless stage for visitors. Her design includes a painted diamond floor in the entrance foyer, a shimmering beaded wall covering with a pesto-green accent extending through the three-story stairwell, and a graceful lattice pattern complementing a circle-top window. A dramatic mixed-media painting by Charles Dwyer will serve as a focal point, flanked by orange linen-slipcovered chairs. The foyer window will feature crinoline-lined draperies in magenta and silver metallic fabric, and custom-built empire-style benches will be placed on either side of the window. Additional features include bamboo covers for radiators and a hostess table skirt adorned with the DC Design House logo. The Bare Bones Tour costs $5, or is free with the purchase of a $25 ticket for the full home tour, which runs for a month. #DCDesignHouse #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #Showhouse #HistoricHome #RenovationProject #CharityEvent #DesignInspiration #WashingtonDC