When I see inspiring things in the world or online, I stand up. Quite literally, I pop out of my seat and, only because I'm curious to read more, sit back down.
'Making Room' in New York City
One of my favorite things to look for are Tame Spaces in the city. So, I went to see Making Room: New Models for Housing New Yorkers, an exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York that showcases innovative design solutions for small spaces. It's on view until September 15 and I highly recommend it.
The Simple Life in Picture Books
I have been reading picture books to my kids nearly every day for the past six years. What have I got to say for it that relates to Tame Space?
Confessions of a Cookbook Hoarder
I inherited quite a few cookbooks from my mother and grandmother when they downsized homes. So I have been lugging them around from apartment to apartment the last twelve years.
There Will Be Piles
There are certain patterns I have noticed when I work with people in their offices and homes. No matter what the state of things when I arrive—from slightly broken organizational systems to evidence of systems never having existed—there are piles.
My Shipping Container Fantasy
In the weeks after Hurricane Sandy, so many people lost homes that New York City had to scramble to find housing. In the immediate aftermath, housing had to be in shelters in and around the city, many of which were in schools and old armories. The shipping container solution the city had planned for such events were, unfortunately, not ready for Hurricane Sandy.
Architectural Digest Home Design Show
On March 23, I attended the Architectural Digest Home Design Show at Pier 94 in New York City. While everything that is advertised in an issue of Architectural Digest far (far!) exceeds my own budget, I still had a splendid time.
On Minimalism: Love The Idea, But Can't Fully Commit
In the past 15 years, more and more people have joined the lifestyle movement known as minimalism. It's amazing really. My favorite minimalists are Graham Hill and The Minimalists.
From Watching Hoarders To Helping Them
If you're not familiar with Hoarders (and it's TLC equivalent, Hoarding: Buried Alive) it's a television show intended to examine (humiliate) a person who has accumulated so much in their home that they are nearly unable to function.
When Your Stuff Gets in the Way
Has this ever happened to you? You realize it's been a while since you looked at pictures of your grandmother. It bothers you that since she died you cannot remember her face as clearly as you used to. You long to see her face.
In a Film, a Home I Love
I just watched the film Take This Waltz, directed by Sarah Polley, and I found myself at times distracted by the home the characters lived in. That is, instead of reading their faces for emotion in a very emotional film, I was thinking "Wow, I love that kitchen... the blue used in the bedroom... teal or turquoise?"
Up Close: Lauren's Apartment
They say it's location, location, location. Well, Lauren's girlfriend's apartment has it first and foremost. The address is a secret but if you were standing at the Washington Square Park arch and I was screaming bloody murder from their building's courtyard in the middle of the night, you would probably call 911.
Making Do: Get Along With The Means Available
"Making do" is a term I just love. It is a simple phrase that captures the philosophy of using what you have. Often, making do is required when resources are scarce.
Lila is a recently divorced mom of two charming little girls. She has a beautiful, spacious apartment in NYC and when I first met her she was making vegetable stew and gushing about the art she saw at a recent exhibition at the Affordable Art Fair. It would be a great Christmas present for herself.
For a year I was the book buyer for the interior design section of an evil super-sized bookstore on the upper east side of Manhattan. The buyers at the home office figured this store should have this special section for students of the New York Interior Design School situated near by.