Nirmada: Interior Design in New York City

This article was originally posted in the Poughkeepsie Journal on July 25th, 2010

No matter what the economy, kitchen remodeling seems to be unaffected.

Floors and appliances wear out and need replacing, cabinets get old, paint fades and the family cook suddenly finds the whole room unworkable.

That’s when it’s time to renovate, and designers say this year’s trends are pleasing both to the eye and the environment.

“We’re noticing less new construction and more renovation. More clients are staying put, and want their current space to function properly and look great,” said Kati Curtis, an interior designer with Nirmada Interior Architecture and Design in Manhattan and a member of the American Society of Interior Designers. “They are more willing to spend on top-quality, energy-efficient appliances and materials that look great, perform well and will last.”

Kate Talbott, a kitchen and bath designer at Millbrook Cabinetry and Design on Route 44 in Millbrook, said this year’s trends lean toward big open rooms for dining and seating — the great room concept.

Perhaps because of that, furniture styling is also of interest to homeowners.

“Making things look like furniture … furniture legs on islands, furniture details on bases, making islands look like tables, things like that. It’s definitely a popular look,” she said.

In cabinets, people are opting for painted wood rather than a natural oak or cherry wood stain.

“White is incredibly popular for anyone doing paint,” said Talbott, adding that a glaze on top of the standard white is a great look for kitchen cabinets. “We’re also seeing a lot of soft colors, yellows, soft blues and soft greens,” she said.

On the counter

Quartz surfaces on countertops are definitely low maintenance and come in neutral shades as well as fun colors such as red, blue and green, Talbott said. “But granite countertops are still super popular and we’re doing more unusual granites. Granite doesn’t have to look like what most people think of … there are so many different colors and veining patterns,” she said. “Soapstone is also very popular. People are always asking about soapstone and that look of older soapstone.”

What about flooring?

“I think hardwoods are popular right now in kitchens,” Talbott said. “A lot of people are looking for continuing the same wood floor that they have through the rest of their house in their kitchen.”

In general, she said, softer materials on the floor are a current trend, adding that she hadn’t done a tile floor in the kitchen for quite some time.

“We just recently did linoleum. It’s environmentally friendly. The new linoleums are lower maintenance and there are great colors available,” she said.

Cork, bamboo and reclaimed wood are also popular choices for flooring, Talbott said, adding, “Incorporating reclaimed elements has been something we’ve seen people interested in, especially for flooring.”

Designer Kati Curtis agreed, saying performance is key when it comes to determining if a material is truly eco friendly. “Engineered quartz countertops are virtually maintenance free, heat resistant and antimicrobial. We’re using a lot of cork floors in kitchens, particularly for its ergonomic and acoustical properties, and the fact that it’s a rapidly renewable resource is an added plus,” she said.

As for appliances, “Stainless steel, professional appliances … that’s been a trend for a while now,” Talbott said.

By professional appliances, Talbott means big stainless steel professional-style ranges such as those from Viking and Five Star, 48 inches wide with grills and griddles, two ovens and warming drawers.

“All those sort of bells and whistles are definitely a trend,” she said.

When it comes to stoves and ovens, the granddaddy of them all is a cast iron cooker called the Aga, which was recently given a best in show award at the Architectural Digest Home Show in March by the American Society of Interior Designers New York Metro Chapter, Curtis said.

“The Aga stove was given the award for its unique technology, flexibility, efficiency and, of course, the fantastic look. Aga’s process is unique in that there are no switches and dials (because once it’s installed and turned on, it’s always on) and the way the heat is transferred through the stove is gentle and consistent. This allows the user to cook and broil at the same time, while the thermostatic control maintains consistent temperatures,” she explained.

“Due to the cast iron construction, high levels of insulation within the outer casing ensure that fuel is used economically, whether it be gas or electric. Its unique look and quality is suitable in both contemporary and traditional environments,” she said.

Millbrook Cabinetry and Design carries the Aga, which is set up and working in its showroom.

Jeanne Campbell, who works in the family-run business owned by her husband, Robert, and sons, Robert and Sean, has learned to cook on the Aga and says the things she bakes and roasts in the Aga come out very moist.

“They don’t come out like they do in a typical oven. I think the cast iron seals the moisture in so that things don’t dry out,” she said.

The Aga stove has four ovens — one for roasting, one for baking, another for simmering and a fourth for warming, Campbell said. “They all run at a different temperature, so depending on what you’re cooking, you use a different oven.”

“It’s a different way of cooking than what we’re used to,” Talbott said. “But people who grew up with it, anybody who has lived abroad — once you have one, you love them. So people really seek them out. Once you go Aga, you never go back.”

Jennifer Clair of Home Cooking New York in Beacon, who teaches private cooking classes, said the Aga stove is a major purchase. “It’s a lifestyle choice. It’s not for the average person. You need to love cooking and be very devoted to it,” she said.

Clair prefers a dual fuel stove, which Millbrook Cabinetry and Design also carries.

“Dual fuel means the stovetop is gas and the oven is electric. Electric ovens are much more efficient and cook things more evenly. They’re much better for baking and making brownies. The heat source is more even,” she said, adding that they cost a couple hundred dollars more than an all-gas or all-electric stove.

“But they’ll give you the benefit of both things,” she said. “Such as having the gas on the stovetop so you can regulate it much more easily, and then having an electric oven, which is more accurate.”

Jackie DiMarzo is a freelance writer.
Reach her at life@poughkeepsiejournal.com

For more information visit the following websites:
• Millbrook Cabinetry and Design, www.millbrookcabinetryanddesign.com
• Nirmada Interior Architecture and Design, www.nirmada.com
• American Society of Interior Designers New York Metro Chapter, www.asidnymetro.org
• Home Cooking New York, www.homecookingny.com

This article was originally posted in the Poughkeepsie Journal on July 25th, 2010

Nirmada was recently featured at number 4 in MoreContractors.com top 10 New York City architects and designers. Click here to read the article.

Things I find for my clients I want to share with you!

I’m obsessed with these new rugs ABC is carrying. I would use a different one in each room of my (or your) apartment!

The collection is called “Ethos” which  represents a new forward-thinking approach to design. Challenging innovation while embracing tradition, it is an intersection of the past, present and future. The Ethos Collection fuses the essence and artistic integrity of traditional Ikat textiles with modern design. This stimulating rug features a kaleidoscopic motif inspired by a rare collection of 19th century Central Asian textiles. It was handcrafted by highly-skilled artisans using handspun recycled vintage Sari silk and a unique knotting technique to create the luxurious silk construction. The luminous, iridescent surface produces incredible intensity variations dependent upon the angle of the observer. The slightly irregular motif infused with exotic tonality blends into adjacent colors and design variations to create a visually dramatic composition with unexpected continuity.

This week I was part of the biggest (and shortest) yoga class ever in Central Park.

We were also hired to design a yoga studio in Brooklyn by a group of very ambitious yoginis…

So naturally I’ve been thinking a lot about designing spaces for practicing yoga and meditation. Here are my must-haves for yogis planning to open their own digs:

As in everything we do the “yogic” way is of course, to consider the environment first. With that in mind, let’s start with the overall planning and programming. What are some necessities you will need for your yoga studio?

1. Practice rooms:  First we need to lay out the rooms based on the number of students you want to accommodate, and what the occupancy codes will allow for the space. Some classes I go to in NYC are literally mat to mat, so it is possible to squeeze a lot into a little, but we must be conscious of what the codes will allow.

2. Showers and toilets: Based on the number of students you’re trying to accommodate you’ll need bathrooms and showers. Keep in mind a percentage of these will need to be designed to ADA codes for handicap accessibility even if you don’t have handicap students. It’s the law. Also mandatory in my opinion are places where students and teachers can change, put on make-up, dry their hair, etc. etc.

3. Storage: We must provide ample storage space for mats, rentals, towels, props, and bolsters. These items can be stored inside or outside of the practice rooms, but should be accessible and ergonomically designed so that all users are able to  access what they need.

4. Refreshment station: Even if you’re not serving food, an area should be provided for drinks, snacks, etc.

5. Administration: As admirable as your intentions might be, yoga is big business. You will need an office where administrative duties will take place, depending on the size and type of business your studio provides.

6. Reception and check-in: This is your first impression and the best way to keep track of your revenue. A desk and check in area must be provided – I recommend a bar-code type scanning station for quick and easy check in. Seating must be provided for attendants and waiting students, and the desk should be at a height which is accessible to everyone. The reception area should also be in close proximity to your vending and storage.

7. Shoe storage:  Should be at the entry so the studio remains shoe-free.

8. Shop: Want to add some retail income? Why not add in a retail shop selling gear, mats, CD’s, etc.

9. Supplemental services: You may want to include massage, acupuncture, therapy, pilates, or some other additional services to your studio. Make sure these spaces are planned accordingly. Acupuncture spaces need hand-washing sinks close by per code, massage rooms need supply storage and linen changing facilities.

10. Linen and mat washing: Accommodations must be provided for washing rental mats and laundering towels and linens.

Next up – what are the actual components we use to make it all look great and come together?

(excerpt from Bobby Berk Home Blog)

Normally, you’d place the bed wherever you felt comfortable (or were smart and had us design the room for you), but in Feng Shui bed positioning is very important. Here are a few tips on positioning your bed:

1. Never place your bed under a window. According to Feng Shui principles, this will make you feel tired upon rising. It will also allow chi to escape from the room.
2. Make sure there is a clear path from the window to the door. The chi must flow through the room uninterrupted. If your bed blocks this flow, experts believe it will disrupt your sleep.
3. The bed should always face the door of the room, but never directly in front of it. This is called the Command Position and offers you a sense of security because you can see who is coming in and out of the room.
4. You should be very aware of windows and doors when placing your bed. You don’t want to block the path of chi moving from a window to the door.
5. Make sure the bed can be approached from either side. This provides balance and synergy to the room and hopefully, to your life!

So where is the best place to place the bed? You should check a Feng Shui chart for exact positioning but a good guideline is to place the bed in the part of the room diagonally farthest from the entry. And as we mentioned before; stay away from the windows!

Now that your bed is in it’s best position, let’s discuss what items you should and should not have in your bedroom for proper Feng Shui.

* Keep computers, TVs, and exercise equipment out of the bedroom. It’s hard to let go of late night television, we know, but having these items in your bedroom creates harmful energy and is best left for other rooms.
* Balance is a very important for good Feng Shui in the bedroom. Not only should your bed be approachable from both sides but you should also place matching nightstands on each side of the bed. They should also have rounded corners to prevent ‘cutting chi’ or bad energy from reaching you while you sleep.
* Never place a large mirror in front of your bed! This is a big no-no in Feng Shui for the bedroom. Having a mirror in front of your bed can redirect harmful chi back at you. Keep mirrors away from the bed.

We hope these tips have been helpful. Feng Shui is an ancient art and many people have had success using it’s various techniques to make their living spaces happy, healthy places. We hope you find the same success!