Virtus Design

Nov 2016

My design goal was to return the one bedroom apartment to its original pre-war aesthetic. The building was built in 1928 and has lovely thick plaster walls and beamed ceilings. The apartment faces the back and is very calm and quiet. When the client bought the apartment, almost 20 years ago, the living room had been painted a very dark bottle green. Extensive deep built-ins took up space and completely engulfed the fireplace—making it impossible to lay a fire! I removed all that millwork to open the room thereby revealing original brick fireplace which unfortunately was too heavy and rustic. We found a wonderful limestone chimney piece at Mrs. Asta which brightens the room and serves as a focal point. Gracie wallpaper adds timeless glamour to the space. I also had the client's furniture recovered with fabric from Kravet and selected lamps and accessories to reflect her taste and preferences. The white console table, from Resource Furniture, extends to seat 10 people! Pillows covered with Fortuny fabric add a touch of color and luxury. The client was brought up in a very design oriented home—she slept in Rose Cumming’s bed! Her mother is also a very talented decorator as well as a decorative painter. It is she who painted the delicate Redouté grisé flowers on the office millwork as well as the trompe l’oeil painting on the front door All the windows were replaced and the surrounds detailed as they would have been in 1928. I redesigned the kitchen and bedroom —both in desperate need of renovation. The bathroom was executed with materials which may have been used in 1928 opening and brightening the space. The kitchen needed a complete renovation as well. We were able to use wonderful apartment size appliances and custom cabinetry. The mosaic floor extends into the entry foyer. The final result is a very personal expression using the clients furniture, paintings, and objects. It was a very pleasurable collaboration between designer and client.

$350k

New York, NY

Nov 2014

In this total renovation project we put a particular focus on the redesign of the kitchen, enlarging the bathroom, and the reconfiguration of all the spaces for optimal usage and better overall flow.

$385k

New York, NY

Nov 2014

This was a typical pre-war apartment with acanthus leaf moldings and chair rails. There were two full bathrooms which were dark and dated. The kitchen was also dark with builder's cabinets. The floors were in excellent condition. The highlight of the renovation of this Upper West Side pre-war apartment was the unique solution of providing access to the shower from both the Master Bath and the Guest Bath. By reconfiguring a hallway and Master Bedroom closets, we were able to create a new walk-in closet within the new Master Bath. Antiquated moldings were removed and replaced for a cleaner look. The existing floors were refinished and the apartment was painted in soothing earth tones to highlight the client's art collection.

$300k

New York, NY

May 2014

Complete gut renovation to custom tailor the house for an active family of 4. Additions included a 5th floor gym and roof deck garden complete with an outdoor TV, an outdoor backyard garden and Crestron whole house automation operated by iPads.

$2m

New York, NY

Oct 2011

Combining two apartments in an early 20th century department store-turned condo, we unified the existing spaces to create an appealing flow and a new dialogue between the rooms. We conceived a dramatic entry to set a distinctive tone for this residence. The entry opens into an expansive living area, which balances a large bay window with the clients striking collection of Indonesian art. The bathrooms and kitchen express sophisticated simplicity, with elegant materials and neutral colors. With sensitivity to its location in the heart of the city, we have created an oasis that is both calm and luxurious.

$400k

New York, NY

Nov 2010

We created distinct spaces for an artists studio and living area within this Chelsea loft. With clean lines, gallery lighting, and hidden doors and hardware, the apartment becomes a serene backdrop for the clients art and mineral collections. Innovative fenestration brings natural light into all areas of this residence. The elegant and contemporary bathrooms and cooks kitchen reinforce the overall coherence of this home, without sacrificing practicality.

$350k

New York, NY

Oct 2007

In this elegant 1905 townhouse, we united 3 separate floors to create one majestic residence. In keeping with the Beaux Arts style, we created unique spaces: a refined staircase, an inviting & high tech projection room and a chic wine cellar in the basement. We also incorporated a new HVAC system, updated the lighting and audio/visual systems throughout the house, in order to create a seamless blend of traditional and contemporary design. Leather floors, custom plaster work and scrupulous architectural details result in a harmonious environment, a polished ensemble only reinforced by the art collection.

$800k

New York, NY

Oct 2016

The client purchased a 1930s classic colonial revival country house that needed renovating. Mechanicals were replaced and the entire structure was brought up-to-date. The spirit of the house and its time were retained in a pristine setting.

Millbrook, NY