2004 May
2004 May Vol. 24, No. 5
Focus on...Interior Design
Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
There was a saying in the 1950s that went, Read More
Design of the Times
In an age where regulation, accreditation and membership matters, being affiliated with a recognized professional association is almost a business necessity. More than just a meeting place for like-minded individuals to discuss the topics of the day, professional organizations offer their members and participants benefits beyond networking parties and letters behind their names. Professional organizations maintain up-to-date information on the latest technological advancements in the particular trade they serve, draw up rules and regulations to govern their industry, and set standards by which their members are required to measure themselves, thus insuring the quality of members' work. Read More
Work Permits
If you're planning a renovation project, either on your own as an individual apartment owner or as a member of your building's board, you know there's a lot to think about and arrange for long before the actual work begins. You particular project could range from minor plumbing work to an overhaul of your building's entire façade, but before any work on the property begins, you'll have to determine whether you need a work permit, obtained through the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB). Most projects - other than general maintenance replacement and cosmetic work - do require at least this basic permit. Read More
The Hamptons
While most full-time residents of New York City love their big, scrappy town, sometimes the crowded streets, the cacophony of aromas and sounds that waft from restaurants and apartments, and the hectic pace - particularly in the summer months, when the mercury gets longer and tempers get shorter - can be a bit much. Read More
Wall to Wall
Floor coverings have come a long way in the past decade. Where once wall-to-wall carpeting was bland and there were few options to choose from, now there are a multitude of colors and designs to select from, and one of the best ways to dress up a bare, cold-looking hallway or lobby is by installing a well-placed rug or carpet. Rugs and carpets muffle noise, reduce wear-and-tear on underlying flooring materials, and add visual interest at relatively little expense. Read More
A Splash of Style
Nothing beats a good first impression. That's why a building's lobby can be the most important space when it comes to keeping residents happy and property values competitive. Read More
Changing Spaces
Just last year, Americans spent some $125 billion on home remodeling projects, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies - a collaborative effort between Harvard University's Design School and the Kennedy School of Government. That far outranks the dollars spent on new construction; and it means that in a city like New York, with all its prewar, multi-family buildings, condo and co-op owners and boards who haven't already been through a major remodeling project are a dwindling minority. Read More
Fleeting Fashion
Every decade or era has its own design "˜look.' Remember the shag carpeting and wood paneling of the 1970s or the chrome-and-glass overkill of the 1980s and early "˜90s? Thankfully, those trends had their moment and have since been put out to pasture, but like the fashion industry, there is always something new lurking around the corner - such as a bold new color scheme for paint, or an exotic flooring material. Read More
Architectural Building Blocks
Walk by 502 Park Avenue and you'll find a vision in progress. There stands a classic example of a gracious Park Avenue building with one remarkable, eye-catching addition: an ultra-modern glass tower on the roof that is home to the kind of apartments most of us can only dream of, with large living rooms and dens, spacious bedrooms, foyers, and formal dining rooms, all located in one of the most upscale neighborhoods in Manhattan. The owners of the penthouses on the 25th through 30th floors of the building will enjoy 4,200 square feet of interior space, as well as breathtaking views of the city skyline. Read More
