Nirmada: Interior Design in New York City

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!

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

I am using this in a Powder Room at 15 Central Park West. Perfect combination of modern and classic!

Octave is a collection of stylish designs from Coles Studio suitable for multiple uses including each and every wall and surface in the room. There is a tonal exploration through color from dark to light in lustres and metallics on designs playing with botanical, optical and textural themes.

Delightful!

Rodarte designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy spent their winter doing more than supplying Opening Ceremony with $210 sweatshirts; they released a fabric collaboration with Knoll Luxe, mainly focused on draperies.

The fabrics come in eight styles, each named after a famous American author, and each averaging $315 per linear yard. But it’s the Emerson pattern (second image in the gallery above) which joined other Rodarte fabrics chosen to enter the permanent collection of the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. The Emerson is made in Germany and comprised of 30% polyester and 70% rayon, for you Fashion and Interior Design nerds (like you and me!) out there.

Rodarte joins Proenza Schouler in producing for Knoll Luxe, and both collections can be purchased [through Nirmada].

What a reply that would be to someone asking about your new draperies: “Yes, aren’t they nice? They’re Rodarte.”

(excerpt from racked.com)

I am in love…

A sharp contrast from last weekend, it’s FREEZing here in NYC. This week I’m looking for things that are cool, sharp, and clean.

1980′s Pair of Joe D’urso low rolling tables for Knoll. Red enameled steel and safety glass.  height: 16.5 in. x depth: 27 in. x width/length: 27 in.

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USA.  Mid Century. Chocolate stained futurama style wooden cabinet. The two hinged doors conceal inside drawers. The front design has a gilded grid pattern and pyrimidal brass pulls. height: 36 in.  x depth: 21 in. x width/length: 42 in.

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A cool splurge!

Copenhagen Denmark. 1960′s. A unique pair of PK11 armchairs in original custom ordered parchment covered seats and backs with matte chrome steel legs. Designed by Poul Kjaerholm cabinetmaker E. Kold Christensen.

26 in. x depth: 18 in. x width/length: 25 in.

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Italy. 1950. Solid Brass Tripod Table w/ Marble Top height: 29 in. x diameter: 36 in.

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U.S.A. 1970′s. A monumental piece designed by Milo Baughman. Its enormous size truly makes this table a center piece. height: 15.9 in. x depth: 46″ x width/length: 56″

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USA.1950′s. Pair of square base cream travertine lamps. height: 12BH x second height: 25OH x depth: 3.75 in. width/length: 3.75 in.

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American. Circa 1970s. Karl Springer Bar cart with two Lucite shelves and polished chrome top with four wheels and swiveling top. height: 25.5 in x depth: 21 in. x width/length: 32 in.

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USA. 1950s. Rare pair of “string” lounge chairs strung with their original hemp string. height: 29 in. x depth: 29 in. x width/length: 20 in.

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Remember, the most eco-friendly thing we can do is to re-use.
Call Nirmada to purchase any of our weekly items.