ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE .... A GUIDE

There have been many times in my career that I have been complimented on how organized I am. I’m lucky, this comes very naturally to me. It is part of my DNA. I have always been like this. I also have been asked many times for advice on how to be more organized.

This is what I know for sure:

It is very hard to be successful in any career without being organized.

What’s the sense of spending money on your beautiful sanctuary if you can’t see it because it’s a mess?

Organization clears your mind and relieves stress. Being organized saves plenty of time in the long run!

You will be a happier person if you can stay organized. it is very calming…

Autumn, especially this one, where a lot of people are staying at home because of Covid 19, is the perfect time to start.

I will try and suggest a few strategies.

-Make organization a priority, and a new way of life. It takes time, but it is well worth it!

-Start by throwing out (or donating) everything that is non-essential, everything you don’t love or you haven’t needed in two years. You have to understand that no one can be organized if they don’t get rid of stuff.

-Try to only buy new things that you really need or love. Only the essentials!

-Start with simple things like the minute you get out of bed in the morning, make your bed.

-Do not throw your clothes on a chair (or worse) … hang them up immediately

-The key is to never touch anything twice. If you are touching it… JUST PUT IT AWAY.

-I cannot concentrate until my desk is cleaned up. I always leave my desk organized so when I sit down the next day, it is clean. Same with my kitchen.

-Get an old fashioned paper calendar, tape it to the inside of your kitchen cabinet door. Every appointment goes here and on the other calendar on your desk. Then load appointments into your phone calendar. You will never forget an appointment again!

-Make LISTS!!!! (Probably my best advice) Use a steno pad. Every list should be on this ONE pad, keep this pad in one place.

-Once you make this a constant, it will become a habit, you won’t even have to think about it. You won’t be wasting precious hours looking for things you can’t find. Everything must have its own place…a home!

Many people have told me that they find starting this new process very overwhelming! I have the answer to that …

Instead of buying more things you don’t need, hire a professional organizer. It is well worth the splurge, he or she will get you started. You will be on your way to your new less stressful, happier more organized life!

It is never too late!

Please let me know if this BLOG has been helpful :)

A FASHION FORWARD NEW INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECT IN CHELSEA FOR THE NEW FALL SEASON

I love talking about some of my favorite interior design projects.  I just completed a new one in Chelsea, a lovely,  storied NYC neighborhood with a decent amount of newly constructed or adapted modern residences, like this one. What makes this one different from most is that the elevator opens right into the apartment. This fun project for a fantastic client took about a year from start to finish.

This space was conceived for a family with two young children. The only initial directives were to design a welcoming entry with a "wow factor" to set the tone and to transform what was a somewhat boring living / dining room into a cool, colorful, and comfortable space for the whole family and guests to enjoy. 

There are a lot of musicians in this family, the custom wall unit was built to house 5 guitars in addition to a television and bar. In the end, the piano was the only piece left over from the old space. I'm thrilled that this charming musical family is as happy as I am with the outcome of their new open living area! 

The elevator entrance opens to a warm welcome. Lush, textural eggplant hued suede wallcovering was applied to the main entry wall to make the sconces and painting pop. An impossibly soft faux fur covered custom New York Interior Design bench provide…

The elevator entrance opens to a warm welcome. Lush, textural eggplant hued suede wallcovering was applied to the main entry wall to make the sconces and painting pop. An impossibly soft faux fur covered custom New York Interior Design bench provides the posh perch to take off snow boots or put on a pair of perfect pumps. 

A custom designed glass tile mosaic at the end of the hallway makes this entry sparkle and feel visually larger.

A custom designed glass tile mosaic at the end of the hallway makes this entry sparkle and feel visually larger.

Everything in this living/dining area was designed with the clients in mind. From the bold floral wallpaper (which inspired the entire space) to soft mohair seating and inviting ombre stripes, color & geometric shapes abound. 

Everything in this living/dining area was designed with the clients in mind. From the bold floral wallpaper (which inspired the entire space) to soft mohair seating and inviting ombre stripes, color & geometric shapes abound. 

With an iridescent pendant chandelier lighting the way with bold pattern and color , dinners will never be boring! 

With an iridescent pendant chandelier lighting the way with bold pattern and color , dinners will never be boring! 

This wall unit was custom built to fit some amazing musical instruments. We included a mirrored bar to house family heirloom glassware and some antiques from travels around the globe. 

This wall unit was custom built to fit some amazing musical instruments. We included a mirrored bar to house family heirloom glassware and some antiques from travels around the globe. 

Precious Heirlooms and favorite drinks sparkle against these glass shelves. Hammered metal pulls add the finishing touch .

Precious Heirlooms and favorite drinks sparkle against these glass shelves. Hammered metal pulls add the finishing touch .

Color, pattern and metal tones are repeated around the room. Different shapes and scale are used to keep the visual momentum going. 

Color, pattern and metal tones are repeated around the room. Different shapes and scale are used to keep the visual momentum going. 

This snake skin and metal vintage glass side table along with fresh crabtree branches add color and texture.  

This snake skin and metal vintage glass side table along with fresh crabtree branches add color and texture.  

There is nothing like fresh Dahlias to bring color and life to a room. These beauties pull in tones from the floral wallpaper.

There is nothing like fresh Dahlias to bring color and life to a room. These beauties pull in tones from the floral wallpaper.

 

 

 

 

Designing In Stages For a Growing Family

 
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This NYC Penthouse apartment in the Chelsea Mercantile building was renovated and decorated over a few years time.  My clients wanted a beautiful space to raise their two small children.  The apartment had to be practical for this young family and their dog. The caveat? They still wanted a cool downtown vibe. 

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THE OPEN LIVING + DINING AREA

The first order of business was redesigning the lighting scheme in the living room and updating and redecorating the existing open living room and dining area. We revamped the lighting by employing two lighting fixtures as the main focal points - a huge contemporary chandelier in the main living room and one simple, yet sophisticated, pendant over the dining table. Then we added cove lighting around the perimeter of the room. We sheathed the walls in a very textural metallic grasscloth. The fireplace mantle was custom designed by New York Interior Design and completely reconstructed utilizing a Carrara marble. The drapery panels add a finishing touch to the space,  rich color and pattern, and a frame around the incredible view.

The dining area came next. We custom made the marble slab dining table. Then we added visual dimension and reflection of the view with an asymmetrical mirror.

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THE MASTER BEDROOM

The most challenging aspect of this project came when the new baby was on its way, and we reconfigured a tiny nursery out of a pretty large master bedroom closet. The master bedroom itself was redesigned to be an urban sanctuary that's just a bit sexy. Mixing lush textiles, contemporary patterns, and a soothing palette created the perfect vibe - playful and inviting, yet all grown up. Carefully designed built-ins lining the master bedroom maximized space and gave my clients back their closet. Keeping with the glamorous feel, the floor to ceiling built-ins were topped with dramatic crown moulding and jewelry-like hardware.

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THE BATH

The following year it was time for a gut renovation of the bathroom. This bathroom is for both the kids and guests. The bathtub was banished in favor of a custom shower. The huge faux carrara marble tiles (a dream to maintain) coordinate and lend continuity with the other marbles in the apartment. We gave the clients a flexible, family-friendly bath with a clean modern look and the luxe glam sensibility they wanted. 

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THE KITCHEN

Lastly, it was time for the major gut renovation of the kitchen. This new eat-in kitchen design was all about the gorgeous Arabescato Vagli marble, as well as the new tufted custom banquette. The cabinets were custom designed in a charcoal gray color to both enhance and compliment the marble. The crystal lighting on the banquette wall was meant to give the room a little bling. Beyond the beauty, optimizing storage and work space is always a must in NYC kitchens, and this one was designed for the challenges of a busy urban family. Now both children and parents are comfortable and happy in their newly redesigned apartment in the sky! 

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Photo Credit: Beckerman Photography

RENOVATION, MODERNIZATION, RESTORATION...

 I recently was lucky enough to be asked to help renovate a house built 100 years ago in the town of Kensington, Great Neck, NY. The complete renovation consisted of 2 fireplaces, all wood floors, the powder room, main staircase, kitchen , master bath, a kids bathroom and an attic bath.  This project took 8 months to complete. I am happy to report that the homeowner is over joyed with the finished product ! Please see some amazing before and after photos... 

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