In the Normandy Manor show house in Long Island, a livable and lovely living room by Beth Foley, an interior designer in West Hempstead, New York, brings cheer with its happy colors and beautiful abstract landscapes by a local artist. To find out more about Beth Foley, click here.
Among the most beautiful spaces at the Normandy Manor Show House in Centerport, Long Island, is a dining room by Kate Singer. The manor was designed in 1917 by New York City architects Warren & Wetmore, who were most noted for their design of Grand Central Terminal. It was built for the superintendent of the Vanderbilt estate to use as his own quarters (the architects also designed William K. Vanderbilt II’s 24-room Spanish Revival mansion and other buildings on the estate, which Vanderbilt called Eagle’s Nest). Kate Singer, a talented designer based in Huntington, Long Island, created the jewel box of a room … Read Post
Real estate agents see a lot of Manhattan apartments that have fantastic river or city views on the outside, but leave much to be desired on the inside. Such was the case with this apartment before David Katz of Katz Architecture refreshed it with a mix of modern and classical influences. Katz started by modifying the entry and walls around the dining room to create a formal gallery and an open-plan kitchen that worked for the young owners, who love open spaces and light and regularly host formal gatherings but also have a busy day-to-day family life. He also brightened the … Read Post
Any good real estate agent knows that one of the things that can most impact a buyer’s impression of a property is the scale and proportion of the rooms. The generous scale and balanced proportions in the rooms of this house, designed by Boston-based interior designer John Stefanon, go a long way to contributing to its appeal. Of course, the lovely design with the soothing neutral palette doesn’t hurt either. John’s work ranges from high-end hospitality projects to upscale interiors in and around Boston. Here’s what he had to say about the design of this house: “The house was built in 1949 … Read Post
Nothing softens a room and makes it more livable than curtains or shades on the windows. Practical plusses like privacy and light control aside, they bring in layers of color, warmth, and texture that make a room feel complete. Adding curtains and shades to the oversize windows in author Jean Nayar’s New York apartment made it much more comfortable. She designed the cotton canvas curtains and linen shades and made them herself to save money and had pros install them. A believer in the positive impact of soft furnishings on a room, she also wrote a book called Curtains, Covers, Cushions & Blinds (Mitchell Beazley), which shows you … Read Post
When it comes to smart summer decorating, nothing beats durable, easy-to-care-for indoor-outdoor fabric. These fresh new Sunbrella fabrics, designed by Joe Ruggiero, beautifully blend low maintenance with high style. Introduced at the most recent High Point market, one the most uplighting patterns in the collection is called Deville Parfait, whose zesty stripes on a taupe background brighten an otherwise neutral setting with vibrant shots of color—the perfect summer pick-me-up. It’s shown here as upholstery on the Germaine chair, also designed by Joe for Miles Talbot, and as pretty bed hangings. This fabric and others in the new collection, were inspired by … Read Post
When designing residential and commercial spaces, Chicago interior designer Mary Cook relies on what she refers to as “design fundamentals,” or seven characteristics that she says must be present in interior spaces in order for them to be successful. Here’s how she defines them: 1. Function: “Whether we are planning for specific small-scale functions like study, rest, or family dining, or much broader functions like large-scale community interaction, careful thought needs to be given to those for whom the area is intended, realizing both the primary use of the space as well as the many possible alternate uses which may come into … Read Post
Looking for a way to sweeten your home for summer? Then consider adding a new rug from Shaw. The company recently entered into an exclusive partnership with designers from HGTV to create a gorgeous assortment of rugs in transitional, contemporary, and traditional patterns (they’ve produced some beautiful new wood floors, too). The rugs are divided into two collections, Haven, which offers fresh takes on old world traditional patterns and gives a give a nod to classic global influences, and Inspire, which includes a vivacious mix of transitional and contemporary designs in bold colors. The Haven rugs are made from Shaw’s EverTouch nylon, … Read Post
Did you know that May is National Home Improvement Month? Consider these five easy ways to give your space a seasonal update without taking on a major overhaul. Slipcovers: If you’re tired of your living room and want to give it a summer feel, keep your vacation budget in tact by updating chairs with slipcovers. Sure Fit has hundreds of light and bright options to take your living and dining rooms through summer. New Bedding: The quickest … Read Post
Spring has sprung! And that means now’s the perfect time to liven up your living spaces with a little fresh style. Leading rug manufacturer Karastan is offering a Spring Awakening contest, which will give one contestant’s home a fresh lift with a new Karastan rug. To enter the contest, submit two photos of any room in your home that is in need of an update. Share with us your “happy home” vision for the space, and how you feel can you make a statement with Karastan. Send your photos to [email protected] before Friday, May 20, 2011 for consideration. The winner will be featured … Read Post
