Pattern and Punch
Posted by Cynthia | Filed under Musings
Interior Designer Kelly Behun, with artist Alex P. White, has curated a bold new exhibit at R 20th Century Gallery in NYC titled After. Known for her work with high powered clients such as Rupert and Wendi Murdoch and Ian Schrager, the show includes limited-edition pieces from Kelly Behun Studio as well as work from seven additional artists. ‘Generally drawn to strong shapes and clean, almost architectural lines’, Ms. Behun brings a strong history of collaboration with artists to this new show. The installation is beautifully composed; a dynamic display of pattern, varied scale and graphic imagery. Presenting a monochromatic palette, one can feel the energy and visual punch almost jump off the page of the photography of the exhibited work.
The resultant outcome of the project is Kelly Behun Studio’s introduction of a custom furniture collection. This is only the beginning. I look forward to seeing the promised work that is yet to come.
Images and excerpt sourced at modernluxury.com and r20thcentury.com.
Tags: Alex P. White, architecture, Art Gallery, artist collaboration, interior design, Kelly Behun, Modernism, NYC, pattern, R 20th Centry Gallery
Roman and Williams
Posted by Cynthia | Filed under Musings
With a prestigious NYC project list including The Ace Hotel, renovation of the Royalton Hotel and Standard Hotel, I thought it time to look into the private realm of the Architecture firm of Roman and Williams. As expected, the firms office self titled “The Center for the Study of Good Things”, is good indeed. Built in 2004, the 4,000 sf space is an eclectic mix, reflecting their design sensibilities, which aim to create “tension between spontaneity and rigor, refinement and rebellion, high and low, and past and future.” I love the refined industrial feel. Simplicity and clarity, paired with the warmth offered in weathered material. Inherent in these found objets are their dings and scuffs, which convey the story of their journey. The result is comfortable and inviting. If you look closely, the color palette is restrained and neutral. Wood, metal, and black painted accents create a no frills environment full of character. What a wonderful place to come to explore creativity everyday.
Tags: ACE Hotel, architecture, Industrial design, interior design, Modernism, NYC, Offce, Roman and Williams, Royalton, Standard Hotel
Manhattan Water Tank Cottage
Posted by Cynthia | Filed under House Tours, Musings
Ok. Now this is the life! New York City Rooftop living in a converted water tower. Too good to be true? Modern and state of the art, this two bedroom, pre-war condominium residence designed by Messana O’Rorke Architects in the heart of Greenwich Village’s Gold Coast is gorgeous. A dose of ingenuity, the water tower sits above and functions as a separate rooftop cottage. Although the footprint isn’t large, with the water tower’s 24′ ceilings, this condo has all the expected luxuries, including a chefs kitchen, spa bathroom, and that to-die-for manhattan outdoor space. Take a peek at this gem, and let me know what you think?
Images and excerpts sourced here.
Tags: architecture, Converted Water Tower, interior design, Messana O'Rorke Architects, NYC, Water Tower
Elizabeth Roberts
Posted by Cynthia | Filed under Inspiration, Musings
Elizabeth Roberts is a NYC designer, who renovated a beautiful Brooklyn brownstone in Clinton Hill. I recently saw the home published, and was immediately taken back to the spirit of place, and to the wonderful years I lived in the hood. It seems Elizabeth and I share a design philosophy and approach. Her home is an exercise in simplicity and restraint. Absence of color, with the exception of that present in functional objects found in their inherent texture and pattern. The space is white and bright, with depth and contrast grounding the environment with deep chocolate oak floors. The furnishings are modern with clean lines, yet there is respect for the historic qualities and embellishment of the architecture of the built space. The fireplace surround, and beautiful millwork, such as the front entry door, are a beautiful example of how historic detail as a backdrop to modern furnishings can create a rich and eclectic environment.
“The Clinton Hill Residence is an Italianate brownstone located in Brooklyn, NY. The building was constructed in 1866. Today the 5 story building is broken into a 2-family residence – with a 2 bedroom rental unit at the garden level and a 6 bedroom single-family residence occupying the top 4 floors. Before the renovation the house was in a state of disrepair and had been converted into a 6-kitchen SRO. The only remaining historic detail was the original wood staircase, several marble mantles, parquet oak floors and some of the original plaster ceiling molding. During the renovation the house was completely transformed with 4.5 new bathrooms and 2 new kitchens in locations where bathrooms and kitchens did not previously exist. The mechanicals of the building were replaced and the house now has a high-efficiency gas boiler supplying radiator heat throughout the house”. elizabethroberts.com
Thank you Elizabeth, for this breath of fresh air.
All images courtesy of the designer’s website.
Tags: Brooklyn, Brownstone, Clinton Hill, Elizabeth Roberts, FLOR, interior design, NYC, Rennovation
Dekalb Market
Posted by Cynthia | Filed under Inspiration, Musings
Dekalb market opened on July 23rd in downtown Brooklyn. This is right up my alley. An expression of community, without pretense. Each vendor space is set up in a repurposed shipping container. Currently, there are 22 local companies, including cafes restaurants, retail outlets, as well as a Brooklyn community based internet radio station. This venture supports a spirit of entrepreneurship, creating opportunity for independent start-ups to share their wares. It creates a place for gathering in the neighborhood, on a previously vacant lot. The simplicity of form and non permanence of the shipping container shell, offers shelter and security for its contents, yet communicates a sense of freedom from the expected. The way I see it, this important architectural solution opens the eyes and minds of visitors to look within for the meaning of their visit, rich with creativity and passion for the artists craft.
Dekalb Market is a joint venture of Urban Space, and Youngwoo & Associates. “On the former site of the Albee Square shopping center between Willoughby and Fulton Streets, the containers are stacked two-high to form a gateway, and they drop to one story along the perimeter of the one-acre lot, which also accommodates a temporary weekend fair. The container vendors include a diverse mix of established and start-up companies, like Robicelli’s cupcakes and Cuzin’s Duzin doughnuts. The vendors each leased their new hubs for one year and could individualize the container interiors”. the architects newspaper This concept is based on Urban Space markets in England, and more are planned for the U.S. Looking forward to it!
Image 1 dekalb market website,
Image 2 and resource found here.
Tags: architecture, Brooklyn, Dekalb market, design, FLOR, market, NYC
