Prospective project goes from size 10 - 1

Its been at least one week since the space was to be closed on and the project should have begun already. However; its not a perfect world and in this case, the landlord and the leasee couldnt agree on operation hours and renovation accomodations. As a result; the client decided not to rent the extra large space and in fact , she will rent the space as listed above which looks more like a room. My intentions were to walk you through the design process step by step of a project of a specific size. I will continue to do so but as you can see not with this particular project. Real Estate and Construction never really seems to go as planned. I would take that as the first lesson to learn. For example, if your looking to purchase a home, the bank more than likely will screw up the loan package at least two times before actually getiing it right and taking the purchase to a close. Also, in construction; the contractor will tell you he can begin on X date and guarantee to be completed by  X date. 9  x out of 10 this predicion is false. There are always exceptions to the expected start and completion date. Remember this because it is a guaranteed fact and knowing this can prevent you from having an anxiety attack.

I am currently working on a project which involves, designing and building a commercial space located in the Chelsea area of Manhattan. I plan to give you a sneak peak of how I implement a vision to reality effect from start to finish in approximately 3 weeks. We plan to build the laser spa downstairs beneath a very high end hair salon. It is  prime space and location at that.  So today I went to take measurements and to evaluate the area of subject. You are looking at the entrance from the street view.

This is a very large salon servicing top notch clients. 

A balcony is located above the kitchen area which houses a private boutique to accommodate celebrities who require additional assistance and privacy. Accommodations such as a personal assistant to take your calls, schedule your appointments and run errands for you while you get styled. The boutique is equipped with everything you can possibly ask for while being pampered and getting dolled up. I took this pic to get a feel of the space from an elevated aspect.

And here is the basement space where we plan to extend services to Light Touch Laser professionals.

As you can see, allot of work is required in order to give this space the ambiance it is intended for.

We have two extra large windows for fresh ventilation but more than likely it will be sealed to house central air and to maintain the climate. These ceilings are 15ft high and minus the exposed pipes, once they are covered we will be working with about 12 1/2 " on floor to ceiling workspace. I'm still planning, I don't have much time since I was just hired 3 days ago.

Above you have the proposed structural plan, You need sketches to give the contractor an idea of what your plan is. The closer you get to having an actual work area the better it is in order to prevent unexpected additional charges later on. This is basically just a rough sketch. An actual scope of work will be added once the design has been finalized.

Glass, Glass & More Glass

This combination of Mosaic and glass cut tiles isnt the easiest design to put together. However; this designer did a great job of accomplishing it.

Glass blends are used best in a room that is very neutral but could use a little creativity.

Marble & Stiletto tiles meet hand in hand with this beautiful peace of work.

Cashmere Roku, is a Beige glass, cut in a subway style and looks great as a backsplash or on a bathroom wall behind a vanity or in a shower.

I am personally in love with stilleto style glass mosaics. I can find a perfect fit for this anywhere in a home.

Glass is always a favorite for individuals looking to upgrade. Its trendy, it sparkles and it opens up a space that might feel stuffy or closed in. 

Designer Concepts

Oriental, Zen or Feng Shui

This is lovely, from the scenery you can easily see that this resident doesnt like clutter or bulky furniture for that matter. Keeping a space open is always makes a room feel fresh.

Although , this space is soft and open; it serves as a great family room. There is plenty of light and storage space hidden within wall niches and furniture. If you have really high ceilings, you can always add low lying furninture thats to make your space appear to be more grand.

It doesnt take much talent to add furniture of this quality in a kitchen.

No matter where the kitchen is located, this laquered cabinetry, sub -zeros and porcelain floors are sure to give it a boost. The crafty creativity comes at the entryway to the kitchen. The tiles walls with sculpted sheet rock is amazing!

Not your average bedroom. Absolutley additional furninture aside from the bed and accessories.

The is ultimate in the style of ZEN. 

It requires alot of technique to put together soo many colors, materials in a awkward space such as this but this deisgner played no games. I actually love that the ceilings have plumbing pipes that were originally exposed. Instead of dropping the ceiling and doing the normal recessed lighting. This designer used screens to decorate the already existing fixtures and make them work in the favor of the design. Excellent!

If you are looking to upgrade your bathroom and have the bucks to do a 360 turn around, this look is very Zen and modern. The freestanding sink with square sink will get you started with fixtures. The accent wall was updated using a warm mixed earthy and green glass tile that can be added to the accent wall along with the inside of tub or shower area.

Here is a look that will never grow old. The designer used a terracotta 4x4 tile on top and a 8x8 tile on the bottom. All fixtures are recessed behind the wall to open up the space and leave the floor free to move about. A marble glazed vesel sink of any warm color can be used in this case the designer designer a caramel color.

If you have the space pedestal sinks still hold merit and can visually enhance any bathroom. This look is very affordable. The ceramic silver and grey large tile on the accent wall to implement style and flat medicine cabinets are great when you prefer not to see ugly side panels.

Glass is an all time favorite, these stiletto type cuts can be installed horizontally or vertically in the shower and  on the outter wall where a vanity may exist. Adding a bench is great if you require seating in a bathroom that only has a shower and what better material to use than a marble carrera.

Again, a super small bathroom can be upgraded with a luxurious carrerra and glass simply added to the accent wall. When space is an issue, I would always suggest recessing fixtures such as faucets, vanity and medicine cabinets.

My Design Concepts

As you can see this is not your typical hallway. This room required alot of details. I used a soft lavender on the walls, with a bright decoraters white for the molding. Engineered wood planks throughout the entire apartment 5000sqft. The two columns are originally solid beams which we wrapped with marble. The hanging chandeliers were necessary along with the wall sconces because the hallway  was so long and ceiling was so high, average lighting just wasnt enough. Although, this project was very high end; this look can be created at a very affordable price.

This client really liked Purple as you can see, this is the same color used in the photo above but when its matched with neutral colored furniture makes it work wonders.

This is the view from the front door.

Just completed the marble walls throughout the bathroom from wall to wall.

West Side apartment view of the Hudson River from the terrace.

Home for the Holidays

As the Holidays are approaching, if we havent already started decorating; its best we do. I found some pretty interesting items while I was out today and believe it or not, they were all at least $10 and under.

 Teardrop Wreath is not uncommon but for some it may appear to be unusual. It is intended to be dressed the same way we would a circular wreath  and makes a very nice accent decoration to the home for the chiristmas holiday.

If you have a girl-y girl who knows what she wants and loves animal print, this is sure to put a smile on her face. It's small and cute but also comes in a variety of prints such as Zebra, Cow & our all time favorite Cheetah!  Rrroooarrr

I'm a candle lover, when all the lights are out, a little scented candle burning, glass of wine and some holiday music; puts me in the holiday spirit. This is a trio of lanterns retails about $9.00 and can hang from a ceiling when properly attached.

When I walk in to a home on the holidays, I like feel the festive-ness. This entryway mat is nice and the quality wasnt so bad either. I would give it two christmas's and after that; replace it but for the price its a definitely for purchase today.

 Dressing the table is an all time American Tradition. When you add napkin rings to your bautifully dressed table, your guests will know that you have class.

I couldnt believe my eyes when I saw these chair covers in a variety of festive colors. The quality was pretty good and when the bow was tied properly, it was the finishing touch of a well dressed dining room.

 

Stocking Stuffers are awesome, especially when you allow children to cheat before christmas day. Get rid of the coasters and random household items you normally use and hang stocking and try these stocking holders. They are made of metal and they also come in a wide range of styles.

Red isnt my favorite color but I can definitely add some spice to a room. I found this wood crafted Wreath that is carved into red roses, Yes I said it wood. I would  assume the  wood is a MDF particle board type but hey,  it's just for Decor

If you family size is enormous and you dont have the time for long dress-up's. I would suggest you try a decorative table runner. This one is of white silvery snowflake's and is made of vynl.

When you celebrate the holidays every year at home and when that time comes you are constantly lookin for new ways to decorate; something like a monogram stocking is an item you can get for everyone and use them for years to come.

Accents such as placements are essential and I found this one for $5ea. See how it has a soft but warm blend of colors. Feel free to pop some red or green China on top of this and I guarantee you would love the outcome.

The colors red, green & yellow are all associated with Thanksgiving & Christmas. Why not try adding some faux flowers in a glass vase to show that you have the holiday spirit.

Mixing Architecture and Design

I discovered this hotel in Cancun mexico this year 2011. This is the Hyatt Regency Resort located directly on the beach.  The architect used a very complicated strictural plan to create this building. The technique used by architecture took some serious planning and knowlege of how to sculpt cement. I admire his art and creativity.

Stunning Spaces

The designer of the Gansevoort Hotel in South Beach Miami expresses an enormous compliation of warm colors mixed with lous colors to create this very Zen ambiance. I cant wait to implement this style in an apartment of someone who lives life to the fullest.