MANHATTAN
l
LONG ISLAND l BROOKLYN l QUEENS l STATEN ISLAND l ROCKLAND COUNTY l NEW JERSEY
CONTENTS
36 Bedroom Themes Made Easy
8
Grand Central Terminal
18
Fun Facts about Grand Central Terminal 26 Grand Doors 28 Light Up Your Life 32 Practical Home Office Furniture 36 Mirrors, A Favored Accentuation 38
52
Tile Flooring 42 Get Organized 48 Choosing a Custom Made Rug 52
18 living and more
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A few changes to creating your dream room More
than just a train station
Check out the acoustics
Entrances that make a statement
Tips on lighting any room
What you should know before buying
Who’s the fairest of them all
Ideal for kitchens and bathrooms
The dining room
That’s right for you
Every door a
work of art masterfully crafted, impeccably installed
“Your direct source for architectural doors”
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editors note
A
living and more
s the days shorten and the nights grow longer we find ourselves spending more time at home. Some of us don’t mind sitting at home cuddled up with several good books, but the rest of us will develop the dreaded “cabin fever.” Don’t despair, use this time to stop procrastinating and get all those home projects you promised to do over the summer. Want to start by changing the look of your bedroom? This issue will give you some quick ideas on adding themes to your bedroom or simple tricks to liven it up. A lack of natural sunlight depresses a lot of people, but the right lighting at home can ease these feelings. This month we give several ways to “light up your life” and brighten your mood by creating a comfortable and cozy atmosphere. Snowbound or just not up to dragging yourself out of your toasty warm bed to go work, whatever the reason, you have decided to work from home. If you have a home office that’s easy, if you don’t, read our guide on buying practical home office furniture. Nothing cures the winter blues like tile. That’s right, I said tile. Tile comes in a staggering number of colors and can be mixed to create interesting patterns, giving a bright fresh look wherever you use them. Be sure to read about the different types of tile available in this month’s issue. We tend to entertain dinner guests more during the winter season and it is wise to have our dining rooms ready at any given moment. We’ll give you ideas on making it comfortable and clutter free in our get organized guide. Want to protect and enhance the beauty of your wood floor? Think area rug. Not only area rug, but a custom area rug, your design, your colors, just what you wanted without running all over looking for the perfect rug. It isn’t too good to be true, read our article and find out. Finally, we spend a lot of time writing about other folks design ideas. We’d like to see yours!! If you are interested in submitting a photograph of a special area of your house we’d love to see it, along with a brief explanation and if selected, it will be showcased in an upcoming edition. Please note that all submissions become the property of INTERIOR NEWYORK living and more ©. Only digital photographs will be accepted and should be sent to editor@interiornewyork.com.
Carole Delmonico
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PUBLISHER W MEDIA EDITOR IN-CHIEF CAROLE DELMONICO SENIOR EDITOR DAVID P. KAUFMAN GRAPHIC DESIGNER EFRAIM SCHNALL PHOTOGRAPHY W MEDIA DIRECTOR OF MENASHE SCHWARTZ OPERATIONS SALES RAIZY NEUFELD PRODUCTION ABE BERKOWITZ COORDINATOR CONTRIBUTING JULIA LISANTI WRITERS ZACHARY SCHLEE ADVERTISING 1227 60th Street OFFICE BROOKLYN NY 718.854.3773 www.interiornewyork.com
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Interior New York has openings in its sales department. Commissioned sales are offered at a competitive rate in a great work environment. Please contact Carole Delmonico at (718) 854-3773
Bedroom Themes Made Easy What’s your idea of paradise? Is it lying on a beach with a tropical drink, fishing off a canoe, hiking a difficult trail through the woods, or skiing a black diamond slope? Maybe it’s none of the above. Maybe you like nothing better than to curl up with a cold beverage in front of the TV, or lye on the bed with a book. Maybe your favorite thing in the world to do is to work on your car, browse the internet, build model planes, or find a new acquisition for your ever growing Star Wars collection. Anything you like, or like to do, can serve as a starting point to develop a theme for your bedroom. Your theme can be based on something as simple as your favorite color, or as complex as fractals. Favorites, in general, make great bedroom themes. Your favorite hobby, sports team, movie, TV show, musician, genre of music, TV show, country, culture, animal, artist, natural environment or historical time period can all 8 INTERIOR NEW YORK I NOVEMBER 2009
provide a theme for you bedroom. Think of your bedroom as the equivalent of Superman’s Fortress of Solitude. It’s a place to relax and recharge your batteries after a long and stressful day. It should be a reflection of who you are and what is important to you. In Superman’s case, his Fortress was designed to recreate his home planet of Krypton. In your case, your bedroom should be designed to create any environment that makes you feel comfortable and happy. It is your personal, private space and you should decorate in whatever way you like. Rather than go through every possible bedroom theme, let’s focus on a few inspirational ideas. For example, say you would like to turn your bedroom into a tropical island paradise. There are plenty of wall paper murals that you can get to instantly create this affect. Take the largest bare wall in your room and cover it with a mural of a beautiful island sunset.
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Next, get a few potted palm trees and put them on the floor on either side of the mural to make your new environment feel like it continues into the room. If possible, get sand- colored carpeting to complete the illusion. Next, think about the bed. It’s the largest piece of furniture in the bedroom and usually the first thing that anyone sees when they come in the room. Consider draping a cargo net over your bed’s headboard decorated with sea shells (which you can glue into place), or use a surf board in place of a headboard. Get a light sea-blue comforter, or one decorated with tropical fish. Drape your bed in mosquito netting to complete the tropical affect. Finally, consider any other decorative touches you can add to the room. If you have the space, get a few beach chairs to use as seating and drape beach towels over the back. Add sea shells, tiki glasses, tropical fish or bird related art, Caribbean pottery or fabrics, or items that relate to water sports (like wake boarding or snorkeling gear). On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, say your tastes tend to be a bit darker. You like things that are gothic, medieval, or fantasy related. This a situation in which multiple themes can work well together. Dragons, faeries, and medieval items can cohabitate quite well in the same environment. The trick is to pick a color for your walls, like purple, which will bring everything together. Deep reds and greens also work well in this situation, as do grays. Gray is a particularly good choice if you want to make your room look like a medieval castle. Once you have settled on a color for the walls, the decorative touches are completely up to you. You can decorate the walls with medieval armor, antique tapestries, poster art depicting dragons or faeries, wall sconces with candles, or decorative plaques or crosses. Decorative items placed around the room are also important. A suit of armor would be really cool if you can possibly afford it, but there are plenty of lower-cost options. Resin statues tend to be fairly inexpensive, and can be quite beautiful. There are entire catalogs dedicated to statues of dragons, faeries, medieval knights, and religious art, any and all of which can work well together. But by far the most important items to have in any medieval themed bedroom are candles and candle holders. Get lots of them, but just make sure that they are placed in areas where they can not be knocked over and create a fire hazard. In terms of the bed in a medieval themed room, a four poster bed would be an ideal but expensive choice. Short of that, there are metal rings that you can install over your existing bed if you would like 10 INTERIOR NEW YORK I NOVEMBER 2009
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Your theme can be based on something as simple as your favorite color, or as complex as fractals 14 INTERIOR NEW YORK I NOVEMBER 2009
to drape fabric around the bed and get an affect similar to having a four poster bed. And speaking of fabrics, the heavier looking the better- just make sure the colors compliment your walls. Foreign countries and cultures are another great idea for creating a bedroom theme. Morocco is particularly popular, probably because Morocco is at the crossroads of so many different cultures and incorporates a wide variety of styles. Moroccan style blends African, Persian, and Mediterranean elements. Colors for a Moroccan themed bedroom include: rich reds, blues, greens, oranges, and shimmering gold and silver. Any and all of these colors can be incorporated into a Moroccan themed bedroom, although I would steer away from gold or silver for the walls. Gold and silver are usually used as accents on throw pillows and table coverings. And a Moroccan theme really is all about throw pillows and fabrics- the richer and more intricate the better. For a Moroccan theme, drape fabrics from tables, over the bed, around window frames, over lamps, and anywhere else you feel is appropriate. Keep furniture low to the ground and even use large pillows as seating. Get dozens of pillows of various
shapes and sizes for the bed, and cover the bed with colored mosquito netting or some other sheer fabric. A Persian rug is also a must-have for the floor. Other decorative items for a Moroccan themed bedroom include pendant lighting and anything you can find with small, intricate mosaic tiles. Little end tables with mosaic tile inlays are great, as are plaques, vases, or any other type of mosaic tile art. Finally, I would feel remiss in my duties if I did not take on a theme that I feel is specifically for men (some of these other themes may seem a little too girlie for you guys). Sports teams make a great theme for a guy’s bedroom, particularly because they are so simple to do. Simply paint your room in your team’s colors and you are halfway there. Let’s say you are a Jets fan. Paint your walls green, and keep the woodwork and ceiling white. Next, get some Jetsthemed blankets and pillowcases for the bed (almost all sports teams have these items- look on the internet). Then go to town decorating the room with team related posters, plaques, and sports memorabilia and equipment. And that’s all there is to it. You can probably create this theme in a weekend, but feel free to add to it gradually over time. NOVEMBER 2009 I INTERIOR NEW YORK
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HOME ACCENTS
BEAUTIFUL PIECES TO DECORATE YOUR HOME
ANTON LAMP This Wood Veneer Lamp from Jamie Young Co. was inspired by 1940’s French Modernist designs in rich wood veneers. The designs recall the styles seen when classic movie stars entertained in Europe right before WWII. The glossy finish brings back the life, the luster and the elegance of old Hollywood glamour. Anton features dark, glossy Macassar Ebony Wood in a tall oval shape with a fitting partner in the wide Raffia drum shade.
WROUGHT IRON CLOCK
BLUE GARDEN VASE
The Portland Wood Table has subtle modern flare. The MDF bentwood with walnut wood veneer gives this end table genuine style. The four round legs give this piece some sturdy yet still modern style.
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ANTIQUE ARTWORK IN ELEGANT FRAME
A Grandfather Clock is the perfect way to lend a touch of sophistication to any room No home decor is complete without the elegant look and sound of a grandfather clock
This Ethnic styled Seven Drawer Dresser is a great addition to any bedroom or dressing room.
ELEGANT GREEN RUG
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Grand Central Much More Than Just a Train Station
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The sheer beauty of Grand Central Terminal was, and is once again, a thing to behold
Grand Central Station, or Grand Central Terminal as it should rightly be called, hearkens back to a day when train travel was not so much romantic as it was a practical way to get around. When Grand Central Terminal opened, there were no planes and the first model T Fords were just coming onto the road. For newly arriving immigrants, New York City train stations like Grand Central were the gateway to the rest of the country. Nowadays, Grand Central has returned to its more practical roots. When Amtrak moved to Penn Station in 1991, long-distance train travel disappeared from the station. Grand Central is now a commuter train hub and a subway stop. It is used primarily by people commuting to and from the city from nearby states and localities. But Grand Central Terminal is, and was always meant to be, much more than a train station. It was constructed by the Vanderbilt family from 1903 to 1913 to replace an older train station on the site. When the terminal opened in 1913 it was designed as a “city within the city.” In addition to its transit related functions, the terminal had dining and retail space, a feature that continues to this day. The bustling traffic around the terminal helped spur development in the surrounding
neighborhood, converting it from a primarily industrial area into a retail and commercial destination location. The Terminal complex itself was massive and included the Commodore Hotel, as well as apartment and office buildings. New York Central Railroad, the company owned by the Vanderbilt family, constructed its headquarters in a 34-story building which straddled Park Avenue and the north side of the terminal. CBS Television occupied a large portion of the terminal building between 1939 and 1964, and used it to film various television shows and to broadcast the CBS Evening News. The sheer beauty of Grand Central Terminal was, and is once again, a thing to behold. The building was designed in the Beaux-Arts style, a neoclassical design scheme which was primarily influenced by the architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. The building’s façade, with its Corinthian columns and huge statue group of Roman/ Greek deities, exemplifies this style. The statue group at the center of the building was considered the largest such sculpture in the world at the time it was built. Standing 48-feet high, it depicts Mercury, the god of trade and commerce, surrounded on either side by Minerva and Hercules, symbolizing mental and moral strength, NOVEMBER 2009 I INTERIOR NEW YORK
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respectively. The clock at the center of the statue has a massive 13-foot circumference. The interior of Grand Central Terminal also has a number of beautiful architectural and decorative features. Chief among these features may be the massive mural of the night sky painted over the 80,000 square foot ceiling of the main concourse. The mural depicts the constellations visible in Mediterranean sky from the months of October to March. It features 2,500 stars, the 60 largest of which are fitted with fiber optic lights. They used to be lit with 40 watt light bulbs which had to be changed from the roof. (I don’t envy the person that had that job!) Unfortunately, for reasons which are still not entirely clear, it was noted shortly after the terminal opened that the sky was painted on backwards. Another prominent feature of the terminal is the central clock at the information station. Located in the center of the main concourse, the information station is a prime meeting place in the terminal. The massive clock that sits atop the information station has four faces made of opal. Independent estimates by both Sotherby’s and Christies have placed the value on the clock of 10 to 20 million dollars. The marble and brass pagoda at the center of the main concourse is also noteworthy, not just because of its beauty, but also because it conceals a little-known spiral staircase which goes down to the information booth on the lower level. Another rather expensive feature of the terminal are the massive chandeliers that hang on either side of the main concourse, as well as in 20 INTERIOR NEW YORK I NOVEMBER 2009
Vanderbilt Hall. These stunning melon-shaped lighting fixtures were thought to be made of bronze for decades, until they were taken down for a cleaning. After an initial wipe-down shimmering gold was revealed under the layers of grime. Another interesting feature of these chandeliers are the bare light bulbs. Electric lighting was still in its infancy during the construction of Grand Central, so the bare bulbs were seen as a sign of opulence Other features of note in Grand Central include the three 75ft arched windows at the front of the main concourse, the massive twin marble staircases, the modified Solari display board, the Roman inspired ramps (designed to keep pedestrian traffic flowing), the whispering gallery, and the 12,000-squarefoot Vanderbilt Hall. The main concourse itself is a thing of beauty. It is 470 feet long, 160 feet wide, and 150 feet high with a vaulted arched ceiling and exquisite decorative features. Below the main concourse is the dining concourse, and below that the train platforms. The dining concourse features five fine dining restaurants and dozens of casual eateries. Surrounding the dining concourse are 40 retail stores, delis, bakeries, newsstands, and a specialty food market featuring fresh and gourmet products. Of note on the dining concourse is the complete lack of large chain restaurants and stores. With the exception of a Starbucks and a Rite Aid, the dining concourse features only small franchises and single-location establishments. The most famous restaurant on the dining concourse is the Oyster Bar which opened in 1913, the same year as the terminal. After the decline rail travel in the 1950’s, Grand Central was in danger of going the way of its long-lost rival, the original Penn Station. In the late 1940’s, nearly 40% of the country traveled primarily by train, but the automobile and plane travel soon surpassed train travel as the favored means of transportation. Grand Central fell into disrepair for decades and would have succumbed to the wrecking ball, if not for a Supreme Court decision in 1978 which upheld its landmark status. Starting in 1998, Grand Central underwent a massive restoration which has returned it to its former grandeur. The terminal’s façade was restored as well as the interior. Previous alterations, like the lowering of ceilings and the covering of ramps, were removed. A new entrance was also added and was topped with a salvaged iron eagle from the original Grand Central Station, which was demolished when the current terminal was built. Most importantly, the second marble staircase was built during this restoration, creating the symmetry which had been the intention of the building’s designers. The second marble staircase had been part of the original design for the terminal, but was never built for reasons which are still not clear. It is thought that the designers simply ran out of money, or decided that there was nothing worth seeing on the East Side of the building, as it was a primarily industrial area at the time. Both staircases are modeled after the grand staircase in the Paris 22 INTERIOR NEW YORK I NOVEMBER 2009
The statue of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt by Ernst Plassman was executed in 1869 and moved to its current location on the south facade of Grand Central Terminal in 1913.
Opera house, and in true Beaux-Arts style, are balanced but with minor differences. Today, Grand Central Terminal services 750,000 commuters daily. The entire complex is a staggering 49 acres which sits on three miles of track and pushes a full 10 stories below the ground. It remains, to this day, the largest train station in the world by number of platforms. There are 44 platforms with 67 tracks alongside them. When the Long Island Railroads new station is completed on the site, there will be a total of 75 tracks along 48 platforms. But even if you don’t have to catch a train, there are plenty of reasons to visit this “city within a city.” There is so much to see and do that it may take you more than one visit to take it all in. If you are interested in taking a guided tour of the terminal, there are two public tours offered every week. Both are free, but there is a suggested donation of $10 for the one organized by the Municipal Arts Society. This tour meets at the information booth on the main concourse every Wednesday at12:30 PM. The other tour is offered by the Grand Central Partnership on Friday at 12:30 PM. It is 90 minutes and includes the terminal and the surrounding neighborhood.
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5
Fun Facts about Grand Central Terminal
1:
There seems to be a lot of confusion about Grand Central Terminal’s name. Most people, including the majority of the city’s residents, mistakenly refer to Grand Central Terminal as Grand Central Station. Grand Central Station was the actually an older train station on the site of what is now Grand Central Terminal (hence the
Grand Central Station was the actually an older train station on the site of what is now Grand Central Terminal confusion). Grand Central Station was a 100-foot wide and 650-foot long glass and steel train depot that was demolished (shortly after a 1902 fire that killed seventeen people) in order to construct Grand Central Terminal.
TOP LEFT: Whispering Gallery
2:
Shortly after Grand Central Terminal opened in 1913 people began to notice that the large astronomical mural painted on the ceiling of the main concourse was backwards. The mural depicts the night sky over the Mediterranean from the months of October to March. There have been multiple explanations for this seeming mistake, none of which are completely satisfactory. Theories range from “it just looked better that way” to “it wouldn’t have fit on the ceiling any other way.” The most commonly believed explanation is that French painter Paul Helleu, who designed the mural, used a medieval manuscript which depicted the sky as it would have been viewed from outside the celestial sphere (i.e. from God’s point of view).
3:
One of Grand Central Terminal’s greatest attractions is the “Whispering Gallery.” This area is located at the end of both Oyster Bar ramps as you head down toward the Lower Level. Strange acoustical properties of the Whispering Gallery allow even the quietest conversations spoken at one end of the gallery to be heard in the opposite
TOP RIGHT: Grand Central Terminal Ceiling
BOTTOM LEFT: Grand Central Terminal Concourse
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BOTTOM RIGHT: Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt
end. If you are ever in Grand Central Terminal, try this as an experiment: Get a friend and have them stand in the opposite corner of the gallery from you, facing the wall. Whisper something into the corner and see if your friend can hear it. I guarantee you, it works every time!
4:
Terminal there oak leaves and acorns everywhere you look. They are woven into the stonework of the water fountains, in the design of the chandeliers, in the green metal window frames, and above the entrance to the railroad track. Next time you are in Grand Central, see how many acorns and oak leaves you can find!
One of the most intriguing features of Grand Central Terminal is a secret sub-basement known as M42. The exact location of M42 has been kept from the public, for security reasons, since the train station opened in 1913. M42 contains the AC to DC converters used to supply DC traction current to the terminal, and would therefore be a prime target for anyone looking to sabotage the terminal. In fact, Adolph Hitler did become aware of M42’s existence during WWII and sent two spies to attempt to sabotage it. Luckily, they were arrested by the FBI before they could carry out their plan. Had they been successful, they could have crippled all American troop movements on the eastern seaboard.
5:
Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, the patriarch of the Vanderbilt family who built Grand Central Terminal, was a man who came from very humble means. As someone who didn’t come from “old money” he had no family crest. As his wealth grew, so did his obsession with having a family crest. Eventually he settled upon the oak tree’s acorns and leaves as his symbol, citing the famous quote, “from an acorn a mighty oak shall grow!” Throughout Grand Central NOVEMBER 2009 I INTERIOR NEW YORK
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PHOTOS BY GRAND DOORS
GRAND DOORS Your front door is the gateway to your home. It is
first thing that any visitor to your home is likely to see, and as such, it should make a statement. It needs to be impressive and welcoming, beautiful and functional. Satisfying these multiple needs is not necessarily an easy feat. Whether you are building a new home or renovating an old one, finding the perfect front door can be a challenge. At Grand Doors, they pride themselves on creating doors of unsurpassed beauty and craftsmanship. After ten years of strived excellence, their reputation still hinges (pun intended) on the commitment to ensuring that each Grand Door they create will not only meet, but exceed your expectations. They specialize in entry doors, interior doors, transoms, hardware, and moldings. Customer satisfaction is top priority, and their dedicated and professional staff will work together to make sure that your dream door becomes a reality. Whether you have a clear concept of the door you want,
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or haven’t the foggiest idea where to begin, the best way to get a sense of the myriad possibilities is to go to the showroom and see for yourself. There is nothing like the experience of seeing their exclusive collections firsthand to get a true sense of the superior quality and craftsmanship involved in the creation of each Grand Door. Their state-of-the-art showroom is the ideal environment in which to experience the work of art that is each Grand Door. Not only will you be able to see for yourself the master craftsmanship and unquestioned beauty of their collections, but you will be able to run your fingers over the rich and intricate details, savoring the superb quality and rich textures that make every Grand Door a masterpiece. At Grand Doors, they know that variety is the spice of life, and each person’s tastes and needs may be different. That is why they offer the largest selection of doors anywhere in the tri-state area. Their designs range from modern and contemporary to elegant and classical Old World design,
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and everything in between. They feature a wide variety of custom iron, fiberglass and wood doors, as well as a large selection of glass designs including Clear beveled, Rain, Frosted, Reeded and Waterglass. Their custom hand forged iron doors can be made in any size. Not to mention the variety of glass, finish options and weather-stripping. All you need to do is choose from their unlimited designs to accommodate your needs. Despite the huge selection, they recognize that some customers may have a specific idea in mind. If their selections won’t comport with your particular needs, they can create any design that you want. It’s as simple as creating a sketch on paper. Leave the rest to them and they will make your dream door a reality. Their Grand Doors are available in a superb selection of premium grade hardwoods. Their hardwood varieties include: mahogany, cherry, oak, walnut, alder, and many more. Each Grand Door is carefully selected and examined by their expert artisans and then masterfully crafted to ensure that it will withstand both the elements and the test of time. This dedication is the hallmark of everything they do at Grand Doors. From the initial conception of the
design through taking the initial measurements, to the actual installation of your door with all the accompanying hardware, they take the utmost care to ensure that your project is completed with the utmost skill and precision. Their patient and supportive staff will carefully guide you every step of the way, and work in tandem to make sure that your every concern is thoroughly addressed. Their highly experienced and acclaimed installation team is capable of solving even the most complex installation challenges. In addition, they employ their own fleet of trucks and highly professional movers to ensure that your shipment is handled and delivered with the utmost care. At Grand Doors, they pride themselves on their sterling reputation and dedication to both superb craftsmanship and outstanding customer service. You are invited to join the ever-expanding list of satisfied homeowners, architects, and designers who have entrusted their project to Grand Doors. For more information, visit their website at granddoors. com. Better yet, go to their showroom at 1372 39th Street in Brooklyn, NY. 30 INTERIOR NEW YORK I NOVEMBER 2009
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Light Up Your Life 10 Quick Lighting
Tips for Any Room
T
he lighting in a room sets its tone and mood. Think about the horrible fluorescent track lighting that you find in most office buildings, schools, and bureaucratic institutions like the DMV. The lighting in these spaces says, “Stay Alert! Concentrate on What You Are Doing!” and “Whatever You Do, Don’t Fall Asleep!” Your home should be the exact opposite of this. The lighting in your home should be warm, welcoming, inviting, and most of all, comfortable. Luckily, there are a quick and inexpensive ways to make your home a more relaxing and soothing environment through the creative use of lighting. Many of these tips also focus on adding visual interest and depth to your rooms, giving you (as well as visitors to your home) an excuse to look around and enjoy the nuances.
1)
Add dimmer switches to all your overhead light fixtures. Overhead lighting can be harsh, especially at night when you are trying to relax. By simply adding dimmer switches, you can control the amount of light in the room, making it brighter when you are trying to work or read, and darker when you are curled up on the couch watching TV or a movie. Dimmer switches can also help save you money on your electric bill, provided you don’t always keep the lights turned all the way up. 32 INTERIOR NEW YORK I NOVEMBER 2009
2)
Add small, decorative lamps wherever you can. Lamps are a great way to add light and interest to the darker corners of any room. There are small, decorative lamps available in just about any style and configuration you can imagine, from faux Tiffany lamps to psychedelic lava lamps. They can be placed on any flat surface where you have sufficient room, including: end-tables, desks, dressers, nightstands, bookshelves, or tucked into a corner in the kitchen or bathroom. The bathroom is an especially good place for a small lamp, as it can be used as a nightlight or to set the mood for a relaxing bath. (Just be sure to keep it away from water.)
3)
Light up your artwork. There are many kinds of small lights designed to go at the top of framed art, in order to illuminate and draw attention to the piece. These lights can be found at any home center or lighting store. Installing them is as simple as clipping them to the top of the frame and plugging them in. Also, consider installing small lights to any curio cabinet or shelf where you display sculpture, decorative pieces or other collectables. Strip lights can be added to the underside of cabinets, or use small lamps or can lights on shelves where you display knick knacks.
4)
Add up-lights. Up-lights do what the name suggests; they light up, directing the light towards the ceiling. While most other kinds of lighting direct light downwards and outwards, up-
lights add a different dimension to your lighting scheme while providing indirect light that won’t shine in your eyes. Up-lights require almost no installation other than a simple plug-in, and can be used anywhere you want to create a unique affect. Great locations for up-lights include: on the floor behind a potted plant, behind a piece of furniture like a dresser or chest, or on top of a cabinet.
5)
Change your ceiling fixtures. If your ceiling fixtures are tarnished, outdated, or if you simply want a new look, consider replacing them with more modern designs. For a new look and added interest, try a hanging fixture or chandelier. To save money on air conditioning, install a ceiling fan with accompanying lights. Ceiling fans are a must-have in places like the kitchen which can get uncomfortably hot when the oven is in use. They can also help improve your home’s indoor air quality when used in conjunction with open windows.
6)
Change your lamp-shades. Getting new lampshades is a relatively inexpensive way to change the look of any room. The best way to go about finding a new lampshade is to bring the lamp with you to your home center or lighting store so that you can try out the different shades and see what looks best and what will actually fit. Experiment with different sizes, shapes and styles, keeping in mind your room’s existing color scheme and décor.
7)
Get crafty with your lamps. Keeping with the theme of our previous entry, if you can’t find a lampshade that you like then make one yourself. Get a simple white lampshade and decorate it. Use stencils, craft paints or markers to create your own design. For something interesting, use a dark colored fabric and cut out designs which you can then sew or glue onto the lampshade. The designs will create interesting silhouettes on the wall. And speaking of fabrics, you can simply cover your existing shades with a different colored fabric for a new look. For something unique, consider finishing your design with a fringe, braided or beaded edge.
8)
Add strip lights to the underside of cabinets. Thin strip lights are designed to go on the underside of kitchen cabinets, desks, workbenches, or anywhere else you need to light up your workspace. They usually install easily, with nothing 34 INTERIOR NEW YORK I NOVEMBER 2009
but a few screws. You can hide most of the cord by stapling it to the underside of the cabinet (just be sure to install it near an outlet). Under-cabinet lights in the kitchen can also be used as a nightlight when you need to get those midnight snacks!
9)
Install a motion sensor on light fixtures in dark spaces. This is really a safety issue. Dark hallways, staircases, basements and attics can be accidents waiting to happen. Install a motion sensor that will automatically turn the light on when someone opens the door or passes through these areas. For extra home protection, install a motion sensing light outside your home that will go off when a person (or wild animal) gets too close.
10)
Use a combination of different kinds of lighting in each room. Every room in your home should have multiple lighting options. Have a variety of lighting in each room, including: a ceiling fixture (with a dimmer switch), lamps, can lights, up-lights, and even candles. Try your lighting options in various combinations to create the atmosphere you want and add visual interest to any room. NOVEMBER 2009 I INTERIOR NEW YORK
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PHOTO BY CASHMORE FURNITURE CORP.
Practical Home Office Furniture S h o p p in g a n d S el ec ti o n A dv i c e
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ou spend all day and sometimes even half the night in your workspace. Therefore, it should be as comfortable as possible and you might need to learn how to select home office furniture.
Helpful Shopping Tips: Desk C h a i r Of course one of the most important pieces of business equipment used today is the desk chair. It should be as comfortable as can be as this will help preserve your back for the long haul. This is especially true if you remain at the same company for years and years, or even when you own your residential business. Work is work no matter where it is and the desk chair is a very important investment.
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Recommended desk chair models include the ribbed and smooth leather varieties. These are like the typical black swivel ones you see in most offices today. You can choose a variation of one of these, or you can select one made from a mesh material. This is a variety that actually conforms to the body. Sometimes people for some reason prefer a harder shell, though. That is why perhaps they might sit in an Organic Chair all day. However, this one is typically used as a reading chair and not for working behind a desk all day.
Desk Selection Advice The modern day achiever has far different needs than did people of the past. Since many tasks are now computer
generated there is hardly the need for a desk with excess drawers, shelves, or cabinets. Therefore, many of the newest designs are most sufficient. These are the V-shaped or rectangular tabletop varieties. On tops is plenty of room for a computer or laptop as well as elbow room and space for important task papers.
PHOTO BY CASHMORE FURNITURE CORP.
About the Accessories This may be the trickiest part of all. It can also be the most fun part of decorating as it helps you define your space as you. Your personality will usually shine through as you pick items such as abstract paintings, contemporary lamps, or framed photos to place throughout the room. Make sure you choose the right combination of accessories to accentuate your workspace. However, make sure you do not clutter up your desk, book shelves, and walking space with too many unnecessary trinkets. Choosing the right home office furniture is to your advantage. For starters, it will help provide a more professional atmosphere in your place of business. It also helps you have peace of mind that everything is where it should be. Most important the right selection of home office furniture will keep you motivated. Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/furniture-articles/practical-home-office-furniture-shopping-andselection-advice-977989.html
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MIRRORS A FAVORED ACCENTUATION
M
irrors were first introduced as highly polished metals that were round in shape. Due to their scarce supply, they were originally produced no larger than hand-held size. Back in the twelfth century no proper lady left her home without her own small mirror, which came to be a woman’s jewelry of choice, worn on a chain around her waist or neck. Originally, mirrors were produced by placing mercury and tin on the back of pre-cut glass. Justus von Liebig, a German chemist, created an alternate process in the mid 1800’s, whereby he sprayed the backing of reflective-type metals with silver or aluminum, a method still being used today. During the 15th century a group of artisans in Murano, a Venetian island, started production of mirrors, a very profitable industry. The Venetian master craftsmen used a new technique based on glassblowing which was enhanced by the French, who began manufacturing mirrors by pouring glass into cast molds. While the glass was cooling it was flattened with special rollers to achieve its ideal smooth finish. Mirrors have long been used to grace interior living spaces like entryways, mantles and more recently, as furniture facades and accessories. Today one can find mirror styles from ornate and elaborate patterns to modern clean-lined designs, from computer-generated to customized handwork. When hanging a mirror, height and scale of the allocated space should pre-determine its placement. Large, vaulted spaces require larger wall hangings to retain the proportion of the room. However, mirrors can be placed higher or lower than 38 INTERIOR NEW YORK I NOVEMBER 2009
eye level because of its reflective quality. For example, if there are decorative ceiling moldings or large artwork, mirrors can be raised to reflect those accents. Hanging mirrors along the wall of a staircase will open up the space, especially when mixing and matching assorted shapes. To enjoy a beautiful mirror at a low cost, purchase a mirror with simple edging and replace it with an inexpensive frame. To achieve a formal look, flank a gilded mirror with a pair of sconces, hung in perfect symmetry or place two matching candlestick lamps in an entranceway. For a less formal effect substitute the side lighting with contemporary art, personal photos or sculptures. This look can be equally as striking by grouping several smaller mirrors together, preferably in overlapping triangles to achieve a more dramatic effect. Newer home decorating trends dictate a more minimalist approach. Oversized accessories are playing a key role in room decor. Strategically placed large mirrors framed in bamboo and other eco-friendly materials double the size of the space while making a dramatic statement. Mirrors have become integrated in all rooms of the home, not limited to areas used for personal grooming. Kitchens are boasting contemporary designs with chrome finishes and mirrored backsplashes and cabinet facades; libraries that include mirror-backed display shelves; and family rooms that have mirrored plasma TV enclosures. When asking, “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is fairest among them all?” one can best answer this by strategically placing a prized mirror to decoratively reflect a favorite space.
Mirrors have long been used to grace interior living spaces like entryways, mantles and more NOVEMBER 2009 I INTERIOR NEW YORK
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Tile Flooring
An Ideal Choice for Kitchens and Bathrooms
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K
itchens and bathrooms tend to be high-traffic areas with a good deal of moisture. This means that finding an ideal flooring material can be a challenge. But anyone on the market for kitchen or bathroom flooring should rest assured that there are plenty of options available. The durability and versatility of tile make it an ideal choice for these moist environments. Kitchen and bathroom tile is available in a wide variety of styles and materials, so we’ve created this convenient guide to help you decide what material is best for you. CERAMIC tile is probably the most popular choice for both kitchen and bathroom tile on the market today. It is relatively inexpensive, easy to install and maintain, and extremely durable. It is ideal not only for flooring, but for walls, backsplashes, and countertops as well. The popularity of ceramic tile is largely due to the staggering variety of available colors and styles. Ceramic tiles are available, pre-made, in just about every color of the rainbow. They can be installed as a single mass of a solid color, or by combining tiles of different colors to make designs. Ceramic tiles can also be custom made to match a particular color, or to design murals. Custom ceramic murals have become increasingly popular in recent years for use in backsplashes, walls, and even flooring. Hand-painted ceramic
murals are decidedly more expensive than those made from a transfer pattern, but they also tend to have a greater vibrancy and depth of color than their manufactured counterparts. Ceramic tile is formed when talc, clay, and other materials are fired under extremely high temperatures. This firing process means that ceramic tiles can withstand high temperatures, making it a perfect choice for countertops, as it will not be damaged or deformed when hot pots and pans are placed on top of it. The only downside of installing ceramic tiles is that they can crack or chip over time. The good news is that they are easily replaced. In fact, installing ceramic tile is a relatively simple process that just about anyone can handle. Instructions for installing ceramic tile are readily available on the internet. Also, keep in mind that ceramic tile can be slippery when wet. If you have children or elderly members of your family, you may want to opt for ceramic tile flooring with a textured surface. PORCELAIN tile is actually a subtype of ceramic tile. The manufacturing process is similar, but results in an even more durable and damage-resistant product. Like ceramic, porcelain tile is available in a wide variety of styles and colors, and can even be manufactured to mimic the look of stone (due to its similar texture). NOVEMBER 2009 I INTERIOR NEW YORK
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The main drawback of porcelain tile lies in the relative difficulty of its installation. Porcelain tile was originally manufactured for commercial applications because of its strength, but its non-porous nature means that it requires a special compound to set it in place. The installation process is, consequently, ill-suited for homeowners who like do-it-yourself projects, and should really only be handled by professionals. GLASS tile, which was once extremely expensive in a costprohibitive kind of way, has recently become more reasonably priced. It is still best suited for use as an accent, particularly in kitchen backsplashes or on the wall behind the bathtub. A flat, solid color glass tile is by far the least expensive, but these varieties lack the luminescence that makes glass tiles so appealing. Moderately priced tempered glass murals are also available for floor and countertop applications. 44 INTERIOR NEW YORK I NOVEMBER 2009
SLATE tiles are a very popular option for use in both kitchen flooring and countertops. It is really not an ideal choice for the bathroom as it is heavy and may look kind of drab. While slate tile lacks the diversity, in terms of color, of porcelain and ceramic tile, it is available in a wide range of earth toned hues including: gray, brown, black, beige, red blue, green and purple. The multicolored European style is particularly attractive, with streaks of gold and brown over black or dark blue. Slate is generally considered very durable, but as a metamorphic rock it is comprised of layers which can, and may, split or crack over time. GRANITE tiles are similar to slate tiles in that they are decidedly less expensive to purchase than buying the stone in slabs. Like slate, it is also best suited to the kitchen. Used primarily in
flooring and countertops, granite tile rivals porcelain as the most durable substance used in tile manufacturing. Unlike slate, granite is an igneous rock that forms under intense heat in volcanoes, making it practically indestructible. Granite tiles are also easy to install and make great doit-yourself projects. Just be sure to get a tinted grout that will match the color of the stone, or the grout lines may be visible. Also, make sure the grout is properly sealed and re-seal it once a year. Granite is also an excellent choice for countertops because it is one of the easiest surfaces to clean and maintain, requiring nothing more than quick wipe-down. Although granite may not be available in the myriad colors used in ceramic tiles, its multicolored, speckled appearance adds depth and beauty to any surface. MARBLE unsurpassed for its beauty, the whirling patterns and subtle shading of marble make it a much sought after, if expensive, tile option. Unfortunately, the patterns that make it so desirable also make it difficult to match from one tile to the next, and almost impossible to match from one batch of tile to the next. Therefore, marble tile should always be purchased in a single batch, and the designed should be laid out in its entirety before it is installed to ensure that the colors and swirling patterns flow together for a natural effect.
The two biggest drawbacks of marble are its expense and high maintenance requirements. Marble is porous and can readily be etched and stained. This means it is not ideal for countertops, as even a glass carelessly left on the counter could cause a ring to form. It is also permeable by grease, which means it probably shouldn’t be installed too close to the stove. In fact, marble is best suited to the bathroom where its stunning surface can be enjoyed without the worry of much damage. Marble tile is ideal for use in flooring, but even here maintenance is key. Marble should be cleaned regularly and resealed once every six months. Only mild detergents or products designed specifically for marble should be used, and any spills should be cleaned right away to avoid etching and staining. TERRA COTTA is one of the oldest building materials known to man. Originally sun-baked rather than fired in an oven, terra cotta was first produced over two-thousand years ago. Still popular today, terra cotta tiles are generally only available in the traditional reddish-brown, so it’s important to be mindful of how this color may or may not blend with your existing dÊcor. Its rustic, weathered look is most suitable for traditional, old world style kitchens. Terra cotta tiles can be used in flooring, countertops, backsplashes, and walls. They are very durable, but should be NOVEMBER 2009 I INTERIOR NEW YORK
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resealed every six months or so. They also vary widely in quality, so be sure to purchase them only from a knowledgeable and reputable purveyor. TERRAZO unique in its beauty and elegance, terrazzo tile can be fairly expensive. That being said, you may find that it is worth the price. The unique speckled appearance of terrazzo comes from marble chips which are suspended in concrete and then polished to a high-gloss finish. It is available in a wide variety of colors and styles. Although terrazzo can be used in floors, walls, countertops, and backsplashes, it can be slippery when wet, so it may not be an ideal flooring choice for homes inhabited by the elderly or small children. CONCRETE Available only in shades of grey or tan, concrete may not be the most colorful or glamorous tile material, but it is among the most durable. Because the color of concrete tile is subtle, it will blend well with most other building materials, and works well on kitchen floors and countertops. Concrete tile is also ideal for outdoor barbeque and dining areas because it is weather resistant. (It is even resistant to being cracked by hailstones.) However, due to its weight and appearance, it is probably not the best choice for bathrooms. There are two main disadvantages to using concrete tiling.
First, installing concrete tile requires specialized equipment and training, and should therefore be handled by a trained professional. Second, concrete tiles are heavy; you must ensure that the surface you wish to cover can withstand the weight. VINYL/LINOLEUM if you are strapped for cash, you can’t go wrong with vinyl or linoleum tile. Admittedly, vinyl tile is only tile in the broadest sense of the word. It is small, rectangular and used to cover floors and walls, so technically, for our purposes- it is tile. Vinyl tile is a practical solution for those on a tight budget, as well as those with uneven or damaged flooring which might crack other types of tiles. Because it is a manufactured product, vinyl tile is available in the widest array of colors and patterns of any flooring tile. They can be mixed and matched to make practically any design you can think of, and they can also be cut into triangle or diamond shapes for a unique look. Vinyl tile also has the distinct advantage of being particularly easy to clean, although it is susceptible to scuff marks which may or may not come off. One caveat- avoid using vinyl tiles in wet environments, like behind showers or tubs, as moisture will seep in through the seams. Vinyl tile used on the bathroom floor is likewise susceptible to the seepage problem, so you might be better off with linoleum sheeting. NOVEMBER 2009 I INTERIOR NEW YORK
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Get Organized The Dining Room Did you ever notice how time seems to speed up after the summer ends? Maybe it is just because the days get shorter, but the fall seems to fly by and before you know it, it’s the holiday season. I know it may seem like it’s still a bit early to be discussing the holidays, but they are really right around the corner. It’s better to prepare now than to wait until the week before Thanksgiving and be completely overwhelmed by the amount of work you have to do. A little bit of work right now will pay-off in the long term, so now is the perfect time to organize your dining room. First of all, let me begin by acknowledging that, of every room in your home, your dining room is most likely the one that has to do double- or even triple- duty. In addition to being a place to eat meals, your dining room may also serve as a mailroom, an office, an art studio for your children, or all of the above. Most of us simply don’t have enough space to dedicate an entire room to the exclusive purpose of eating food. As a result, our dining rooms can become cluttered with mail, work or school related papers, art supplies, board games, toys, and even laundry. (Personally, I know plenty of people who use the dining room table to fold and/or store laundry.) In some cases, the only time of year the dining room is free of clutter is during those few weeks of the holiday season when people are expecting company. If any of these problems sound familiar, take heart! By taking a few simple steps you can ensure that you will have a clutter-free dining room year round. 48 INTERIOR NEW YORK I NOVEMBER 2009
Begin by making a list of all the activities that the dining room is used for. Your list may be very short or very long, but in either case it’s helpful so that you can begin to think about ways to organize the items in your dining room by activity. Next, take a look around your dining room and get a sense of what storage space is currently available to you. In addition to your dining room table, chances are you’ve got a china cabinet, sideboard, buffet, or some other space that you use to store dinnerware, silver, etc. If you are extremely lucky, maybe you even have a closet. Looking around, you may find that all of your storage space is already occupied. This isn’t really a problem and really is to be expected. If you had enough room for everything it wouldn’t be cluttering up the table. You simply need to make an effort to prioritize. There are probably plenty of items taking up valuable storage space that you seldom, if ever, actually use. You may have entire dining sets that never actually leave the china cabinet. If this is the case, consider getting rid of them. Sell them or give them to charity. If they are family heirlooms, antiques, or items with sentimental value, find some more out of the way space to store them, like the top shelf of a hallway closet or a kitchen cabinet. There is no law saying that all your silverware or flatware must reside in the dining room. So abandon conformity and do what’s right for you. Also, try to store bulky items, like punch bowls and soup tureens, in high or hard-to reach spaces. These items are really only used for parties, and they will be easy enough to get to
when the time comes. If possible, use these larger items to nest other, smaller items. For example, try storing your punch glasses inside the bowl, or nest smaller bowls inside larger ones. Once you have freed-up some space, consolidate the remaining dining items into as few areas as possible. When you are putting things away, put the items that you use the least in the back and work your way forward. Most importantly, try to create a few empty spaces to store the items that normally clutter up your table. This is where your list comes back into play. Take a look at it now and make an effort to create a storage spaces by activity. Put all the board games in one place and all the art supplies in another. If you find that you still need more space, get some decorative pieces that compliment your existing furniture. If you have an overwhelming amount of work-related papers, get a filing box or cabinet that can be stored underneath another piece of furniture or in an unoccupied (and preferably unseen) corner. Get a small decorative box in which to store the mail. Just make sure that the box is small so that you will be forced to go through it when it fills up. Finally and most importantly, learn to stay on top of things. Make a concerted effort to straighten up. If you can’t do it every day you should at least do it every week. Get in the habit of sorting through the mail and your paperwork on a regular basis so it doesn’t get to the point where it overwhelms you. Teach your children to clean up after themselves and put things back where they belong. Just make sure you do the same. NOVEMBER 2009 I INTERIOR NEW YORK
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Choosing the Custom made Rug That’s Right for You. So you’ve selected the upholstery fabric of your dreams, the draperies look fantastic, the walls are exactly the right color, but the room still looks incomplete. What’s the easiest way to pull the room together? With a one-of-a-kind custom rug. Sure, you could run all over looking for the perfect color to co-ordinate with your sofa or walls, but what are the odds of finding exactly what you need? And what if the space calls for a rug that isn’t a perfect 6’ x 9’? Or you need a shape that will accommodate the heating vent on the floor? At this point, you should start considering a custom area rug. The Process When I design rugs, I start by asking a lot of questions. I want to know about the colors that you like—and the ones that you dislike! I take a look at pictures of the furniture, samples of the paint color and fabrics, and the layout of the room. Then I’ll make some suggestions based on this information. I’ll do a few preliminary sketches—80 % of my rugs are oneof-a-kind designs--and pull together some colors. I’ll also ask about the location of the room and the amount of traffic that it gets. For example, if you live in an upper-floor apartment, then people have already walked through the lobby and down the hallway before arriving in your home. Therefore, their shoes are probably pretty clean. If your home has a small vestibule, and people arrive at your living room almost before you know it, then dirty shoes are a real factor. The function of the room—if it’s for sleeping or TV viewing-also helps me decide the rug’s construction type and fiber content. At the next meeting, I refine the design, making changes
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so that all of us are pleased. If possible, this meeting will take place in your home so that I can see what the colors look like in the actual light of the room. Once I have this info, I order a “strike-off,” a small sample that shows the colors that will be used to make the rug. In two to three weeks, the strikeoff arrives, and I’m ready to do the fine tuning: I may change a color or modify the design. If necessary, I order another strikeoff; if everything is fine, then I order the rug, which usually arrives in six to twelve weeks, depending upon its size and complexity. Making the Rug For maximum cleanability, I recommend a hand-tufted rug made of New Zealand wool. When making a hand-tufted rug, an artist draws the pattern in mirror image on a piece of fine monk’s cloth stretched on a frame. Each stitch is added individually according to color. When the tufting is complete, the back of the rug is coated with latex and jute to hold the stitches in place. Then the rug is sheared and carved by hand, and the edges are trimmed using a big pair of scissors. So each rug is made completely by hand, and all of the fibers are natural. A tufted rug is perfect when you want a bold, graphic pattern or more intense color. The thick pile of this type of rug, about ½”, lends itself to carving. And the soft, chemically untreated surface of the rug makes this a great choice for families with young children. More elegant rugs are hand-knotted. This is the technique that is used to make fine Oriental carpets. Each piece of yarn
is tied around a long piece of fiber; the greater the number of knots, the finer and thinner the rug. My rugs range from 40300 knots per square inch. When all of the knots have been added, the edges of the rug are sewn by hand, and the surface is hand-sheared. When designing knotted rugs, I use a wide variety of fibers: wool, silk, hemp, linen—even pashmina. Often I will use two different fibers in the same rug to vary the visual texture of a piece. The vegetable-based dyes used to color the fibers lend a muted, antique look to these rugs. In some cases, I use undyed yarn to create rugs that are especially eco-sensitive. The Result Owning an original work of art—a rug designed exclusively for you-- gives years of pleasure because a well-made, properly cared for custom rug will last a lifetime. If you haven’t yet designed your room, think about starting with the rug, as this is the piece that you will have for the longest time. And if you’re puzzled about how to finish off your existing space, call a rug designer! Article By Barbara Barran, Classic Rug Collection, Inc. 205 E. 60th St. (between 2nd-3rd Aves.) NY, NY 10022 212-832-3338 ph. 888-334-0063 (toll-free) www.classicrug.com
INTERIOR NEW YORK DIRECTORY ACCESSORIES Success Office Products 5120 Ft Hamilton Parkway Brooklyn, NY 11219 718 972-3800 www.4successoffice.com
BATH B & H Home Expressions 728 kings Highway Brooklyn, NY 11223 718 513-3700 www.bhhomeexpressions.com
Aaron’s Decorative Bath & Hardware 421 Rt 59 Monsey, NY 10952 845-352-0123 (Phone) 845-352-0014 (Fax) www.decorativebathhardware.com
Home & Stone 1663 Coney Island Ave Brooklyn, NY 11230 718-787-1000 See ad inside front cover
AIR QUAILTY Rabbit Air 1 888 866 8862 ARCHITECTURE Avalon Designs 5922 18th Ave Brooklyn, NY 11204 718 236-8600 Maviz 718 305-5990 APPLIANCES Drimmers Home Appliance 1608 Coney Island Ave Brooklyn, NY 11230 718 338-3500 www.drimmers.com See ad page 1 S&W Appliance 162 Wallabout St Brooklyn NY 11206 718 387-8660 ART Lynn Russel artthou@earthlink.net Ani Brieger 212-724-0621 Artexpo One Park Ave New York, NY 10016 212-951-6600
BLINDS Monmouth Beach Plantainn Shutters 866 215 4265 732 229 3630 www.mbshutters.com See ad page 29
Bella Window Treatments 800 970 8454
KEA Carpets And Kilims 477 Atlantic Ave Brooklyn, NY 11217 718-222-8087 718-222-8487 www.keacarpetsandkilims.com
Bay Decorators 216 Ave. U Brooklyn NY 11219 718-769-7772 718-769-8338 See ad page 11
CLOSETS Closet Maven 63 Flushing Ave Unit 318 Brooklyn, NY 11205 718 855-0028 www.cmclosets.com
Living Quarters 5926 16th Ave Brooklyn, NY 11204 718 256-4367
Organize It All 718 812-9916 Closets by Portwoordwork 718 832-1714 European Closet & Cabinet 214 49th St Brooklyn, NY 11220 800 640-2567 www.europeancloset.com See ad page 34 DOORS Exclusive Doors 376 Flushing Ave Brooklyn, NY 11205 718 246-2200 www.exclusivedoor.com See ad page 2
www.BellaWindowTreatments.com
Grand Doors 1373 39th St. Brooklyn, NY 11219 718-871-2200 www.GrandDoors.com See ad page 5
CARPET Boro Rug & Carpet 1141 37th St Brooklyn, NY 11218 718 853-3600 www.bororug.com See ad page 25
FABRICS Zarin Fabrics 314 Grand Street New York NY 10002 212-925-6112 www.zarinfabrics.com See ad page 53
Free Shop at Home Service Serving the 5 Boros, New Jersey, Long Island and Westchester Appointments 7 Days a Week
Levi & Sons Oriental Rugs 264 39th Street Brooklyn, NY 11232 718 768-1070 Quality Carpet 214 Ditmas Ave Brooklyn, NY 11218 718 941-4200 www.qualitycarpet.com Renaissance Carpet & Tapestries 200 Lexington Ave, #1006 New York, NY 10016 212-696-0080 800-325-7847 212-696-4248 www.renaissancecarpet.com
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FLOORING TivTov Flooring Warehouse 1572 61st St Brooklyn, NY 11219 718 234-5511 www.tivtovflooring.com FOOD Sushi K Bar 718 871-KBAR (5227) www.sushikbar.com FURNITURE Accentuations By Designs 1501 60th St Brooklyn, NY 11219 718 972-2300 www.accentuationsbydesign.com
Renaissance Custom Interiors 4305 New Utrecht Ave Brooklyn, NY 11219 718 851-3977 Expert Furniture Finishing & Repair 718- 851-0927 Designers Corner 2085 Boston Post Road Larchmont 914 834 9170 www.designerscorneronline.com See ad page 29 S & G Fine Chair Collection 63 Flushing Ave Bldg # 3 Brooklyn, NY 11205 718 522-6500 Cashmore Furniture Corp. 718-491-5577 www.cashmorefurniture.com See ad page 37 Michelangelo Designs 2 Main Avenue Passaic NJ 07055 973-779-3200 By Appointment Only www.michelangelodesigns.com See ad page 9 GLASS Monsey Glass 301-309 Roosevelt Avenue Sprint Valley, NY 10977 854-352-2200 See ad page 23 Leo Kaplan Ltd 114 East 57th St New York, NY 10022 212-249-6766 212-861-2674 INTERIOR DESIGNER Wall Art www.bfvi.us Shomer Shabbos CV Design Associates inc. celiavogeldesign@gmail.com
Joseph A Berkowitz Interiors Inc. 1620 Gerson Dr. Penn Valley, PA 19072 Ph 610-949-0487 www.jabinteriors.com IRON WORK Forever Fence 973.835.3333 www.foreverfenceonline.com See ad page 27 So Ho Iron Art New York 68 Greene ST. New York, NY 10012 212-343-9993
Moda Custom Italian Kitchens 1935 McDonald Ave Brooklyn, NY 11223 718 787-1444
Moulding Classics Plus 6913 New Utrecht Ave Brooklyn, NY 11219 718 236-3566
LIGHTING Aura 1355 60th St Brooklyn, NY 11219 718 972-5400
Sunshine Lighting 744 Clinton St Brooklyn, NY 11231 718 768-7000
JEWLERY Simpson 4922 13th avenue Brooklyn, NY 11219 718 871-0120
Lighting by Design 189 Round Swamp Rd Huntington, NY 11743 631-367-3895 631-367-1015 www.lightbydesign.com
Uniquely Yours Boro Park 11310 48th St Brooklyn NY 718-871.7540
LINEN Elegant Linen by Ben Barber 5719 New Utrecht Ave 718-871-3535 4801 13th Ave 718-972-3535 Brooklyn, NY
Monsey 44 Main St Monsey NY 845.352.5353 See ad page 31 KITCHENS Artistic Kitchen Designs 206 Webster Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11230 800 521-2904 www.artistic-kitchen-designs.com See ad page 41 Brookville Cabinet & Design 119 Spruce St Cedarhurst, NY 11516 516 374-4675 www.brookvillecabinet.com Complete Kitchens 99 Rutledge St Brooklyn, NY 11211 718 782-4010
Crown Millwork 12 Melnick Drive Monsey, NY 10952 845 371-2200
City Lights 2603 Nostrand Ave Brooklyn, Ny 11210 718 252-2237
Brooklyn 1211 50 St. Brooklyn, NY 11219 718-851-5872
Super Stone 87-89 14th St Brooklyn, NY 11215 718 832-1808
Grand Kitchen & Stone 920 3rd Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11232 718 788-8301
LOCKSMITHS TKO LOCKS & DOORS INC. 1 888 TKO KEYS Key Master Locksmith 144 Lee Ave Brooklyn, NY 11211 718 388-1105 Neiman Locksmith 917-577-7796 MOULDINGS Architectural Decorators 102 Foster Ave Brooklyn, NY 11230 718 871-5550
Trim Worx 718 624-6900 See ad page 31 PLUMBING SUPPLY Solco Plumbing Supply, inc. 6916 New Utrecht Ave Brooklyn, NY 11228 413 Liberty Ave Brooklyn, NY 11207
Classic Tile, Inc. 1635 86th St Brooklyn, NY 11214 718 331-2615 30 S. Bridge St. Staten Island, NY 10309 718 967-5700 www.classictileny.com See ad page 45 Custom Tile 4607 16th Ave Brooklyn, NY 11204 718 438-1515 L & T Kitchen Depot 121 11th St Brooklyn, NY 11220 718 492-8282 See ad inside back cover
209 W. 18th St New York, NY 10011 931 Zerega Ave Bronx, NY 10473 Main 718-345-1900
Tile Decor 745 Bedford Ave Brooklyn, NY 11205 718 246-5900 See ad page BC
PLUMBERS Plumber on Call 718-438-7656 SECURITY BSD Home and Personel 10 Pleasant Ridge Rd. New Hempstead, NY 10977 877 273-9114 See ad page 24 STAIRS All American Stairs 130-23 91st Ave Richmond Hill, NY 11418 718 441-8400
Pedulla Ceramic Tile 4906 20th Ave Brooklyn, NY 11204 718 377-7746 Mosaic World 367 flushing ave Brooklyn NY 11205 718-246-9370 718-2462298 See ad page 46 WINDOWS
McDonald Stairs 1013 McDonald Ave Brooklyn, NY 11218 718 436-9714 STONE - TILE Stone & Bath Gallery 856 - 39 St Brooklyn NY 11232 718 438 4500 See ad page 7
Imperial Windows 2009 Avenue U Brooklyn, NY 11229 718 646-4420 See ad page 53
Window Palace 660 McDonald Ave Brooklyn, NY 11218 718 854-3500 See ad page 3
TO BE LISTED NEXT MONTH CALL 718 854 3773 NOVEMBER 2009 I INTERIOR NEW YORK
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NOVEMBER 2009 I INTERIOR NEW YORK
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