Gut renovation of a 1500 sf apartment on the Upper East Side in New York

Full scope design of a smart home with an innovative schematic design for a young family. We took this apartment from a 70's wallpaper nightmare to a modern home. From custom window seats, built ins, closets and trimwork to selection of all material and furnishing, we made this modern home warm and personal using color, art and accessories. High end appliances, plumbing fixtures and storage galore gave the family room to grow. Photography by Andrii Zhulidov. 

A peak into the living room, dining room, kitchen and the multipurpose room from the foyer. We love the open layout of the house and the flow it creates from one space to the other... there is clear definintion of space alongside open floorplan to k…

A peak into the living room, dining room, kitchen and the multipurpose room from the foyer. We love the open layout of the house and the flow it creates from one space to the other... there is clear definintion of space alongside open floorplan to keep everyone connected and many focal points for the eye to be drawn to. 

The dining room is anchored by the linear light fixtures and the beautiful quartz dining table top. The leather dining chairs add sophisticated minimalism in line with the rest of the design and the green artwork adds warmth and draws the eye in as …

The dining room is anchored by the linear light fixtures and the beautiful quartz dining table top. The bonded leather dining chairs add sophisticated minimalism and are fiunctional for the young family. The green vintage door art adds warmth and draws the eye in as people walk into the room. Custom built-ins around a white glass counter top and wine fridge create the perfect surface to set up the bar or coffee station. The flat panel mill work becomes a neutral background while the marble chiseled tile enhances the room with some organic texture.

The multipurpose room is an extension of the living room with the overall color palette of grey, blue, silver and white. The room also is a music room for the violinists in the family (unfortunately not pictured here), a guest room for when family v…

The multipurpose room is an extension of the living room with the overall color palette of grey, blue, silver and white. The room also is a music room for the violinists in the family (unfortunately not pictured here), a guest room for when family visits (this daybed opens into a king sized bed), mom's office everyday (shown in next pic) and the perfect spot for reading or watching the snowflakes dance. The custom window seat cushion has minimal banquette-like style in faux leather for easy maintenance. The custom grille hides the unsightly air conditioner.

We designed a custom niche for the desk and created additional storage in the room. The pocket doors provide much needed privacy when needed to the room which otherwise is intended to be mostly open. These closets hide the pipes in the middle and we…

We designed a custom niche for the desk and created additional storage in the room. The pocket doors provide much needed privacy when needed to the room which otherwise is intended to be mostly open. These closets hide the pipes in the middle and we designed a spotlight to highlight the niche. We live for such design solutions!!

We redesigned a U-shaped kitchen into a galley kitchen to create an eat-in breakfast bar and to maximize storage, function and workflow. Design features includes custom shaker cabinets with a step detail, floor and backsplash tile laid out in timele…

We redesigned a U-shaped kitchen into a galley kitchen to create an eat-in breakfast bar and to maximize storage, function and workflow. Design features includes custom shaker cabinets with a step detail, floor and backsplash tile laid out in timeless herringbone pattern, appliances with custom panels and the pop of yellow bar stools. They always make the little girl smile who has her breakfast there looking out the window at the sun. 

Eat-in breakfast bar overlooking the beautiful view out the window. Custom open shelves create a rotating gallery of cookware with changing seasons and use. Extra tip - there are shallow depth cabinets under the bar for additional storage and still …

Eat-in breakfast bar overlooking the beautiful view out the window. Custom open shelves create a rotating gallery of cookware with changing seasons and use. Extra tip - there are shallow depth cabinets under the bar for additional storage and still enough leg room to comfortably sit. Classic Tolix bar stools in yellow add an industrial feel and a pop of brightness. They are metal and hence an easy wipe clean for a family with little ones and their infinite playdates. 

We created a new lighting plan, adding a combination of perimeter recessed lights and chandelier lighting to make the house brighter and well lit. Architectural elements like custom trim and soffits take the eye upto the ceiling and make it an insta…

We created a new lighting plan, adding a combination of perimeter recessed lights and chandelier lighting to make the house brighter and well lit. Architectural elements like custom trim and soffits take the eye upto the ceiling and make it an instant design feature. The great room includes the living room, dining room and multipurpose room creating open floorplan with each space centered around ceiling light fixtures. The deep blue leather sectional grounds the living room, while the upholstered chairs add a touch of softness and luxury. 

The master bedroom color palette is neutral gray and white accented with blue bedding and artwork, very easy to swap if desired. A full length mirror bounces off the natural light from the windows on the opposite wall. This bedroom is a textural dream with the cowhide on the nightstands, leather and nail head trim, velvet headboard, quilted bedding and the softness from the flowers! Planned layers are critical to making a room come together. We loved designing and styling this room. 

We designed the kids room with pink walls that don't offend and a big girl bed with plenty of room to add a desk and with a built-in for toys and games. The feature wall with the floating shelves provide enough space to display art work and creation…

We designed the kids room with pink walls that don't offend and a big girl bed with plenty of room to add a desk and with a built-in for toys and games. The feature wall with the floating shelves provide enough space to display art work and creations by the young creator. 

Facing the bed is the gallery wall showing artwork made by the budding artist. This of course is a rotating gallery space which can be easily updated. We designed a built in a bookcase with both open and closed storage for books, games and clutter.&…

Facing the bed is the gallery wall showing artwork made by the budding artist. This of course is a rotating gallery space which can be easily updated. We designed a built in a bookcase with both open and closed storage for books, games and clutter. 

What a stunning entrance as soon as you walk in! The existing mirror was our inspiration piece and we built in feature pendant lights to create an entry that made a statement. We offset the warmth of the mirror and lights with neutral grey painted walls. Fresh flowers always bring in the softness.

Oftentimes in New York, we are given the challenge of a typical 5'x7' bathroom and we make it special by choice of material and finishes. Wanting to create a modern bathroom with a rich material choice, we chose a walnut veneer for the floating vanity and the tub apron to contrast with the travertine-looking porcelain tile. The feature wall is a linear textured porcelain tile in the same color. Adding a barn style glass door for the tub shower combo makes the room feel larger. Wall mounted vanity faucet in polished chrome over a furniture sink adds to a modern decluttered vanity instantly. I love using furniture sinks. Not to miss, the toilet (which can never be a design feature) has a heated seat and bidet with all the bells and whistles one can imagine.

Modern Design for a Young Family on the Upper East Side, New York

We designed an apartment for a young family with modern aesthetic. This is 1600sq ft apartment with 3 bedrooms. For our portfolio we shot only the living spaces, but the renovation included all 2.5 baths and the kitchen. With two super active boys, all selections had to stand the test of time. From modern sleek lighting to wide plank flooring, french doors and a feature panelled wall, this is a project we turned around in record time. Photography by Daniel Wang.

This generous living room really is the gathering spot of the home. With the super active boys, we used leather and dark grey upholstered sectional in sunbrella fabric. The accent chairs are the only delicate things in the room but with those beauti…

This generous living room really is the gathering spot of the home. With the super active boys, we used leather and dark grey upholstered sectional in sunbrella fabric. The accent chairs are the only delicate things in the room but with those beautiful curves, we coulnd't stay functional. The black elephant grounds the room in an assymetric way and we love that purposeful design. 

This is the multipurpose room which extends from the living room - its the guest room, playroom, reading room and of course the TV room. With all the storage from these custom built-ins we designed, guests and kids have plenty room to expand beyond …

This is the multipurpose room which extends from the living room - its the guest room, playroom, reading room and of course the TV room. With all the storage from these custom built-ins we designed, guests and kids have plenty room to expand beyond their bedrooms. The classic shell chair becomes the highlight of the reading / drinking nook. 

Keeping with the black and dark moody greys throughout the house, we bring in the black and white zebra art. The art pulls together the room with the dark grey swivel chair making it the perfect spot for that morning cuppa joe. I love the slight pee…

Keeping with the black and dark moody greys throughout the house, we bring in the black and white zebra art. The art pulls together the room with the dark grey swivel chair making it the perfect spot for that morning cuppa joe. I love the slight peek into the custom dark wood walk in closet and the minimal black sconce we selected for lighting here. The crisp white quilt with the bright chartreuse is the perfect pop of color without being too obvious.

We anchored the dining room (not with a rug) but with a feature wall. We did custom square panelling creating a grid pattern and accented the room with a bright blue paint, a bold move. The Quartz top dining table is indestructible and beautifu…

We anchored the dining room (not with a rug) but with a feature wall. We did custom square panelling creating a grid pattern and accented the room with a bright blue paint, a bold move. The Quartz top dining table is indestructible and beautiful at the same time. We love these dining chairs that add curves to the room amidst the geometry from the panelling. The assymetrical ceiling fixture provides a subtle movement to the design. The swivel chairs with the matching blue upholstery are details we live for. 

Kids room fitted with individual desks separated by built ins for days.... functional as it keeping the brothers far apart so they can focus on the job at hand. We created symmetrical closets for both the boys and a centre panel with drawers and mor…

Kids room fitted with individual desks separated by built ins for days.... functional as it keeping the brothers far apart so they can focus on the job at hand. We created symmetrical closets for both the boys and a centre panel with drawers and more hanging space for additional storage of all kinds. We wanted the millwork to be a feature and hence brought in white hardware that disappears. The beautiful oak chairs bring in some warmth.  

Interior Designer to rescue a living room on the Upper East Side

I designed this living room for a young twosome who have lived in this rental for the last many years. The living room was large and they had specific needs but it was mix of inefficient layout and out of scale furniture which made the space dysfunctional.

As always, I started at the drawing board, creating defined spaces to suit their daily life. I kept the color pallete light and airy with lots of natural material layered in with pops of color and pattern. For the first time maybe, I started my design with a rug, bringing in colors, geomtery and some abtract coolness. Photography by Daniel Wang.

This living room is nice and big and I wanted to create that sense as soon as you walk into the apartment. In the bay window I created an intimate  seating area while still keeping it pat of the main room. The sofa is generous in size and comfort, m…

This living room is nice and big and I wanted to create that sense as soon as you walk into the apartment. In the bay window I created an intimate seating area while still keeping it pat of the main room. The sofa is generous in size and comfort, modern and simple. I love the eased arms and how they bring such a soft detail to the space. The side tables are 100% solid marble and weigh a ton and look stunning with the beautiful vening. I kept the art rectangular and the lampshade taller to make standard ceiling heights appear taller. The media cabinet is a beautiful natural oak with a polished marble top. A touch of greenery and its a homerun.

I wanted to treat the bay window special. By painting it a darker grey, I highlighted the space, but by placing the cairs at an angle, they become part of the main space and an extention. The plants and flowers bring in cheeriness while the patterne…

I wanted to treat the bay window special. By painting it a darker grey, I highlighted the space, but by placing the cairs at an angle, they become part of the main space and an extention. The plants and flowers bring in cheeriness while the patterned pillows are a fun accent. This is a special space in this home, kind of like a retreat in itself and placed in a previously wasted space.

Work from home has been the governor’s command since March and boy did this desk get used!! We shot it only now, but my client has been busy working and crafting on this generous deask compared to the small station she had for herself earlier. When …

Work from home has been the governor’s command since March and boy did this desk get used!! We shot it only now, but my client has been busy working and crafting on this generous deask compared to the small station she had for herself earlier. When you are home and can work in a good environment, work feels nicer!! We love the brass details on the chair and the desk with those acrylic legs. Some blush accessories and this is a home office fit for a girl boss!!

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More function upon entering this space… the usual perch for keys and airpods but also a wall clock to keep track of time as you binge watch season after season in these pandemic days!!

Styling shot of this beautiful vignette… The marble side table, the shadow playing through the vases and the perfect softness of the tulips, make this living room corner one of favourites from this project!!

Styling shot of this beautiful vignette… The marble side table, the shadow playing through the vases and the perfect softness of the tulips, make this living room corner one of favourites from this project!!

Colorful Residence

This project was for a young professional who had no tolerance for clutter but boy does she love to read. From the first site visit, I had my heart set on the books she had. She loves colors and is not scared of them. Client from heaven… She rents a typical railroad house in Brooklyn and it came with its own challenges as far as laying out the space. I created three zones for her and right in the middle sits her throne to read her gazillion books. Photography by Daniel Wang.

The design classic WOMB chair in a beautiful Chartreuse Felt with chrome legs is the main feature in the room againt backdrop of this amazing bookshelf styled by color.

The design classic WOMB chair in a beautiful Chartreuse Felt with chrome legs is the main feature in the room againt backdrop of this amazing bookshelf styled by color.

Couch, library and dining / working… thats how I divided the space. The playful pendant lights add some much needed color in the tall ceiling and artless walls.

Couch, library and dining / working… thats how I divided the space. The playful pendant lights add some much needed color in the tall ceiling and artless walls.

Master Bedroom & Nursery Design

I was called on to design a master bedroom and a nursery for a vey busy couple who were ready to embark on their parenhood journey. First look into their home told me they lived full lives, books, art, travel, puzzles, running and so much more. I wanted to create a neutral backdrop for their master bedroom with accents that they could change with the seasons and their phase of life. The nursery for their baby girl is sophisticated and feels collected. Photography by Daniel Wang.

The bedroom was the generous in square footage but also came with angles and doors. Often times, when we have space for a sofa, we want to add a sofa, but it never gets used and becomes a dumping zone. We removed the existing furniture and brought i…

The bedroom was the generous in square footage but also came with angles and doors. Often times, when we have space for a sofa, we want to add a sofa, but it never gets used and becomes a dumping zone. We removed the existing furniture and brought in the classic Papa Bear chair in custom cashmere wool with walnut wood finish. It has become the perfect corner by the window to read, curl up with a coffee and a blanket or just watch the rest of the family snoozing on the bed. I brought in the walnut dresser to warm up the textural and neutral mood board. The art is from one of their travels and the round floral pillow adds a playful softness to the otherwise angular room.

This is the view from the reading chair. The bed and the nighstands in neutral greys and overflowing with textures of velvet, shagreen, quilting, cashmere, beaded head rest and stone. The styling of this bed is minimal and so ready for fall. I haven…

This is the view from the reading chair. The bed and the nighstands in neutral greys and overflowing with textures of velvet, shagreen, quilting, cashmere, beaded head rest and stone. The styling of this bed is minimal and so ready for fall. I haven’t been into red for a long time, but I challenged myself to combine deeper warmer hues of the colors alongwith navy to get this room ready for fall and then winter. The art above is from their existing collection and brings it all together. I also love how the sitting area peaks into the bedroom!!

This functional corner of the room is the other most used part of the room. The challenge was to create abundant storage and I was able to find tall dressers and placed two of those side by side. They fit like a glove between the closet doors and th…

This functional corner of the room is the other most used part of the room. The challenge was to create abundant storage and I was able to find tall dressers and placed two of those side by side. They fit like a glove between the closet doors and the bathroom door. The floor mirror adds function. The warmth of the wood continues through the room while all upholstred pieces are intentionally neutral.

And here is the nursery for their first born baby girl. She is as delicate and the real jewel in this room. The beautiful texturral wallpaper gives a hand plastered background to the room. This room was hufe for a nursery and we made it cozy by flan…

And here is the nursery for their first born baby girl. She is as delicate and the real jewel in this room. The beautiful texturral wallpaper gives a hand plastered background to the room. This room was hufe for a nursery and we made it cozy by flanking the crib by two floor lamps and selecting a crib with a headdboard. The details of the beautifully crafted crib and its wormanship complemented by the wallpaper and the pintucked detail on bumper, all create a sophisticated collected room.

Closer look at the details in the furniture, wallpaper and the styling of the bookshelf.

Closer look at the details in the furniture, wallpaper and the styling of the bookshelf.

Little Girl’s Room, Dumbo NY

I met the sweetest little girl and designing her room was the utmost joy. She’s all things glitter and the brief was to create a space for her to grow into even if she grows out of the glitter phase. I made structural changes in her room to make it larger and accommodate more storage by taking some space from the adjoining parent suite to give her additional desk space. She loves her room and that it has space for her ever growing collection of toys and things. Photography by Daniel Wang.

Feature wallpaper from Phillip Jefferies anchors the bed wall in her room. I gave her a trundle bed which can be used as storage now and for sleepovers when required. A floating nightstand and sconce gives her a spot for bedtime stories and custom flatweave rug brings the colors in. The empty space in the middle of the room is ideal for play, spreading out and of course twirling.

A wider angle shot of here room here shows the layout of the room centered with a beautiful view of the Statue of Liberty. I added a window bench here for the view to be enjoyed and additional storage of course. You see a small peak at the homework area.

The desk area was originally a closet in the adjoining primary bedroom. I closed it up on that side and created a desk niche, added articulating scones for lighting. I love these fun bookshelves here for storage of course, and also a touch of whimsy and playful feature. The fuzzy sculptural chair is the softest landing for our busy bee client.

A detailed shot of the new pocket door to close the room to give her privacy as she gets older. The minimal wall mounted shelf is the perfect substitute in a tight space for a bedside table. The plug in sconce is the sweetest detail here adding softness.

Studio Apartment with bright colors, New York

The best part about designing a studio apartment is the puzzle of what all can fit. I designed this studio to maximise the various life zones including a place to sleep, eat, work and lounge. The client wanted plenty of colors and I surely feel the space has plenty of vibrant colors and personality. Photography by Daniel Wang.

Welcome home. First look into the home shows you most of the studio. I kept the walls neutral and used black as my grounding color and added many a pops of green, fuchsia and orange. The colors maintain a spring like vibe in the apartment all year long.

The living room is anchored by this vibrant green sofa and colorful art. In an average studio, the living room sits 4 people comfortably. The black rug grounds the space and makes the colors the stars in the space.

This is the home office where my client spends a major part of her day. The black desk is large and has room for her to spread out, her chair is ergonomic and the book shelves behind give her an impressive zoom background displaying her favorite books and objects.

The entry foyer furniture here is one of my favorites. The arched mirror shows the dining area and art in its reflection beautifully.

Luxe Nursery design in Brooklyn, New York

I was enlisted to design a nursery for first time parents. Our starting point was white and greys and a love for elephants. The room is small with high ceilings and we had to make every inch count… sounds familiar, I know. Material palette for this nursery is so textural and swoonworthy. With a feature wallpaper and bubble chandelier anchoring the room; a mix of shagreen, velvet, aged brass and acrylic, we created a very modern feature nursery. Photography by Daniel Wang.

I create this feature wall by installing this beautiful wallpaper. The high ceilings in the apartment really make the space look and feel larger than it is. The ceiling height called for a custom statement chandelier and this bubble chandelier shine…

I create this feature wall by installing this beautiful wallpaper. The high ceilings in the apartment really make the space look and feel larger than it is. The ceiling height called for a custom statement chandelier and this bubble chandelier shines. I got this beautiful crib with upholstered side panels and aged brass legs. The room is grounded by this plush performance rug in soft white. I love how different greys and whites and textures unite the space!!

Here is another view… we knew we were designing for a boy and we owned it. Aeroplanes and cars and trains done in a subtle way that one doesn’t realize. This beautiful modern glider has a stunning chrome base and we love it. The foot stool has playf…

Here is another view… we knew we were designing for a boy and we owned it. Aeroplanes and cars and trains done in a subtle way that one doesn’t realize. This beautiful modern glider has a stunning chrome base and we love it. The foot stool has playful strips and wooden rings to carry it around. The art framed in its acrylic box speaks makes this wall!!

Here is where all the function happens… we change and we do laundry while we look at beautiful colorful vintage cars. Our art selection was to bring in some colors and fun to the room. The quilt is handmade by a dear colleague and pairs beautifully …

Here is where all the function happens… we change and we do laundry while we look at beautiful colorful vintage cars. Our art selection was to bring in some colors and fun to the room. The quilt is handmade by a dear colleague and pairs beautifully with the textured hamper and the luxe shagreen dresser with brass pulls. So many details that go into making a room a come together.

Detailed shot of the bookshelf we styled for the shoot. We have three elephants in this shot and thats because our mama bear loves them. Some eco friendly wooden toys and mini plush of the family furry friend completes this one.

Detailed shot of the bookshelf we styled for the shoot. We have three elephants in this shot and thats because our mama bear loves them. Some eco friendly wooden toys and mini plush of the family furry friend completes this one.

Warm and inviting design in West Village, New York

DesignbyRUCHI was called to design a garden level residence, part of a town home in West Village. The apartment had crown mouldings, low celings and appeared dark and depressing. The client is a busy banker and wanted a functional home with pops of blue and charachter to enhance the bones of the space. Making the space brighter and seem taller were obvious goals. As always, we started with the layout and went on to defining the color pallete of the space. Finding the wallpapers for this home was pure joy and we are beyond excited to share the results with you all here.

We started by finding a wallpaper that could work with the existing headboard that the client wanted to use. This beauitful dreamy wallpaper became the feature wall for the room. The modern sillohuette of the nightstands layered with woven, quilted …

We started by finding a wallpaper that could work with the existing headboard that the client wanted to use. This beauitful dreamy wallpaper became the feature wall for the room. The modern sillohuette of the nightstands layered with woven, quilted and luxurious textures in the bedding make the room. We kept the styling simple and created the perfect master suite.

Across from the bed, we have more storage with a coordingating tall dresser, some playful art and a jewellery dish. The accent fireplace wall adds to the drama.

Across from the bed, we have more storage with a coordingating tall dresser, some playful art and a jewellery dish. The accent fireplace wall adds to the drama.

We converted the mudroom into a home office fit for a boss lady. Her office was voted the best home office in the peak of work from home days during the Corona virus lockdown. We started with finding this beautiful whimsical wallpaper with blues and…

We converted the mudroom into a home office fit for a boss lady. Her office was voted the best home office in the peak of work from home days during the Corona virus lockdown. We started with finding this beautiful whimsical wallpaper with blues and pinks. The perfectly matching floating shelves make the wallpaper stand out even more.

Here is a wide angle view of the office with a large desk providing storage on both sides. The desk is big enough to accomadate all the stuff that us girls bring in with room for the bag, tea and some pretty decor. Functionally the drawers help keep…

Here is a wide angle view of the office with a large desk providing storage on both sides. The desk is big enough to accomadate all the stuff that us girls bring in with room for the bag, tea and some pretty decor. Functionally the drawers help keep her organized and the light from the windows give her a peak into the greenery from the yard beyond.

We love this dining room. The bench and 2 chairs add enough seating for friends to scooch in and lounge. The round table with its beauitful cane base and cerused wood and travetine stone top is anchored by blush ceramic chandelier. The bowl of fruit…

We love this dining room. The bench and 2 chairs add enough seating for friends to scooch in and lounge. The round table with its beauitful cane base and cerused wood and travetine stone top is anchored by blush ceramic chandelier. The bowl of fruits with lychee and peach adds a textural layer, is htere simply for styling. The blue ocean art set in custom modern floating frames bring it all together.

This is the bedroom fireplace, we cleaned it up and painted it an accent blue to coordinate with the wallpaper. We kept the mantle simple in styling with just a succulent for now. Its an ongoing battle between TV and art… lets see what wins.

This is the bedroom fireplace, we cleaned it up and painted it an accent blue to coordinate with the wallpaper. We kept the mantle simple in styling with just a succulent for now. Its an ongoing battle between TV and art… lets see what wins.

Renovation and update of an apartment on the 26th floor with stunning views in the Upper East Side, NY

What makes every project unique is the clients, their personal preferences, the existing conditions and the team. This project started out as a tough interivew, where initially, I failed to impress but was called upon eventually and we made magic happen. The cleints had beautiful things from a life well travelled and collected, some vintage antiques, art and treasured heirlooms. I wanted to create a space for them that felt modern and updated and celebrated their life. Photography by Daniel Wang

We kept the existing footprint in the kitchen and the flooring, and made it feel like a whole new kitchen. We repainted the cabinets a dark color; now because the apartment is filled with natural light, this saturated color works very well here, but always test paint colors on site. We added new quartz countertop and backsplash to modernise the kitchen. The quartz window sil is one of my favourite spots in this kitchen.

A beautiful quartz waterfall edge creates a moment here paired with outstanding art by the client in the adjoining family room. I added open wine bottle storage and floating shelves above to extend the abrupt ending of the original cabinetry, just shy of the wall. This created a cohesive termination to the kitchen and also increased functional countertop space. On the right is a coffee bar and a custom panelled fridge.

This master bathroom is a complete trasnformation. It went from a tub+shower combination, single vanity, wasted space and dated to a large shower with a built in bench, double vanity, huge linen closet and a modern update. As with the rest of the house, we kept the colorway neutral towards grey tones to let the view shine. We installed a mirror wall above the double vanity to reflect the beautiful textured tile in the shower. The wall sconce is good accent lighting coupled with recessed lighting above. The art here is a personal favourite.

This master bathroom is a complete transformation. It went from a dated tub+shower combination with a single vanity, lots of wasted space to a large shower with a built in bench, double vanity, huge linen closet and a modern update. As with the rest of the house, we kept the colorway neutral towards grey tones to let the view shine. We installed a mirror wall above the double vanity to reflect the beautiful textured tile in the shower. The wall sconce is good accent lighting coupled with recessed lighting above.

I am showing here a detailed shot of the expansive shower with a built in bench. The transition from one material to the next is the sole purpose of this photograph. Notice how the mosaic penny tile meets the bench’s facade and the textured wall tile. The honed marble sits flush on the curb to finish it off. The custom shower glass door travels along the profile of the bench in a beautiful way. And the tile meets the painted sheetrock without a schluter. Nerding out on such details is one of the joys of my work.

Like everything else, the living room in this apartment is such a huge transformation. It went from dated and yellow to modern and light. Paint is the biggest contributing factor here. I painted the walls, ceiling and the trim the same color. The amount of natural light in the space creates a multitude of shadows and changes the color through the day. Keeping the color the same allows for the paint to not be distracting and lets the view shine. All new funiture in monochramtic light grey tones and modern solohuettes updates the living room and keeps it open to the formal dining space beyond.

The challenge here was also to create a design that could incorporate the existing collection of antiques including the vintage secretary, grandfather clock and art. In this view, I am showing how the living room is the central room in this open concept home and leads to other spaces. The entry foyer is grounded by a favourite art piece which shows patina on the canvas as well as the frame. The opening to the dining room previously had french doors with glass detail and by removing these we have created much needed flow and united the home, while also updating it.

We kept the existing dining table because it was the perfect size for the room and expensive. I got new chairs that have clean lines and textured upholstery. Added some sconces to give purpose to the walls and voila… fresh, modern and collected.

Covid Project wraps up in West Village, NY

This was one of my Covid projects… the client was spending time at home and finally had time and motive to update home. We did virtual zoom calls which were heartfelt and honest, she sent me photographs and measurements and I went to drawing board. Any delay in a reply to an email from her, lead to concern for her safetly. As we waited in the uncertainity of how the world would shape up, this creative outlet and cleint interaction gave me much needed comfort.

The space is a rental studio apartment, home to a lawyer with a private life centered around loving pets. I changed her whole space, the flow, how she moved, and how she lived and its has been a game changer. Now there is a dedicated private place to sleep, an inviting area to entertain and lounge and of course, a home office. The brief included a minimal decluttered non-feminine design. Photography by Daniel Wang

We wanted to do a minimal scandanavian vibe with low seating with comfort and declutter as the main objective… with that, my focus was on sourcing high end furniture and fabrics that felt warm, inviting and that could move to a new space if need be.…

We wanted to do a minimal scandanavian vibe with low seating with comfort and declutter as the main objective… with that, my focus was on sourcing high end furniture and fabrics that felt warm, inviting and that could move to a new space if need be. I got this beautiful sofa with a handsome shape and some soft curves to add some feminity in a textured boucle fabric. The coffee table is clear glass resting on top of hones carrara blocks, invoking strength and sturdy. The side table has a simple shape and packs a punch as does the ose tined mirror and chandlier above. This living room is an absolute dream!!

Detail shot to share some styling here. Ball pillows in blush mohair and blush tweed add dimension and scale. The cork base of the side table and its marble top paired with the concrete vase and dry flowers create such a textural moment. The olive g…

Detail shot to share some styling here. Ball pillows in blush mohair and blush tweed add dimension and scale. The cork base of the side table and its marble top paired with the concrete vase and dry flowers create such a textural moment. The olive green rug peaking from under the glass table groudn the whole room in a beautiful way.

Moving on to the sleeping area now… the bed is a high end simple frame, built beautifully in a European walnut finish. I added drapes by the windows to soften the room and add a layer, these are purely aesthetic. Overall the bed is low height bed and I paired it with some low stools by the bed for books and water. Plug in sconces for some night time reading add function.

Detailed shot of the bed showing the wood, the layers of soft neutral bedding and a large scale accent pillow in linen. I did an assymmetric install of the plug-in sconces to add some height and have some fun. The art above coordinates with the rug …

Detailed shot of the bed showing the wood, the layers of soft neutral bedding and a large scale accent pillow in linen. I did an assymmetric install of the plug-in sconces to add some height and have some fun. The art above coordinates with the rug in the rest of the space. Pampas grass in a deeper hue brings in warmth.

The third and one of the most crucial spaces in these Covid times is the home office. The client wanted to keep her existing chair and table, so we used it. I centered it and added large scale art above the home office, to make it a feature and of course, hide the electrical panel. Always, functional design. The floating shelves in walnut are custom and placed to store her speakers, deck of A4 papers and printer. The foyer beyond has a stunning oak console table and a stool to unleash the dog. The playful light in the entry foyer keeps things fun. Art by an Indian artist mixed in with art from a friend’s mom warms up the space with special memories.

Here is a look at the whole space, taken from the windows. You can see the bed, living area and work area. Its very open and create a lot of open space for a yoga session in between all the zoom meetings.

Here is a look at the whole space, taken from the windows. You can see the bed, living area and work area. Its very open and create a lot of open space for a yoga session in between all the zoom meetings.

MOOD BOARD

FOR EVERY RESIDENCE WE DESIGN, WE CREATE MATERIAL, TEXTURAL AND A COLOR PALETTE FOR THE LIFE AND NEEDS OF THE CLIENTS. THERE IS NO STRAIGHT FORWARD RECIPE TO A HOUSE BUT CUSTOMIZATION FOR THE FAMILY WHO CALL IT HOME. OUR DESIGN ALWAYS PUTS THE PERSONAL PREFERANCE OF CLIENTS BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE. HERE IS A PEAK INTO SOME OF THE SELECTIONS THAT HELP US MAKE OUR FINAL DESIGN. WHILE WE WAIT FOR FABRICATION, DELIVERY AND INSTALL, THIS IS WHERE WE SHOWCASE OUR ONGOING PROJECTS.

Mood Board for our Battery Park NurseryNeutral with blush accents and textural moments make this room... Its soft and playful and delicate just like a newborn baby girl is. We have linen, tulle, cotton, diamond quilt, feathers, vintage wood and aged…

Mood Board for our Battery Park Nursery

Neutral with blush accents and textural moments make this room... Its soft and playful and delicate just like a newborn baby girl is. We have linen, tulle, cotton, diamond quilt, feathers, vintage wood and aged brass to add textural opulence. The walls are painted a beautiful warm grey from Benjamin Moore color suite to make the rental feel personalized. Its a happy place, with the colors and feels very soft and inviting.

Mood Board for our Old Greenwich Residence Family room and Dining RoomGreys with natural oak in the family room give a comfortable relaxed feel. Linen, Leather and Wood are the main textures supported with some chrome and porcelain surround for our …

Mood Board for our Old Greenwich Residence Family room and Dining Room

Greys with natural oak in the family room give a comfortable relaxed feel. Linen, Leather and Wood are the main textures supported with some chrome and porcelain surround for our fireplace. Blue and green accessories accent the room and are easy to swap for holidays.  

The dining room with the reclaimed dining table and bench create a comfortable farmhouse vibe for this young family. We brought in the contemporary dining chairs with linen upholstery to create a bit of a transition from the wallpapered living room and the relaxed family room. The black leather chairs with chrome legs are the perfect spot for morning coffee. We are excited for it to all come together!! 

Mood Board for our Old Greenwich Residence Living RoomThe beautiful wallpaper defines the room as it is the first thing we see. The beautiful leather couch and the wooden chandelier add warmth to the space. The ivory wingback chairs with navy drapes…

Mood Board for our Old Greenwich Residence Living Room

The beautiful wallpaper defines the room as it is the first thing we see. The beautiful leather couch and the wooden chandelier add warmth to the space. The ivory wingback chairs with navy drapes behind them and the beautiful cushions make the room sculptural and curvy, fit for a suburban home. 

 

Redesign of a master bathroom on the Upper East Side in New York

This master bathroom is a very judicious use of space. We started with a typical 5'x7' bathroom which was stuck in wallpaper heaven. The design challenge was to make it feel like a master bathroom by adding a double vanity. We took ONLY 12 inches from the adjoining master bedroom and changed the footprint to add a double vanity to this master bathroom. With heated floors and a built-in towel warmer, this master bathroom remodel added function to the daily lives of the homeowners and we feel it was a job well done. Photography by Andrii Zhulidov

The standing shower has glass on 2 sides and feels open and airy. Polished chrome fixtures from Grohe and the large overhead rainshower creates a great bath experience. The built in niche tucked away on the side is a necessity with all the products!

The standing shower has glass on 2 sides and feels open and airy. Polished chrome fixtures from Grohe and the large overhead rainshower creates a great bath experience. The built in niche tucked away on the side is a necessity with all the products!

The crowning jewel, our double vanity sits atop an elongated furniture sink with double wall mounted faucets. This combination of fixtures was hard to find given our constraints with dimensions. For this bathroom, we had to ensure each fixture and i…

The crowning jewel, our double vanity sits atop an elongated furniture sink with double wall mounted faucets. This combination of fixtures was hard to find given our constraints with dimensions. For this bathroom, we had to ensure each fixture and its availability before demolition started as there was literally no room for error. We designed the vanity below to maximize his and hers storage. 

Functional layout and cool sophistication in Midtown Manhattan

We were enlisted to design a studio apartment for bachelor with a brief for the space to include sleeping, living, eating and working zones. While he wanted a cool space to hang out and have friends over, we wanted to create a studio apartment that was cohesive, had good flow and felt sophisticated, grown up and luxe. Armed with the trio of colors, budget and timeline, we set forward and the results are beyond satisfactory!!

We started by painting the bedroom walls a darker grey to section that area. A wide panel queen sized bed flanked by low nighstands fit this alcove as if it was custom built. We really found it. The bed is beautifully finished in smoked oak wood ven…

We started by painting the bedroom walls a darker grey to section that area. A wide panel queen sized bed flanked by low nighstands fit this alcove as if it was custom built. We really found it. The bed is beautifully finished in smoked oak wood veneer and upholstered in black leatherette. The low nightstands add a modern minimal vibe and the accent light adds a layer of warmth. Styled with simple white sheets and beautiful olive green bedding lends the perfect color but is not purely masculine.

This shot lets you soak in the details of the material selection. The wood, the leather, the black glass top, the welting on the accent pillow and the faux palm leaf in the marble vase. It sings if I may say so.

This shot lets you soak in the details of the material selection. The wood, the leather, the black glass top, the welting on the accent pillow and the faux palm leaf in the marble vase. It sings if I may say so.

Here is the living room and you can really see how the space works. As you enter the apartment, you are welcomed by the stunning midtown view and blue skies. Here you can see the foot of the bed and the living room. With the media cabinet and the TV…

Here is the living room and you can really see how the space works. As you enter the apartment, you are welcomed by the stunning midtown view and blue skies. Here you can see the foot of the bed and the living room. With the media cabinet and the TV is tucked on the back wall, we added a dark grey sofa. The chairs are swivel chairs and hence perfect for conversations, star gazing and movie night. That beautiful coffee table in the middle has a table top that swivels out, so we fit in 6 seats in this studio apartment. The dining table is a design hack. We got a console table and used it as a dining table for him or a buffet area for when the client is entertaining. Suede throw pillows add texture and warmth.

The other side of the living room has a corner where we tucked in the work space… yes, our client needs so many monitors to be able to work at home. The weight of the screens disappears with the acrylic desk and opens the space up. Minimal task ligh…

The other side of the living room has a corner where we tucked in the work space… yes, our client needs so many monitors to be able to work at home. The weight of the screens disappears with the acrylic desk and opens the space up. Minimal task lighting and leather work chair bring softness and style. Also, a close up of the beautiful marble top console table here.

Detail shot of colors, textures and styling. Everything is intentional, the Heineken in front of the green accent pilows, the tassled leather bottle opener on the wooden swivelled table top, the texture of the plain salted chips against the hints of…

Detail shot of colors, textures and styling. Everything is intentional, the Heineken in front of the green accent pilows, the tassled leather bottle opener on the wooden swivelled table top, the texture of the plain salted chips against the hints of yellow in the rug. The original material pallette layered in 50 shades of grey across stirated velvet, felted wool sofa and silk carpet.

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RENOVATION

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INTERIOR DESIGN

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STYLING

 

STYLING AND STAGING 

AS WE PREPARE TO PHOTOSHOOT OUR DESIGN PROJECTS, STYLING AND STAGING EVERY ELEMENT IN THE FRAME BECOMES CRITICAL. FOR SHOOT DAY, WE BRING IN EVERYTHING WE FEEL WILL MAKE THE ROOM PICTURE READY. IN THIS SECTION, I TALK ABOUT THE DETAILS OF STYLING AND STAGING.

This daybed is layered with so many complimenting colors, textures, fabrics, prints and solids to create an overall inviting bed. There is the soft muslin quilted bedspread flanked by grey linen throw pillows with a pom pom detail, the emerald velve…

This daybed is layered with so many complimenting colors, textures, fabrics, prints and solids to create an overall inviting bed. There is the soft muslin quilted bedspread flanked by grey linen throw pillows with a pom pom detail, the emerald velvet cushion with a linen back, the silver velvet pillow - and they all meet with the faux fur emerald pillows. Also accented in the middle is a antique silver paisley printed turquoise velvet pillow with silver pom poms. Note how there are similarities between the colors, pom poms, linen, velvet over so many different design elements. 

The moon crater metal art is hand finished with imperfections while painting the wall a darker color makes it a feature. The soft details are all about interior design and styling!

I loved designing and styling this nursery. I added a blush knitted blanket on one side of the crib to create some weight in an otherwise very ligth and fluffy room. The dress in front hangs on a pink velvet haner with rose gold metal. I could have …

I loved designing and styling this nursery. I added a blush knitted blanket on one side of the crib to create some weight in an otherwise very ligth and fluffy room. The dress in front hangs on a pink velvet haner with rose gold metal. I could have picked a pink dress (which every mom has for her baby girl) but instead I chose this floral green dress with a smoking neck to break the color a bit. I love the symmetry of this picture and the styling enhances it a few notches. 

Detailed styling shot of this master bedroom. There are so many interconnected details in this shot. The nail head trim on the nightstand, nail head trim on the bed and the silver frame. The blue from the bedding interacts with the blue books, artwo…

Detailed styling shot of this master bedroom. There are so many interconnected details in this shot. The nail head trim on the nightstand, nail head trim on the bed and the silver frame. The blue from the bedding interacts with the blue books, artwork and blue jewelry in the display box. The black leather and the white bedding create an accent. 

Shelfie styling here... Inspired by the rainbow artwork made by the little girl, I arranged her board games, the pens in her caddy and the beads in her bead carousel in rainbow colors and gave central space to the rainbow heart book at the top. Pigs…

Shelfie styling here... Inspired by the rainbow artwork made by the little girl, I arranged her board games, the pens in her caddy and the beads in her bead carousel in rainbow colors and gave central space to the rainbow heart book at the top. Pigs, bunnies and elephants are the soft animals I used. The yellow metal pen holder and the yellow metal house tealight are jumping off points. 

I decided to style this dining room minimally.... I chose to do a fruit bowl for this photoshoot instead of a full table setting to highlight the design more than highlight styling.The green artwork grounds and warms up this very minimal and modern …

I decided to style this dining room minimally.... I chose to do a fruit bowl for this photoshoot instead of a full table setting to highlight the design more than highlight styling.

The green artwork grounds and warms up this very minimal and modern dining room. By adding the fresh fruit in the brass bowl, I managed to create freshness. The brass in the bowl and the brass in the art coordinate with each other. The turquoise decor pieces in the background breakup the white a bit while creating symmetry and height.  

This entry foyer is perfection. The orchid in the middle of the mirror flanked by the pendant lights creates a playful organic symmetry. The white base breaks the darkness of the console table and adds a welcome contrast.

This entry foyer is perfection. The orchid in the middle of the mirror flanked by the pendant lights creates a playful organic symmetry. The white base breaks the darkness of the console table and adds a welcome contrast.

This master bedroom bed is the central part of the room. We created a neutral room with grey walls and white ceiling and a grey velvet headboard. Once we had our neutral palette, we added color with the bedding, art work, flowers and books. The…

This master bedroom bed is the central part of the room. We created a neutral room with grey walls and white ceiling and a grey velvet headboard. Once we had our neutral palette, we added color with the bedding, art work, flowers and books. 

The deep blue coverlet folded half way lets the white sheeting pop. There is design detail in the pillow arrangement as well. I did king sized pillows in blue print, then standard pillows in crisp white and then square cushions in the middle. 

The artwork has an asymmetrical blue with more white at the bottom. These are all details that are thought through and specified. 

The wooden cutting board is styled to add color to the neutral kitchen while adding a natural warmth with the wood and the fruit. I kept the mango towards the edge so it is close to the yellow bar stools. The exposed spine of the mango core adds a s…

The wooden cutting board is styled to add color to the neutral kitchen while adding a natural warmth with the wood and the fruit. I kept the mango towards the edge so it is close to the yellow bar stools. The exposed spine of the mango core adds a subtle natural texture, which is one of my favourite details in this pic. 

Styling these open shelves, I had a problem of plenty. The homeowner had these lovely grey and yellow bowl which I placed in the middle shelf to bring out the yellow from the stool. The fresh herbs from her home garden add freshness in an indoor New…

Styling these open shelves, I had a problem of plenty. The homeowner had these lovely grey and yellow bowl which I placed in the middle shelf to bring out the yellow from the stool. The fresh herbs from her home garden add freshness in an indoor New York kitchen, while the jars with the colorful lids and chalkboard labels are playful and enhance the black window frame. 

I loved designing and styling this nursery. I added a blush knitted blanket on one side of the crib to create some weight in an otherwise very ligth and fluffy room. The dress in front hangs on a pink velvet haner with rose gold metal. I could have …

I loved designing and styling this nursery. I added a blush knitted blanket on one side of the crib to create some weight in an otherwise very ligth and fluffy room. The dress in front hangs on a pink velvet haner with rose gold metal. I could have picked a pink dress (which every mom has for her baby girl) but instead I chose this floral green dress with a smoking neck to break the color a bit. I love the symmetry of this picture and the styling enhances it a few notches.