Category: Interior Design

Basements are usually the last room in the house homeowners take care of.  They are usually designated for storage or laundry areas; I’m guilty of the last one.  In our previous home, we kept the laundry in the basement permanently.  Nonetheless, real estate market experts say that finishing a basement in your home is one of the home improvements that offer a better return on investment than even adding square footage.  ” The amount of return is directly proportional to the grade of materials. When finishing a basement, for instance, wall-to-wall carpeting and drywall will bring a lot more than cheap paneling and a drop-in ceiling.” Elle Decor

basement conversion, chic basement design

Photo by Bruce Buck via AD

Basement conversions have become very popular in recent years, providing an in-home expansion opportunity for properties that are unsuited to the more conventional attic conversion.  This is a practice that seems set to continue, as more and more people become aware of how practical and genuinely pleasant a basement conversion can be.

Read More…

Michael S Smith design Zuber wallpaper
glamorous bedroom, Michael S Smith design Zuber wallpaper

The canopy bed is custom-made by Carole Gratale.

This glamorous bedroom designed by Michael S. Smith, one of my favorite designers, is a product of a long-term relationship between clients and Interior Designer.  Smith has designed more than 12 residences for the homeowners in the span of 25 years.  After a five year long renovation, which involved joining two previously separate apartments, the result is a beauty in every form with a mixture of refined old world and modernity.  The interior design in the bedroom, as well as in the rest of the house is out of the box and without matchy-matchy.  “ There are many high points, but not everything is at full volume.  Overall, the apartment is serene and quiet, not jumpy.” Michael S. Smith.  You can see the rest of this spectacular home at Architectural Digest.

Read More…

small space decorating ideas

Living comfortably within a limited amount of space may seem like a challenge.  However, you can make the most of small spaces in your home or apartment by knowing what decorating strategies to use.  These small space decorating ideas can make any tiny apartment or small house look and feel more spacious and comfortable.

small space decorating ideas

Small Space Decorating Tips

Read More…

Nina Flohr canopy bed by Veere Grenney

nina flohr custom sofa by Veere grenney

When I included a beautiful master bedroom with a canopy bed in my post yesterday, I knew I was going to post the rest of the house today.  The London townhouse belongs to Nina Flohr and was designed by Veere Greeney.  The home is an excellent interpretation of transitional design, contemporary but clearly rooted in classic Interior Design.  I love that this home feels as if it was enveloped in coziness with just the right amount of glam or what I like to call a livable glamour.  A touch of lamour is there enough to add some twinkle but it wont overwhelm you and you wont get tired of it.  The townhouse once belonged to Nina’s father, Thomas Flohr the founder of VistaJet, an aviation company.  Most recently Nina Flohr founded the non-profit Kisawa Sanctuary in Mozambique where she will soon also develop a hotel. The townhouse is featured in this month’s AD where you can read more about it.

Nina Flohr living room designed by Veere Greeney

The elegant decor in the living room with a monochromatic pallete of dark mustard, yellows and green.  Color in Interiors are coming back as I reffered to in this post about Design Trends For Fall 2018.

Read More…

Interior design trends change like the seasons, and every year there is a shift in what is popular.  Popular lately is the use of traditional Interior Design elements, like mahogany furniture, Chinoiserie wallpaper, and colored kitchen cabinets. With that being said, let’s take a closer look at some of these traditional elements, and why they continue to be popular.

Traditional Interior Design Elements

6 Traditional Interior Design Elements on the Rise

Read More…

Buckingham Palace: The Interiors

I get super excited this time of year when the most anticipated Interior Design books are released.  As much as I enjoy Instagram and Pinterest, both good sources of inspiration and entertainment, nothing can compare to the full experience of holding, touching and reading a book.  Actually, the cold season is indeed the perfect time to enjoy a good book while cuddling up by the fire.  These inspirational volumes, published by Vendome and Rizzoli, are full of major ideas, and above all exclusivity, since most of the images you’ll find in these books have not been seen before.  Here are my 6 Interior Design books to read In 2018 that every design aficionado should add to her/his library.

Interior design books to read, Suzanne Kasler Sophisticated Simplicity

Read More…