We just started a new job in Connecticut and my team and I went to measure the space on Friday. While we were measuring, I was struck with the idea that what to me is one of the first procedures in the job would not necessarily be every one else’s idea as a first step. I always have to start by measuring the space. I measure the walls, the elevations of windows, light switches…and to me it is creating the footprint of the space which you can then use to go from to arrange the furniture. (Here’s a good tip. Always measure the overall width and length of the space as you can then check your individual measurements against that full one.) I also photograph the room, so that I can look back and see details. The importance of having the measurements of a space like this is that your workmen can use the details from which to get accurate quotes for wall-to-wall carpeting, cupboards, etc. It’s great to visualize the whole space finished, but a floorplan is – for me at least – the most accurate way of planning a space. How do you all start a job?

I had a prospective client come in this week with a charming waterfront cottage that she and her partner had remodeled. One of the first things she said after we met was “I was so afraid of calling you as I wasn’t even sure you would even talk to me about such a small project”.

And this, ladies and gentlemen, is the stigma that comes with appearing in magazines. Whatever size budget people have, they always feel that it may not be big enoug for a published firm. Being published is a double-edged sword. It gives you visibility, but on the flip side it can make you seem intimidating.

I was thrilled to meet her and to share with her a vision of what this cottage could become. It got me all excited about the possibilities of working together and taking the project to a beautiful conclusion. So you see, we were both happy!

I wanted to share these photos of a job we just installed on Friday. The apartment is great and has incredible views of New York. I think the project is quite different from my usual jobs – the client wanted very straight lines in the upholstery, which we had made, and it’s not every day one gets to incorporate such incredible views of the Hudson river into the overall design. You can see the cruise ships coming in and to incorporate it into the design, we had the library wall mirrored so when you look in that direction it reflects the activities on the river. I’m very pleased with the paneling in the master bedroom around the bed. it gives it a very smooth quality, while still keeping it warm and inviting. The client loved it, I loved working on the project and overall I think it was a big success. (Click on the photos for a larger view.)

Here’s the perfect example of how budget really doesn’t matter when it comes to creating great rooms. Here are three childrens rooms I did on a budget of $30,000 for all three, which did not include painting the walls or the floors, but everything else in the space. Two girls and one boy, I was able to work with two catalog brands and even a few pieces from VW Home, like the antique bed in the orange and pink room. The other bed is from Brocade Homes.

I wanted to create three completely different emotions. The antique bed I bought, with curtains and linens in  hot pink and bright orange with an amoeba shaped carpet on the white floors, both night tables, one a desk, came from catalogs. There’s some Crate & Barrel and some Wisteria. The elements are really a great combination of industrial with more romantic looking pieces.

In the lavender room the wall behind the bed is mauve, the curtains are stamped paper with white blackout shades in the window, the bed from Brocade Homes, the night tables are from Room & Board and I really felt that the different emotions match the personalities of the girls.

The boy’s room shows how musical instruments can become part of the decoration. The headboard are cardboard tubes that are mounted on the walls. The bookcases from CB2 become accents in the space and behind the curtains (with gromets), it becomes storage for the kids.

Not bad hey?

(As always, click on the photos to see the larger version)

The Westin Hotel on 42nd Street hired us to recreate the executive guest rooms, hallways and lounge.

I decided to work with very soft colors to try and bring a sense of tranquility to the environment and it’s fun to be able to show you the result. Click on the photos in this post to see a larger version and if you want to see what it looked like before, download this .pdf file: Westin Before & After.

What do you think?

When one participates in a showhouse, like I’m doing with Kips Bay this year, it’s always a challenge – trying to approach suppliers and manufacturers to provide items for free in exchange for exposure. Trying to balance the demands that these manufacturers have with what one’s concept is for the space and how much one is willling to compromise and how your vision and the manufacturer’s needs can be met. I am lucky in that it’s a) Kips Bay, and quite prestigious and b) that I’m a decently well-recognized designer and that a partnership will bring some exposure. I’m really finding it hard to compromise on my vision for the space when a supplier is willing to give me A but expects me to also incorporate B – where I’m not interested in B. So it’s a negotiation process on a time deadline, but it’s plugging along.

Here’s a photo from the bedroom we did last year for the Metropolitan Home Showtime House where we wrapped the room in Hunter Douglas blinds and projected a moving garden onto the bare wall to create an effect of being in a cocoon. I thought it was beautiful.