September 25, 2011

Walking the High Line—a Living New York Landmark

Landscapes

The International Furnishings and Design Association hosted horticultural walking tour recently to raise money for its educational foundation. The High Line is a lovely two-mile-long park perched above New York City, starting at Ganesvoort Street in the Meatpacking District and winding through Chelsea all the way to the Javitts tradeshow center along the West Side Highway. Originally built in the 1930s as part of a massive public-private infrastructure project called the West Side Improvement, the High Line hoisted freight traffic 30 feet in the air to remove dangerous trains from the streets of Manhattan’s largest industrial district. After ceasing to function in its … Read Post

September 19, 2011

Tips on Buying a Foreclosed Home

Market Watch

Ever thought about buying a foreclosed home? With so many on the market, it’s a great way to affordably achieve the American Dream. But foreclosed homes come with hidden costs that can add up to a bundle and give you a headache, too. If you know what to look for, though, you can spare yourself any surprises and make a wise decision. To find out what you need to know, click on this link to a piece I wrote for BobVila.com, which includes tips from some expert real estate brokers and house inspectors in different parts of the country.

September 7, 2011

Katz Architecture Crafts a Modern Gem in Midtown Manhattan

Interiors

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

August 22, 2011

Inspiring Fabrics—and History—from Knoll, an American Institution

Products

Even if you didn’t have a chance to see the recent exhibition of Knoll textiles at the Bard Graduate Center in New York, you can still access the information, imagery, and ideas it offered through a new book on the history of Knoll. Writer William Weathersby shared this post, which sums up some interesting news from Knoll. It’ll give you a taste of Knoll’s rich legacy as well as what it’s up to now. Color, pattern, technical refinement, and timeless style: that sums up the progressive history of textiles from the American manufacturer Knoll. Long renowned for its classic modernist furniture designed … Read Post

August 16, 2011

Stunning New Additions to Waterworks' Kitchen Category of Products

Products

Dedicated as it’s been for 30 years to innovation and quality, it isn’t surprising that Waterworks’ latest introductions to its expanding kitchen category are as gorgeous as they are functional. In addition to great faucets and hardware, its newest sinks, mixers, floor and wall surfaces, and accessories now extend the high-quality design, craftsmanship and service Waterworks is known for to a new level. “The kitchen is a reflection of one’s most personal routines and rituals,” explains Barbara Sallick, Waterworks co-founder and creative senior VP of Waterworks. And the company’s new offerings include additions to the popular Julia and Henry Kitchen collections, … Read Post

August 6, 2011

A Bathroom in a Box Becomes a Reality

Baths

Looking for an easy way to renovate your bathroom affordably? Richmond-based designer/reporter William Weathersby tells you how. If you have ever survived your own bathroom remodeling project, you’ll likely recall the many hours spent searching through the dizzying number of choices to select each necessary component—from your favorite faucet and tub to just the right light fixture and shade of grout. After you or your designer took care of orders and waited for deliveries, the clock kept ticking while electricians, plumbers and tile installers coordinated schedules, more than likely running late on the job, especially if a piece of the … Read Post

August 1, 2011

Beautiful Boston Home by Designer John Stefanon

Interiors

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

July 27, 2011

Transform Your Rooms with Window Treatments

Interiors

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

July 9, 2011

Smart Summer Decorating with Indoor-Outdoor Fabric

Interiors

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

June 26, 2011

7 Fundamentals of Good Design

Interiors

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