Tag: Designer

Global Glamour

Post author By Nicole Haddad
Post date November 18, 2020

WHEN IT COMES TO INTERIORS

Designer Noha Hassan has a gift for zeroing in on the unexpected, perhaps influenced by her globe-trotting past. Hassan’s life has taken her around the world: born in Egypt, she lived in both Cairo and Brussels during her studies, and then Jeddah, Luxembourg, and finally London, before she settled in New York City. Despite her now decade-long calling in the interiors world, Hassan also spent more than eight years working in finance at firms including Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan in London among other business ventures. She regularly calls on her life experience to bring a personal element to her design, making her work unique, and uniquely hers.

Her worldly past is fascinating and unusual to say the least, and helps give context to her intuitive approach to interiors. Hassan’s seeming effortless touch yields a global aesthetic, and feels natural and layered. Case in point: When Hassan was tapped to renovate a 1,450 square-foot pied-a-terre in SoHo, she brought a new perspective to the project.

In a stroke of luck, the one-bedroom, plus den and open-plan living and dining area already contained distinctive cast-iron support posts original to space. “Fortunately, the developer did not cover them in sheetrock as he did the other units in the building,” says Hassan. “They add the industrial drama typical of original SoHo lofts.” Working around them to create a cohesive unit that enhanced their presence, Hassan and the client’s husband took charge of the space. Since the wife was working on the renovation of their primary residence, Hassan was given full permission to bring a masculine, bachelor pad-flair to the project.

In the open-plan living and dining area, a minimalist yet warm aesthetic pervades the space. Every item is perfectly placed to add both interest and function. In the dining area, the sculptural base of the Foster & Partner’s Arc table for Molteni enhances the simple beauty of the matte Marquina marble top, while the Triad 9 pendant from Apparatus adds an element of surprise. “The New York-based lighting studio is inspired by vintage pieces but gives them a new twist—I love the industrial look it lends to space as the theme of the apartment is masculine, industrial,” says Hassan. “Lighting should serve as functional art: architectural and industrial.”

Light leather Charlotte chairs by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia bring comfort and counteract the dense nature of the table. To the left, a painting from the clients’ art collection adds a pop of color and sits across from a monochromatic work by Ralph Ueltzhoefer that depicts the Brooklyn Bridge. The piece not only reflects the clients’ love of iconic New York but showcases the artist’s process—Ueltzhoefer layered the work in words describing his concept.

Photography by Matthew Scrivens

GEOMETRY IN MOTION: In the living room, various geometric accessories, as well as the linear wall slants, provide a sense of movement.
Photography by Matthew Scrivens

NATURAL APPEAL: Hassan anchored the living room seating area with a handcrafted coffee table created by Dan Pollack—an artist she has had her eye on for years. His work is available through Suite NY.

To the right of the Brooklyn Bridge artwork, Hassan satisfied the husband’s request to have additional desk space. The designer added a Segreto floating desk by Ron Gilad, calling it “the most concealed way to add a working area to the living room.” The contemporary Italian desk adds an architectural element that is enhanced by well-placed accessories. The Gemma chair adds the perfect touch, with a black-and-white upholstered back juxtaposed with a black fabric seat and brass body. Overhead, a round mirror reflects the various elements in the space and adds a feeling of expansiveness.

In the living room, Hassan elaborated on the notion of creating an artful and livable home. Gone is the cookie-cutter TV wall, or the expected built-in bookcase meant to hide the television. Instead, Hassan created an intriguing custom wood wall made of various walnut slats that also serves to create a clear separation between the living and dining areas. “I am always inspired by the restaurants and boutique hotels that use 3D wall effects that add depth and dimension,” says Hassan. “I didn’t want all the wall character to come from wallpaper,” she explains, referencing the den’s gorgeous vinyl Phillip Jeffries wallpaper.

Forming the focal point between the sofa and the striking wall, a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted Spotted Sugar Pine coffee table made by artist Dan Pollack sits over a striated textural rug from Stark Carpet. A modular sofa by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia is upholstered in an eye-catching fabric that exhibits a beautiful sheen. A complimentary cashmere throw and a green fur pillow from Barneys add comfort and draw attention to the hardware and resin sculpture sitting in the window. Behind the sofa, a narrow bronze table holds a Dice sculpture from Mantiques Modern and a geometric table lamp from Arteriors. For added seating, Hassan included an attractive white swivel lounge chair.

“I wanted to design a contemporary-meets-industrial space: clean-lined, monochromatic, but with a strong use of metals and woods,” says Hassan. The space, and everything in it emphasizes versatility, and singularity, and reflects the lifestyle of her clients. DT

Tags Designer, Furniture, home, Interior, lighting, Noha Hassan, room design, space

Design Featured

5 Bedroom Design Tips from Daun Curry

Post author By Nicole Haddad
Post date July 20, 2020

Since most of us are spending more and more time at home these days, we tapped award-winning interior designer Daun Curry for some advice on how to design a bedroom that feels like a sanctuary. See below for some of her tips on how to create a space that most works for you!

Design by Daun Curry; Photography by Emily Gilbert.

5 Bedroom Design Tips from Daun Curry

“Your bedroom is the most intimate, personal space in your home. It should be a place to unwind, relax, and disconnect from the world at large. The design should also most embody what encompasses a sanctuary to you. While there are a range of tips to recommend when creating your own personal haven—such as investing in luxurious linens and bedding—your bedroom should reflect your personality, unique sensibility, and the colors and design elements that best help you recharge.” – Daun Curry

1) Introduce Elements of Whimsy

If whimsy is what you gravitate towards, embrace it. From light and airy drapes and swirl-laden painterly pillows that recall the colors of the sea to wallcoverings with a sense of movement, these rooms exude a gorgeous flight of fancy. Despite their differing color palettes, each design incorporates layers and gradations of the same color family to create a soothing ambiance.

Design by Daun Curry; Photographs by Emily Gilbert.

2) Infuse Your Vacation Home’s Bedrooms with a Lighthearted, Playful Feel

When you’re on vacation, your environment should reflect your state of mind. Designing for different age groups and/or a personal room or guest room should all take different factors into account. For kids’ rooms, fun furnishings such as bunk beds and geometric rugs in eye-popping, complementing colors are the perfect way to create a playful ambiance. Meanwhile, in a guest bedroom, it’s important to keep an air of sophistication while also instilling a more carefree, insouciant ambiance into the space. Perfectly tailored, layered bedding in shades of sunny colors, a defined area rug, elevated artwork that recalls beach house living, and linen upholstered beds create a picture of relaxation with a big dose of finesse. In the main room, make sure to take advantage of any natural light and the views. Next, focus on comfort—layer your bed in fresh, luxurious bedding, add in bold pops of color, soft carpet underfoot, extra seating, and lighting for all needs.

3) Create a Luxurious Seating Area

Your bedroom should be your escape—so whether it’s a seating nook, window seat, or adding in plush chairs, swivel chairs, or a bench, including this essential element in your bedroom will offer you just that extra bit of comfort. From having a cozy place to perch while getting ready for dinner to curling up in a reading nook or enjoying a morning coffee (or a nightly glass of wine) while in your pajamas, you’ll be surprised at how much enjoyment you’ll gain from this simple addition.

4) Incorporate Texture

Incorporating texture into your design scheme can add visual interest and a sense of warmth—especially when it’s tone on tone. From silk-textured and grasscloth wallpapers, to ceilings finished in shimmery Venetian plaster, metallics, dimensional paintings, and antiqued mirrored furnishings, each well-placed inclusion will add depth, tactility, and a sense of balance. Texture can also facilitate in creating a seamless flow—drawing your eye exactly where it should go.

5) Pattern, Pattern, and More Pattern

Don’t be afraid of using multiple patterns at once—you can easily layer varying designs that work well together rather than fight each other. Unexpected pairings in fashion are considered daring in the most stimulating of ways, and the same can be said when it comes to design. While you might not want to go completely bold and vibrant in the bedroom as lighter colors create a more restful ambiance, differing patterns in neutral shades and lighter hues create visual appeal.

Design by Daun Curry; Photographs by Matthew Sandager (left) and Emily Gilbert (right).

More Articles Like This:

Designer Daun Curry’s 5 Tips to Turn Your Home Into a Sanctuary

Daun Curry Announced 2019 Designer of the Year by British Brand, Andrew Martin.

Interior Designer Alan Tanksley Reinvisions Luxury, Project by Project

Sauda Saleem Brings Her Signature Bold Palette to Housing Works’ Design on a Dime

Celebrate July 4th with American-Made Products from True Residential and Room & Board

Donald Christiansen, Founder of Chelsea Art Group, Shares His Views on the Evolving World of Art

Tags Bedroom Design, Daun Curry, decor, Design Tips, Designer, Home design, interior design, Interiors, living

Fashion Featured

Get The Best Marcelo Burlon Clothing Items From TheDoubleF

Post author By Downtown Magazine
Post date May 5, 2020

The brainchild of Marcelo Burlon, Marcelo Burlon County of Milan, is a combination of its creator’s influence of styling, art direction, and photography.

Founded in 2012, Marcelo Burlon County of Milan started with just a line of graphic studded t-shirts. But today, it has grown to be a street culture-inspired and genderless style that has emerged as a new kind of fashion. A fashion that engulfs you as a part of a group yet projects your personality as an individual. Here we have a list of the top Marcelo Burlon clothing items from TheDoubleF that you must have a look at:

Marcelo Burlon Clothing Items From TheDoubleF

Jackets

Marcelo Burlon County of Milan is famous for its hip style of comfortable streetwear that is casual and fashionable. Bestsellers from the County of Milan collections have always been the jackets. Meant to suit all genders, the jackets in the County of Milan collection represents the hip and street culture and borrows touches from the 80s while walking along with the current trends. Items such as the Black cropped Denim Jacket and the Light-blue cropped Denim Jackets set the example.

Sweatshirts

Staying true to its original style, County of Milan

sweatshirts give’s a casual and sporty feel with a dash of the splendor of fashion. Bringing in the comfort of a sweatshirt and switching it up a notch with crazy graphical illustrations, the County of Milan sweatshirt collections make looking fashionable easy. Items of clothing, such as the Black Blazier Wings Sweatshirt and the Cropped Block Color Sweatshirt, with their oversized fit, graphical elements (for the former), and block colors (for the latter), brings out the true sporty fashion.

Hoodies

Hoodies are one of the few clothing items that are liked by the larger population of the mass.

And rightly so, because of the comfort they provide. But hoodies are also a big part of the street-culture, which is why they are a colossal part of the County of Milan collection. The Pink Wings Hoodie gives the signature graphical look of Marcelo Burlon, entwining, once again, casual and eccentric. The Black Paillettes Hoodie, on the other hand, brings sequins back from the 1960s with a touch of modern culture. The bell-shaped sleeves, the red string, and the overall black sequin mix sporty, glamour, and street in a harmonious combination.

There are more clothing items that the County of Milan has to offer –

such as T-shirts, like the Black open back t-shirt, or the Squared wings series, skirts like the Black Paillettes Mini Skirt and the Buttoned Mini Skirt, dresses, jeans, and many more. To get more of the best items of clothing from the designer Marcelo Burlon, visit TheDoubleF and step up on your street style.

Tags clothing, denim, Designer, Fashion, hip style, hoodies, jackets, men, Milan, Shoes, sweatshirts, women

Culture Fashion Featured Music NYC

Rebel Rebel

Post author By Deb Martin
Post date February 27, 2020

In John Varvatos’s world, music and fashion combine to create a lifestyle brand for those about to rock.

by Deborah L. Martin photography by Andrew Matusik

JOHN VARVATOS IS A ROCK AND ROLL guy, and he arrives at his Bowery flagship store
for our 8 am call time looking the part: skinny jeans, leather jacket, stone-cold stare. It’s clear that he hasn’t been in the store in a while and he busies himself with his team, doing some merchandising. “I don’t want these shirts like this. People don’t shop this way.” He’s walking around the store doing something that people who know retail understand. He is shaking things up. When we sit down to talk, I nd that this is a phrase he uses often, and it’s something he is proud of. “In my company, we hire a lot of young people, in the design studio, in sales, in the stores. It’s inspiring to be around. I’m someone who loves change and I’m so in there with them. I just want to shake shit up. I say it all the time, it’s in my DNA.”

As it turns out, the stone-cold stare is the public face, and behind that is a warm, funny guy who is a bit verklempt, and grateful, for the way his life has turned out.

John Varvatos the brand, and John Varvatos the man are both known for their rock and roll edge—from the musicians who have appeared in his ad campaigns to the New York flagship location in the former home of CBGBs, Varvatos has managed to weave his passions together in a way that eschews the normal ebb and ow of “fashion.” He says, “Music was my energy force as a young kid growing up in Detroit, in a 900-square-foot home with seven people. My escape was to put my headphones on—it transported me someplace else.” That love of music is the baseline for everything he does.

“I don’t really use the word fashion,” he says. “I talk about style. Our designs are inspired by my sense of rebelliousness and toughness, which is what rock and roll stands for.” He knows his customer. “Our guys range from Wall Street and business people to music artists, but they all have that creative bone.” He continues, “We don’t think about fashion of the moment. For me, style is more timeless. Our customer doesn’t need something obvious. They are the anti-obvious.”

And what about those musicians?

“They are probably the smallest part of our business, but thank goodness we have them, because they add a cool vibe.” Varvatos has called on some of those rockers to star in his ad campaigns. “All those people have become friends. They do it because they want to be associated with the brand. There’s no real money of any consequence attached to it, but they like the association, they like me, and we have a relationship. Like anything else, it has to be good for everyone. and it is good for them, as well.”

The list of names who have appeared reads like a list of inductees at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Ziggy Marley, Ringo Starr, Kiss, Iggy Pop, Chris Cornell, Alice Cooper, Dave Matthews, Questlove, ZZ Top, Jimmy Page—the star-studded roster goes on and on. Varvatos says, “The guys from Kiss invited me to their farewell tour, and it’s the friendship that’s important. The thing I’m proudest and most humble about is that they consider me one of their own, and not just some fashion guy that’s trying to get rock stars to be in his ads.”Varvatos isn’t just “some fashion guy.” He started in Midwest sales for Ralph Lauren in 1983, and moved his way up the ladder, eventually taking a design post in New York. In 1990, he joined Calvin Klein, where he launched the menswear collection, the cK brand, and the hugely successful underwear line, in the process gifting the world with Mark Wahlberg in boxer briefs (which he invented by cutting the legs o long johns). After a short stint at London Fog, he rejoined Ralph Lauren as vice president in charge of men’s design for all Polo Ralph Lauren brands. In 1998 he joined Nautica Enterprises, who agreed to back his own brand, which launched in 1999

“These were great learning places for me.

I’m still close with Ralph and Calvin, and they respect what I do. When your mentors give you cred, it’s a humbling thing.” He chokes up a little when he says, “My wife ran into Ralph in the park and he told her, ‘I’m so proud of John, he really did what he said he was going to do.’”

He views the brand as a culture, and the Bowery store—once the site of one of the most infamous clubs in music history, CBGB & OMFUG—is a big part of that culture. “We are really thrilled with the people who come to visit the store because of its history. They want to come in and hang out and it’s all about the culture. That’s why we do concerts in the space. We clear out all of the clothes and turn it into a club again.”

In addition to the clothing, there is also the punk documentary produced with Iggy Pop, a music label, the annual Love Rocks concert for Gods Love We Deliver, relationships with AMFAR and Stuart House in LA, and a brand new tequila launch with friend, Nick Jonas. “I started the music label about four years ago, with Universal and Republic records. We signed the Zac Brown Band, and we had a multi-platinum album right out of the gate.” After leaving Universal, Varvatos teamed up with Scott Borchetta and created Big Machine John Varvatos Records. The label’s first band is a young group called Bad ower. Varvatos says, “They are one of the most incredible bands I’ve heard over the last 10 years. I was in LA in the spring and the kids were lining up for four hours before the show because they wanted to get the best place in the theater. When I saw that I had goosebumps. For me, it’s about helping young artists and their voice.” The label has just added another band out of Wales called Pretty vicious.

Varvatos friendship with Nick Jonas goes back to a dinner party where they were seated together.

“We realized we had a lot in common, including a love of tequila. The next day he called me and said ‘I’m in the recording studio and I’d like to play you some of the new music.’ When I got to the studio, there was a bottle of tequila sitting on the soundboard. For the next few hours, we drank tequila and talked about life.” The friendship developed into a fashion and fragrance collaboration and just this summer, villa One tequila was born. Varvatos says, “I’m proud of it, and of my friendship with Nick. He’s half my age but he has the heart and soul of someone who is much older.”

The success of the brand, and his passion for music have taken him on a wild ride. “To quote the Grateful Dead, it’s been a long strange trip. It was never a plan.
I wanted to be a musician but I wasn’t a good musician, I didn’t have a great voice. But I lived through the music and organically this happened.” He continues, “We didn’t even talk about rock and roll when we started the brand. And then suddenly Jimmy Page is calling and telling me he’s coming to New York and says he loves my stuff and wants to meet up. These people become friends because we have a similar core ethos.”

Varvatos is at the top of his game, enjoying the adventure, challenging himself and his brand. “Success isn’t just about the product. It’s about what you do that’s different from the rest. If you don’t do something different, there’s no reason for being. I am so blessed. I get to do all of these cool things that I never could have dreamed of as a kid. I’m so blessed.”

https://www.dtm.wix2wp.site/easy-rider-celeb…-city-music-hall/

Design Featured Outdoor

Q&A with Multitalented Designer, Emma O’Donnell

Post author By Nicole Haddad
Post date September 10, 2019

Emma O’Donnell, a graduate from the acclaimed KLC School of Design in London, began her career as a jewelry designer. Today, her company, Coolabah Designs, has evolved to include interior and garden design. Emma has completed projects large and small all over New York and London and has offices in both New York City and the Hudson Valley.

Downtown: What is your company, Coolabah Designs, known for?

Emma O’Donnell: Initially we were known for jewelry design. I started the brand in 2008 making fine (and fashion) jewelry sold in the UK and European market. In 2012 I expanded my focus to interior design and have been mostly focused on that ever since.

Downtown: When and what drove you to found Coolabah Designs? What is the meaning behind the name?

Emma O’Donnell: After about 15 years working as an HR executive in a global professional services firm, I wanted to tap into my more creative self. I thus started to make jewelry. The name comes from the Australian coolabah tree, the eucalyptus tree in the iconic Aussie song, Waltzing Matilda. My Australian husband and my frequent travels to the country influenced the name a bit.

Downtown: As a company that has offices in both NYC and the Hudson Valley, how do you balance your time? How has this been a boon and a challenge for Coolabah Designs?

Emma O’Donnell: Having a foothold in both areas has been great for me—I understand the frenetic NYC environment but I also the need to reconnect with nature and to create a home outside the city. This has helped me with client relationships, both old and new, and lends me credibility in both environments.

Downtown: Do you always work on residential interiors and gardens hand-in-hand, or do you often get hired separately for each?

Emma O’Donnell: So far I have been hired independently for interiors and gardens, but my work has spilled over in the other arena as well. For example, a Tribeca client who hired me to do their terrace has also used my interior design services for a couple of her residences.

Downtown: What are the benefits to a homeowner to hiring you for both interiors and garden design?

Emma O’Donnell: My ability to read the client’s style lends itself to an integrated approach inside and out; so if the style of the client is modern, I can keep the look cohesive and have both spaces be reflections of each other.

Downtown: Tell us about your aesthetic! What design principles are carried throughout your work, client style aside?

Emma O’Donnell: The look I aim for is modern, but warm and comfortable. I like to select timeless, natural, high-quality materials such as real wood, wool, leather, cotton, and linen. Furniture made with quality materials can last a lifetime and in 10 years can be refreshed with new upholstery or a new stain. I like to reuse or recycle the client’s pieces as much as possible to minimize the carbon footprint of the project.

Downtown: When you design outdoor terraces and gardens, what are elements you always keep in mind when planning the design?

Emma O’Donnell: Space planning is always key. I select furniture that will fit well in the space and create multiple room-like areas in the garden. I usually pick a simple color scheme of greys and black, but I often use plants to serve as the jewelry. Last but not least, I always incorporate lighting that illuminates the garden and plants at night to create a magical space.

Downtown: When you say you create “low carbon footprint designs,” can you explain to our readers how you implement these elements into each design?

Emma O’Donnell: I am drawn to real materials such as solid wood, natural fabrics, and wool or silk rugs. They are timeless and will last a long time. If the furniture is of a high quality, then as the styles change it can be reupholstered for a new look. I also like to purchase mid-century pieces that have lived a long and interesting life. Throw-away furniture ends up in landfills and I stay away from that. From a lighting perspective, I select the latest LED fixtures that allow of a very low energy use in the home.

Downtown: What has been one of your favorite projects and why?

Emma O’Donnell: That is like being asked to pick my favorite child. But one of my favorite projects has been my design for a Chelsea Loft. This project touched every surface and it was a gut renovation of a 2,500-square-foot-space. I enjoyed working with everyone and helping my client select tile, fixtures, new lights, and designing the kitchen and bathrooms. The final result turned out beautifully and the client has received rave reviews from all, which is very rewarding.

Downtown: From what we understand you also create fine jewelry pieces! How does this relate to your interiors and garden design work?

Emma O’Donnell: I originally stated making jewelry and then after a while thought about using my metalworking skills to make light fixtures, etc. I continue to make jewelry at my studio in the Hudson Valley, but it has taken a bit of a back seat to my residential interior and garden design.

Downtown: What are some of your favorite pieces and why?

Emma O’Donnell: My favorite pieces are my rings. They are organic, timeless, heavy and, substantial.

Downtown: We love the organic nature and metallic finishes on your jewelry, what draws you to these elements?

Emma O’Donnell: I believe that it all stems from being a fan of simple, useful, and modern design. It’s pure instinct, it stems from a place deep inside me.

Downtown: Where can clients purchase your jewelry?

Emma O’Donnell: Of course, clients can buy my jewelry! Currently I have my modern rings available in yellow and rose gold at Hummingbird Jewelers in Rhinebeck, NY. These and other pieces are shown on my website can also be purchased by contacting me directly at emma@coolabahdesigns.com.

Tags Designer, Garden Design, Interiors, Landscape Design

Design Uncategorized

Interior Designer Alan Tanksley Reinvisions Luxury, Project by Project

Post author By Nicole Haddad
Post date September 9, 2019

New York-based interior designer Alan Tanksley, a leading practitioner in residential design, has drawn acclaim for his versatility and attention to detail. Tanksley’s architectural approach to interior space planning combined with an organic approach to the comforts of every day living, is renowned. Below, Tanksley shares some of his design inspiration, project loves, and what he considers luxury.

Design by Alan Tanksley. Interior designer, new york based. — Design by Alan Tanksley.

Downtown: How would you describe your design style?

Alan Tanksley: My interiors reenvision luxury; luxury not as a remote idea, but as a quality and forethought imbued into a space. I believe in creating environments that enhance one’s life experience with an organic approach to how people really live every day. I’m not interested in creating a stage set, but rather places for people to live with comfort, function, and beauty all having equal consideration. I often draw from a transitional design aesthetic.

Downtown: Can you pinpoint the moment or period of time when your first knew you were a designer? What inspired it, brought it on, etc.?

AT: Throughout my youth I thought that architecture was my future. After two years studying the field, I felt disillusioned and adrift. Only when I looked into the interior architecture and design courses did I find my true love and unearth a natural talent. It was a field I had not even considered prior to this.

Downtown: What has been one of your favorite projects to date and why?

AT: A favorite project is a summer house we’ve just completed in Little Compton, Rhode Island. This is our fourth project for the same family. The project is especially wonderful as we’ve become close over the years, enough so that we can collaborate in shorthand the way that partners in any good relationship do.

Downtown: I am obsessed with the foyer in your Urban Manhattan project. Tell us about the mix of materials, accessories, cold and warm designs that made this room so striking!

Design by interior designer Alan Tanksley. — Design by Alan Tanksley.

AT: Given my background in traditional design, it would have been an easy task to follow the given cues of a black-and-white marble floor and the corresponding traditional details by producing a complementary classic room. Instead, the client’s casual lifestyle called for a more eclectic approach where a mixture of furniture styles and periods were both accommodating to the busy family’s comings and goings, and reflective of their desire to express something fresh and modern.

Downtown: What do you most love about commercial work? About residential? If you had to pick one, which would you choose and why!

AT: I have been fortunate to work primarily on the high-end side of residential work for the majority of my career. In fact, my commercial work thus far has mostly been with developers of residential condominiums where I have advised on floorplans, chosen materials, fixtures, etc. and designed all public areas such as lobbies and amenity spaces. My experience in designing for how people live at home informs my work as I design for people in intimate public spaces.

Downtown: Tell us about your approach to the River house Condominium. It is the epitome of chic!

AT: River House was a unique opportunity due to its open skyline views, abundant southern light, and the peaceful movement of the Hudson River. The room that we positioned the work space in sits like the prow of a ship making its way to the distant city with the open living space giving the feeling of a grand state room on a luxury liner.

Downtown: What is a good rule of thumb (it can be your own) that you would offer to fellow designers trying to make their mark in the commercial world. How do you keep the design elegant yet uniquely chic?

AT: Listen, take notes, research similar projects, ask questions without hesitation (even if you feel you’re expected to already have the answers), and speak with assurance, but not arrogance. As far as elegant and chic, look to other designers past and present. Study how they’ve achieved exceptional results. The goal isn’t to copy, but to find inspiration for the project at hand.

Downtown: Tell us about your furniture designs. When did this come about and why? Where can our readers purchase your pieces?

AT: Most of the furniture I’ve designed has been specific to projects and has not been offered publicly. However, the development of my “Genesis” line of acrylic tables for Plexi-Craft has been very well received, as have my tables designed for Desiron. Both showrooms are located at 200 Lexington Avenue.

Downtown: What have some of your favorite project designs been and why?

AT: My favorite projects are those for clients who understand that they play a very important role in the success of their project through open and timely communication, collaborate with and share ideas fluidly, and understand the complex and imperfect processes involved in both design and construction. With those things in place we’re set to create something uniquely suited to their needs and aspirations.

Downtown: If you could design your own dream home, where would it be and what would it look like?

AT: I am a New Yorker for life so my dream home would be located here, preferably (moderately) high up in a south facing central location set back with terraces on three sides. The interior look and feel would be similar to what I’ve designed for many of my clients and the exterior would finally afford the opportunity to have the dog I’ve yet to own in the city.

Downtown: What are some of your go-to furniture sources?

AT: The industry has evolved greatly due to worldwide internet access. We rely on all the various platforms when resourcing projects. That said, there’s nothing like going out and seeing finding things first hand, up close and personally so to speak. Shopping the trade resources at the Design and Decoration Building and 200 Lexington are common resources, as are the wonderful antique shops located around New York City. The hunt for just the right piece, or pieces, remains the great thrill when designing something remarkable

Downtown: What are you working on now?

AT: I have a project in the Woolworth Tower Residences, where I was originally commissioned by the developers, Alchemy Properties and Sotheby’s International Real Estate, to create the premiere model apartment. It’s a sensational apartment with city views that can’t be beat. We’re completing a summer house in Little Compton, Rhode Island, a glamorous classic apartment overlooking the Hudson River, and several others in the region.

Tags Designer, Interior Designer, Interior Designers, Interiors