Designing a home is always personal but especially so when I know I’m going to be living in it. I wanted to create an urban oasis. A place to escape without having to leave the city. Building this compound was a challenge because I wanted it to feel both spacious and intimate at the same time.
The open concept of the kitchen/family room/dining room makes it the perfect place centerpiece for a family meals or to host impromptu game nights with friends.
I believe every room should tell a story.
When I was younger my best friend lived in an old New York tenement building in the village. Her apartment was so small that her bathtub was in the kitchen. And yet, there was something so romantic about it. I could imagine Kerouac or Ginsberg soaking while writing poems that changed a generation, or Dylan or Janis Joplin sipping wine and thinking of the hook for their next hit. I try to put bathtubs in every house I build. There is a nostalgia - for a time before I was born but also for my own childhood and even for my son’s childhood.
Master Bathroon - from the vintage light fixtures to the custom iron shower doors to the geometric floor tiles, my concept was to design a sanctuary that evokes peace, elegance and pampering. Getting up at 6 am to start your day isn’t so bad when it starts in here. It’s one of my favorite rooms in the house.
Love the brass detail on this vintage inspired bar cart. It reminds me of the coveted “love” bracelet by Cartier.
When building the “stone room” I knew I’d want to add warmth by incorporating lots of leather, brass, layered rugs and, of course, my favorite little furry friend.
Archway accents create soft transitions between room.
When I was building this kitchen I had the story of Pinocchio in my head. I used to read it to my son when he was little and I always loved the part when they were inside the whale - I know it is the scary part in the book but I always thought it seemed like such a cool space to be in. And so I mimicked the whale’s rib cage on the ceiling and added nautical details around the room. There is something very cozy about this kitchen and as a result we probably spend the most time in here.
The infinity island is my favorite accent for a large kitchen.
My favorite escape is the cozy Moroccan screening room. I fell in love with a gorgeous panel of wood I found and then had an artisan hand carve the other walls to match it. I filled in the spaces with burlap and Moroccan light fixtures to create the perfect sanctuary. Layered woven rugs and comfy leather chairs make it hard to not have movie night every night.
I put fireplaces in all the bedrooms when I’m creating a home and add outdoor fire elements wherever I can. They lend themselves perfectly to cozy moments with friends and family and honestly, the glow just makes everything look better. Also... s’mores!
The pool house doubles as a casita, complete with a kitchenette.
I built this deck off of the office and it’s the perfect hidden getaway with its custom fireplace and tiled floors.
The property consists of four structures, a pool, a hot tub and a skate park!
When designing a gaming nook, I like to make sure my opponent knows who’s queen of the ping pong table!
Handwoven Moroccan rugs make everything cozier.