The Best of New York Home and Help 2019

This article highlights top home organization services in New York, catering to various needs, from maintaining order to managing complex moves and implementing aesthetically pleasing storage solutions. Each featured organizer brings a distinct approach and specialization to the field, offering professional assistance to help individuals and families declutter and optimize their living spaces. New York at Home, founded by Diane Lowy, focuses on creating maintainable organizational systems tailored to clients' lifestyles and priorities. Lowy, with a background in art installation and corporate operations, develops detailed plans following an on-site strategy session. Her services extend beyond basic tidying to include specialized storage solutions for unique collections, such as art-matching attire. Clients commend her systems for their long-term sustainability, as exemplified by a talent manager whose organized closets have remained clutter-free for years. Urban Clarity specializes in move management, assisting clients with every aspect of selling an apartment and settling into a new home. Their team handles decluttering, coordinates with various vendors for cleaning, repairs, junk removal, and shredding, and even manages the sale or donation of items. One client praised Urban Clarity for their attention to detail, which included finding appraisers for valuable items and arranging donations for others. The company's comprehensive approach aims to alleviate the overwhelming nature of moving, with their services also extending to general home reorganization, as noted by a client who was impressed with their kitchen drawer organization. Organize With Faith, led by Faith Roberson, provides a personalized and firm approach to organization. Roberson is described as someone who challenges clients' perceptions of what they deem important, ensuring that organizational systems are practical and effective rather than simply accommodating existing clutter. Her expertise is not limited to residential clients; she also assists businesses in optimizing their workspaces. An example includes her work with a fashion designer's atelier, where she streamlined the storage of hundreds of fabric bolts and sewing accessories, improving workflow and accessibility for tailors. SOS, a partnership between Jack Bergamino and Brian Maloney, distinguishes itself by incorporating a strong sense of taste and aesthetic judgment into their organizational services. Bergamino's background in visual merchandising and Maloney's in art curation inform their approach, resulting in artfully arranged spaces. Clients like a high-end hoarder and a real estate broker have lauded SOS for not only organizing their belongings but also providing decisive guidance on what to keep and what to discard. Their work transformed a client's closet into a visually appealing showroom, leading to the rediscovery and increased use of neglected clothing and accessories. These New York-based organizers collectively address a broad spectrum of organizational challenges, demonstrating the value of professional help in creating functional, beautiful, and sustainable living and working environments. Each service offers a unique methodology, ensuring clients can find an organizer whose style and expertise align with their specific needs and desired outcomes. #HomeOrganization #NewYork #ProfessionalOrganizers #Decluttering #MoveManagement #StorageSolutions #LifestyleDesign #InteriorDesign #WorkspaceOrganization

This article, updated on April 1, 2021, identifies and profiles three top-tier house painters in New York City, catering to different client needs and preferences, as part of New York Magazine’s “Best of New York” series. The selection highlights painters known for their skill, reliability, and unique approaches to their craft. The first recommendation is Tony Jarvis of Jarvis Painting & Interiors, known for his diverse client base primarily from the downtown art and entertainment scene. Jarvis is not just a painter but also a musician and contractor, often meeting clients through his gigs. His past projects include painting the Great Jones Street loft of Robert Becker, arts editor at Interview magazine, and the apartment of Simon Hammerstein, founder of The Box club. Clients praise his ability to make colors work together, as exemplified by a Central Park South home he painted using more than a dozen shades of purple. Satu and Celeste Greenberg, owners of Tuleste Factory, recount how Jarvis suggested painting their gallery floors with outdoor black paint instead of traditional white, completely transforming the space. Beyond painting, Jarvis offers contracting services, including custom millwork, kitchen tile installation, and wall removal, making him a versatile choice for comprehensive home improvement projects. His rates start from $1,500 per room, inclusive of materials. For those seeking a simple, inexpensive repaint, Jonathan Barsness is highly recommended. Architect Peter Feigenbaum discovered Barsness through a painter forum on Brownstoner, drawn by numerous positive reviews. Feigenbaum hired Barsness to repaint a spare room in his Williamsburg apartment, which had chipped, mustard-yellow walls. Barsness efficiently transformed the room, making old imperfections disappear and replacing the original color with relaxing grays. Clients commend his precision and relatively low pricing, with small rooms starting at $500 and brownstone bedrooms with tall ceilings and historic molding at $2,000. Barsness is known for his independent work style, requiring minimal supervision, which contributes to repeat business from satisfied customers like Feigenbaum. The third recommendation is Uriu Nuance, led by Mark Uriu, for clients with high-end preferences, particularly those living uptown. Uriu, originally trained as a fine artist, specializes in intricate decorative finishes such as faux finishes (including trompe l’oeil and faux marble), gilding, and distressed wall treatments. He received multiple recommendations from professionals in high-end architectural circles, including Spencer Bailey and Andrew Zuckerman of the Slowdown, and architect Stephanie Goto. Writer Zibby Owens, a long-time client, shared her experience of hiring Uriu to paint her Upper East Side apartment after he had painted her childhood bedroom in a distinctive light-blue sponge design. For her kitchen, Uriu and his team painstakingly mimicked a spatter paint design from a placemat, demonstrating their artistic dedication and attention to detail. This personalized and artistic approach makes Uriu Nuance ideal for unique and sophisticated interior design needs. #NewYorkPainters #HousePainting #HomeImprovement #InteriorDesign #BestOfNewYork #DecoratorRecommendations #ResidentialPainting #NYCContractors

In a competitive real estate market, particularly in New York City, staging a property has emerged as a crucial strategy to attract potential buyers and expedite sales. This practice, once reserved for luxury listings, has become accessible and beneficial for a wide range of properties, from studios to brownstones. Staging involves professionally furnishing and decorating a home to highlight its best features and allow prospective buyers to envision themselves living in the space. The investment in staging is often justified by its potential to increase the sale price and reduce the property's time on the market, two primary objectives for any seller. The cost of staging services typically varies based on factors such as the property's square footage or the number of rooms being staged. Reputable staging companies often provide tiered pricing structures. For instance, a studio might cost around $5,000, a one-bedroom between $8,000 to $12,000, a three-bedroom from $15,000 to $20,000, and larger multi-level townhouses upwards of $25,000. Some companies like Quadra aim to keep their fees at or below 1 percent of the asking price, using square footage as their primary metric. Full-service staging packages generally encompass a comprehensive range of services. These include initial design consultation, rental of furniture and decor items, professional installation and setup, hanging of artwork, accessorizing, and eventual de-staging once the property is sold. While some full-service providers, such as Cathy Hobbs Design Recipes and Quadra, integrate moving logistics into their flat fees, others, like UpStager, may charge additional costs for transportation, which can fluctuate based on location, job size, building type, and accessibility. The ownership of rental inventory by the staging company can also influence both cost and quality. Companies with extensive in-house inventory can offer greater flexibility in design and ensure timely replacements if initial selections don't suit the space. This control over the entire process, from design to logistics, allows for better adaptation and problem-solving, which is crucial for achieving the desired aesthetic and functionality. The optimal time for staging is before professional photographs are taken and the property is officially listed. High-quality, scroll-stopping images are vital for online appeal and drawing in potential buyers. However, staging can still be effective even if a property has already been on the market for some time, as demonstrated by instances where a languishing listing saw a significant increase in offers and sold above asking price after staging. This indicates that a refreshed presentation can revitalize interest in a stagnant listing. While sellers can directly hire stagers, it is more common for real estate agents to facilitate these connections, often leveraging their relationships with various staging companies to find the most cost-effective and impactful solutions for their clients. Agents can provide valuable guidance in selecting a stager and negotiating terms, as they understand the specific market demands and what resonates with buyers. Staging is particularly beneficial for empty properties, as it addresses the challenge of buyers visualizing how an unfurnished space can function. Furniture helps define layouts, scale, and overall potential, creating an inviting atmosphere that sparks desire. Contrary to the misconception that furniture makes a space appear smaller, proper staging uses scale and arrangement to enhance the perception of space. Most professional stagers require the property to be emptied of personal belongings to allow for a complete transformation. Virtual staging offers a more affordable alternative, especially for properties under $2 million, providing digital renditions of furnished spaces. However, it can lead to buyer disappointment if the physical reality doesn't match the virtual presentation. For higher-end properties, physical staging is often preferred to create an authentic luxury experience. Hybrid staging, which involves decluttering existing items and adding key pieces, can also be a cost-effective way to make an impact. To save on staging costs, sellers can consider focusing on key areas like living rooms, dining rooms, and primary bedrooms, which have the most significant impact. Some stagers might offer design plans for DIY execution, allowing sellers to rent furniture and set it up themselves. It is also advisable to inquire if the real estate broker offers in-house staging services or is willing to contribute to the costs, as a successful sale benefits both parties. Many full-service brokerages offer programs like Compass Concierge, Curate by BHS, and RealVitalize, which front staging expenses and deduct them from the sale proceeds at closing, providing financial relief to sellers. These programs allow sellers to invest in staging without immediate out-of-pocket costs, making it easier to prepare their property for the market. Ultimately, staging is considered a worthwhile investment, with studies showing that it can increase a home's value by 1 to 15 percent, and in some cases even more. Beyond increasing the sale price, staging significantly reduces the time a property spends on the market, saving sellers from prolonged mortgage and maintenance costs. It transforms a property from a personal residence into a marketable product, ensuring it stands out against the competition and appeals to a broad audience, thereby maximizing its selling potential. #HomeStaging #RealEstateNYC #SellingProperty #PropertyMarketing #InteriorDesign #RealEstateInvestment #BrokerageServices #HomeImprovement

Installing whimsical furniture accents like swings, hanging chairs, or hammocks, or practical items like pull-up bars, in a New York City apartment presents unique challenges and considerations, primarily due to building regulations and structural integrity. Before proceeding with any installation, it is crucial to obtain permission from the landlord, co-op board, or management company, as many buildings in NYC have strict rules against anchoring items into concrete ceilings or walls due to safety concerns and potential structural impact. While brownstones and houses may offer more flexibility, apartment buildings, particularly those with concrete construction, are often more restrictive. Expert opinions from professionals such as Jeffrey Streich of Prime Renovations NYC and Walter Marin of Marin Architects highlight the difficulties associated with such installations in NYC. They emphasize that while some installations are feasible in brownstones with higher ceilings and different construction materials, concrete buildings pose significant obstacles. Streich notes that most buildings prohibit anchoring into concrete, and Marin points out the distinction between 'live load' (dynamic movement like a swing) and 'dead load' (static weight like a hammock), both of which require different structural support considerations and entail safety issues. Dan DiClerico, Home Expert & Smart Home Strategist at HomeAdvisor, advises that approval is generally required when the installation involves the building’s structure, including ceiling joists and wall studs. If permission is granted and one proceeds with a swing or hammock installation, careful planning is necessary. The chosen location must provide ample space for movement – several feet in front and back, and about a foot on either side. DiClerico also warns against DIY attempts without proper knowledge, as improper anchoring can lead to structural damage or serious injury. For those unsure of their capabilities, hiring a professional handyman, costing between $150 and $200, is recommended. For swings, Streich describes a method involving mounting wood cladding to the concrete ceiling, securing the swing mounts with concrete nails, and finishing with a layer of sheetrock, similar to hanging a heavy chandelier or cabinets. For hammocks, a similar process is applied to walls. DiClerico outlines a DIY process for hanging hammocks or swings: first, locate a ceiling joist, ideally two-by-eight inches, using a stud finder. Mark the joist edges and install mounting hardware, such as six-inch eye hooks, in the center of the joist. Attach S-hooks to the eye hooks and then loop the chain or rope of the hammock or swing. Pull-up bars are generally simpler to install, typically positioned inside a doorway. DiClerico recommends ensuring the bar is securely anchored to the two-by-two-inch framing studs behind the door jamb using the provided hardware. For wall and door bar installations, standard two-by-four-inch wall studs are usually sufficient. For individuals seeking the aesthetic or functional benefits of suspended seating or exercise equipment without the hassle of structural modifications or seeking approval, frame-supported hanging chairs or hammocks are an alternative. These options require more floor space but bypass the need for ceiling or wall anchors. Similarly, many pull-up bars on the market do not require drilling, offering a less intrusive solution. Ultimately, the feasibility and method of installation depend heavily on the type of building, its structural components, and the regulations set by management or ownership. #NYCRealEstate #ApartmentLiving #HomeImprovement #DIYHome #InteriorDesign #RenovationPermits #BuildingRegulations #SafetyFirst

The article discusses the significant impact of proper lighting on the appearance and perceived value of New York City apartments and brownstones, particularly for those looking to sell or renovate. It emphasizes that updating lighting fixtures or even just bulbs can instantly refresh a space, making it appear more modern and appealing. Real estate brokers and stagers frequently adjust lighting in listings, as poor lighting can date a property, while bright, well-chosen illumination can lead to higher sales prices. The piece highlights that effective lighting doesn't necessarily require a large budget, with many stylish and affordable options available from retailers like Wayfair and Overstock. Lighting is categorized into two main types: functional (ambient) and statement lighting. A balanced approach incorporating both is recommended, using various fixtures like recessed lighting, pendants, and table lamps to create a complete and versatile ambiance. This layering of light sources allows for different moods and helps define spaces in open floor plans, such as using a floor lamp to create a reading nook. The article delves into the pros and cons of recessed lighting, noting its ability to provide consistent illumination but also its limitations in pre-war and post-war buildings due to ceiling height constraints. While some buyers prefer removing recessed lights for more decorative fixtures, dimmed recessed lighting is considered a valuable investment for both daily living and resale, offering flexibility in brightness. Alternative ambient lighting options include track lighting, floor lamps, and sconces, with sconces gaining popularity for their functional and sculptural qualities, especially in situations where ceiling installations are difficult. For spaces where ceiling or wall modifications are not feasible, the article suggests various solutions that do not require extensive wiring. Floor lamps are a practical choice, particularly in living areas without existing ceiling lights. Plug-in, pin-up pendants are another versatile option, available across various price points, and can be strategically swagged from ceilings to create an intentional design element. Plug-in wall lamps and sconces also offer easy installation and space-saving benefits. The entry area is highlighted as a prime location for statement lighting, as it sets the initial tone for the entire home and can significantly impress buyers. Similarly, a striking fixture over the dining table is considered essential for defining the dining area in an open floor plan and is often a key selling point. The article also provides examples of using chandeliers or LED ring fixtures to fill vertical space in living areas with double-height ceilings, while more subtle track lighting is recommended for smaller alcove apartments with lower ceilings. Stairwells, often overlooked, are presented as opportunities for dramatic, double-height light fixtures that enhance ceiling heights and connect different floors visually. In the kitchen, a combination of functional and welcoming lighting is crucial, with island pendants being a cost-effective way to add both style and utility. Coordinating lighting in single spaces by using consistent materials or palettes is advised to ensure cohesion. Creative solutions like integrating lighting into custom millwork or using LED panels to mimic windows in interior spaces are also discussed as ways to improve aesthetics and functionality. Finally, the article touches upon updating bedroom lighting, noting the growing trend of bedside dropped pendants for a minimalist, hotel-like feel and improved light quality for sleep. For children's rooms, imaginative lighting such as customized pendant shades can create a playful atmosphere. The importance of swapping out traditional bulbs for LEDs and maintaining a consistent color temperature throughout the home is emphasized. Investing in smart home systems like Lutron or Crestron for integrated lighting control is also suggested, along with the rising popularity of human-centric lighting systems that adapt to circadian rhythms. The article concludes by addressing the negotiation of light fixtures during a sale, advising sellers to stipulate exclusions early to avoid disputes, as buyers generally expect attached fixtures to remain with the property, especially in high-end transactions. #NYCRealEstate #ApartmentRenovation #HomeStaging #InteriorLighting #DesignTips #SellingNYC #HomeImprovement #ArchitecturalLighting #SmartHome