2016 has many new trends that are eye popping and inspiring such as black stainless steel in the kitchen.  One that I simply adore is the return of the formal dining room.

Photo from Houzz

For a long time, families stopped eating together and instead ate dinner in front of the TV, with their hobbies, on the go, and even a quick bite before coming in after a long day and straight to bed. (That's not good by the way.)

Every geographic location has it's own style and flair. Sometimes traveling and living in different locations you adopt styles from other regions. Here are a couple of my favorite features from a few NYC apartments that I am sure will inspire you no matter where you live.

Custom doors framed in painted steel fold back to open the entertaining space to the terrace. Photography by Frank Oudeman/Otto. - ODA NY Designs

There is nothing like a well lit space. Whether it is an office, living room, kitchen...a well lit space is inviting and looks like a happy space to anyone that is introduced to that room. Steel windows are perfect for lighting and to allow in fresh air. What a way to look at your view of the city, garden, mountains, beach, park or kids at play! This also gives the illusion that a room is much larger.

We all know that some NYC apartments can be...a bit limited in space.  Just because space is small, it does not mean that you have to throw style and organization to the wind. 

Project: Studio. Firm: Michael K. Chen Architecture. Site: Gramercy Park. Photography by Alan Tansey.

If you are cramped for space, yet still want clear division of living and sleeping quarters, here is one option.  Hideaway beds are trendy, functional, and provide you with the extra coziness and privacy you desire in a bedroom. Even if you want to create extra space in a bedroom for an office/guest bedroom or hobby, this works great! They come in several different styles from basic to very elaborate.

Photography by Eric Laignel.

Who doesn't love walk-in closets! You can organize all of your clothes and shoes in a way where you don't have to rummage through them to find something. Organized correctly, you can step back and find exactly what you want. This is John Bricker's, creative director of Gensler, actual closet which is now part of a dressing room in his bathroom. Nice!

Charles and Ray Eames Office Chair. Photography by Eric Laignel. Messana O'Rorke Designs

Here is a smart use of space having a quaint office nook that you can close off when not in use and a huge bookcase for work, reading, collections or simply visual stimulation. You can even add in a few figurines and pictures to give it life and show more of your personality. I love the custom ladder. It gives it a classic finish. The dining table can also be used for extra work or meeting space and blends in well with it's simple wood finish.

What are your needs in your space whether big or small? Need help? Contact us. We're here for you.

When you have invested or plan on investing a lot of money in your home, it is a great idea to hire an interior designer.  Hiring a designer will allow you to showcase your home so that it looks its best. Interior designers are no longer for the wealthy.  Hiring a designer actually saves yourself a lot of money and A LOT of time. 

There was a point where the lines were blurred and the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator were not clear. In short, an interior designer may also decorate but a decorator does not design. Decorators adorn space that already exists. This is the big difference. 

white design breakfast nook with long sofas, brown table, two chairs and light chandelier