A Look Inside the 46th Annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House

The 46th annual Decorator Show House is underway, showcasing work from top interior designers. The Upper East Side townhouse at 110 East 76th Street has been completely transformed, and all for a good cause, namely the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. All proceeds from the events will go to the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club which provides after school enrichment programs to more than 10,000 youth in the Bronx. 

About the Kips Bay Decorator Show House

The Upper East Side is known for its historic and grandiose townhomes, and the Lenox Hill neighborhood, the site of this year’s show house, is no exception. The row of townhomes at 110-120 East 76th Street was originally built by Augustus Hatfield in 1883-85 and are unique in that they are 36’ feet, must larger than the standard townhouse width in New York. This year’s show house, at 110 East 76th Street, has been completely reworked by Robert Couturier. Renovations on the home began in 2010. Couturier is most known for his work for billionaire financier, Sir James Goldsmith which jumpstarted his career.

His vision for this year’s show house took inspiration from past projects he completed around the globe with an emphasis on the fact that the spaces in the house are meant to live in and move about, they are not simply “stages.” The expansive townhome provided the perfect backdrop for top interior designers to showcase their work.

110 East 76th Street spans 15,000 square feet across 7 floors. Part of the renovations included incorporating modern luxuries such as an elevator, which is accessible from each of the 7 floors. The home includes 8 bedrooms and 10 baths. It is a unique opportunity to own a wide townhouse on the Upper East Side. The Master Suit of the home alone spans 1,500 square feet and includes a separate sitting room, fireplace, and double baths.

It is currently offered at $51,000,000.

Decorator Show House

The expansive townhouse residence has become a showcase of work from renowned interior designers that have donated their time and skill to create the beautiful spaces. The interior features 7 floors of living space which have been transformed into sumptuous space from a attention grabbing, statement staircase to an elegant sitting room and Clive Christian kitchen.

The interior designers have spared no attention to detail throughout the home, sourcing their decor from the likes of Hermes, Sotheby's, Bergdorf Goodman, and Roche Bobois to name a few.

Take a look at a few of the beautifully curated rooms in this year's Decorator Show House:

The Show House will be running Until May 31st 2018.

110 East 76th Street
Monday-Saturday: 11-5pm
Tuesday and Thursday: 11-8pm
Sunday: 12-5pm

Tickets can purchased online in advance by visting Kips Bay Decorator Show House. Remember, all ticket proceeds benefit the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club.

5 of the Best Kitchens On the Market Now

Everyone likes to joke that New Yorkers do not use their kitchens at all, but we beg to differ. Even if you are a Seamless fanatic, don't you want to enjoy it in a beautiful space? From the avid cooker to the complete novice, these kitchens will certainly make you want to have more meals at home!

What's trending in the best kitchens in 2017? Interior designers have weighed in and identified a few trends that they are calling the big kitchen trends of 2017, which are identifiable in our 5 best kitchen picks on the market.

• Tuxedo Cabinets: Two-tone cabinets will be right on trend. Whether its a complimentary color on the top vs. the bottom, or contrasting stone inlays, look for cabinets that vary throughout the kitchen.
• Mixed Hardware Finishes: Gone are the days of simple, silver finishes throughout the kitchen. Mix of the materials of your finishes to create interest. Perhaps its a gold faucet with brass hardware pulls, or pewter fixtures with a complimentary finish on the stove hood as a focal piece. 
• Lighter Color Palettes: People are gravitating towards lighter finishes in their kitchens, trading dark wood for lighter woods and white. In fact, all-white kitchens are becoming quite popular.
• Hidden Appliances: Where's the fridge? What about the dishwasher? Hidden appliances are right on trend as they make the kitchen appear more streamlined. Refrigerators are being covered with the same finish as the cabinets so it blends in seamlessly. 

 

5 of the Best Kitchens on the Market

 

1 Seaport:

1 Seaport's kitchen are designed around an open concept to integrate with the living space. Kitchens are outfitted with custom walnut cabinetry, upper door Calacatta Gold inlays, and illuminated Calacatta gold marble backsplashes. The appliance package is by Gaggenau. Notice the tuxedo cabinet concept with the upper marble inlays and the concealed refrigerator. 

45 East 22nd Street:

A photo posted by Madison Square Park Tower (@madisonsquareparktower) on Nov 22, 2016 at 4:00pm PST

The upper residences of Madison Square Park tower have kitchens that are stunning, especially with the backdrop of incredible city views. Finishes in the kitchens include custom Molenti cabinets, marble countertops, Waterworks fixtures, and Nanz fittings. Appliances are by Sub-Zero and Miele. Imagine making dinner with those views of the World Trade Center!

180 East 88th Street:

A photo posted by The Victoria Shtainer Team (@thevictoriashtainerteam) on Apr 6, 2016 at 2:53pm PDT

Kitchens at this Upper East Side development are custom designed by Molteni&C Dada. They feature honed Italian Statuario marble slab countertops, integrated Gaggenau appliances, and brass details throughout. How beautiful are these custom hoods? The brass brings a warm feeling to the space.

One Manhattan Square:

Kitchens at One Manhattan Square by Extell Development come in two color schemes. Residents are able to choose from a dark or light scheme. Shown, is the light scheme in all-white...right on trend! Kitchens are outfitted with custom cabinetry, Miele appliances, Dornbracht fittings, stainless steel mosaic backsplashes, and stone bar tops. The views at One Manhattan Square don't hurt either!

200 East 59th Street:

Keeping with the overall design of the building, kitchens at the new 200 E 59th Street have a classic modernist aesthetic, many adjacent to full floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Finishes throughout the kitchens include Italian white glass and aluminum cabinets, honed Calcutta marble slab countertops, natural white oak wood islands, and integrated Miele Brilliant White appliances. 

Ready to live in the best kitchens in Manhattan? Contact us for more information and to schedule your appointment.

8 Candles for Fall Inspired by Downtown New Development

Just as we change out our wardrobes with the season, so, too, do we change out our home decor. Home fragrance is a key component of decor, and scents make the home more inviting. If you have your home staged to sell, take this time to look at the decor the stager has in your home- does it match the season? Details are important when it comes to staging and selling a home, and scent has a big impact on memory. What candles are you burning at open houses on a chilly fall Sunday? Switch out your candles to warm, inviting, rich scents that match the season and make your property memorable! 

Downtown New Development

The Victoria Shtainer Team recently previewed two of the hottest new developments in downtown Manhattan. Downtown (SoHo and TriBeCa) have always been desirable areas, however, the desirability is spreading even lower to areas such as lower TriBeCa and Financial District. Now, all of Downtown is the place to be with the hottest restaurants, shops, and destinations arriving to this locale, and many dubbing it "The New Downtown." We previewed the residences at the new Beekman Hotel and the West Village project, The Shephard. Both projects have beautiful model units open, and both were burning the best in fall home fragrance from Ambre by Diptyque to Ambre Japonais by Byredo. These units inspired us and reminded us how much scent can transform the home!

The Beekman

The private residences at The Beekman are attached to the newly opened Beekman Hotel which is operated by Thompson Hotels. The Beekman is steeped in history, with its famous Temple Court 9-story atrium that dates back to 1890. The hotel is in the original structure along with the restaurant and bar, and the residences are in a brand new, glass tower directly adjacent to the original structure.

Residences at The Beekman offer hotel-style living similar to other new developments such as 30 Park Place. With that being said, living in a building such as this offers a full suite of amenities, including in-room dining. 

The Beekman offers one, two, three bedroom and Penthouse residences starting 170 feet in the sky. The views from the apartments are spectacular. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow residents to take in sweeping views of the rivers, downtown skyline, and midtown on north facing units. Interiors are designed by Thomas Juul-Hansen with finishes including Madreperola Quartzite Stone countertops, Miele appliances, and marble flooring in the bathrooms. 

Living in a hotel certainly has its perks. Residents at The Beekman will enjoy their own private entrance and lobby and have access to the integrated luxury hotel amenities, preferred rates at Thompson Hotels worldwide, in-room dining from hotel restaurant Fowler & Wells run by Tom Colicchio and Keith McNally, as well as access to à la carte housekeeping services. Other amenities include a fitness center with access to personal training, roof terrace, and a media room.  The location, at the heart of downtown is convenient to downtown neighborhoods, and all the new arrivals such as The Oculus.

Current availability starting at $1.5M for a 1 Bed, 1 Bath up to a 3 Bed, 2.5 Bath offered at $4.15M. Contact Us for exact availability and pricing.

The Shephard

Situated in the quaint West Village, the Shepard feels like it has been a long-time neighborhood resident, utilizing the original facade of the building and welcoming guests with its carriage house lobby. The residences have a coziness about them with vaulted ceilings and unique arched windows. 

The residences feature warm and rich finishes that blend both modern and old-world styles including brass hardware and custom Gachot solid wood floors. Kitchens feature brass and satin nickel finishes with a full Miele appliance package. Bathrooms are luxurious with heated floors by Lefroy Brooks and custom Mahogany vanities. 

The Shephard will offer residents a full amenities package which includes a private garden, library curated by Assouline, spa, wood-paneled gym, and recreation room. 

Currently, The Shephard has residences available starting with a 3 Bed, 3.5 Bath Maisionette offered at $6.9675M all the way up to unique penthouses starting at $24.5M. If you are interested in becoming a part of this special West Village project, contact us.

Fill Your Home With The Best Fall Scents:

The season's most popular scents are based in natural elements and materials- think woods, leathers, and spices. Below are 8 candles with fall scents to make your home smell wonderful. You know what we will be burning this season!

1. Byredo Bibliothèque: A cozy library filled with rich leather chairs and old books, an ideal fall setting and this inspiration behind this scent. A leather base with vanilla has notes of peach and plum for a teach of sweetness - $80 Neiman Marcus

2. NEST Cashmere Suede: A truly warm and rich fragrance. Cashmere woods with notes of tobacco leaves, black amber, and suede. Bergamot and fig finish the scent. - $40 NEST

3. Maison Margiela Jazz Club: The Margiela fragrance line is inspired by settings and time periods, each candle with a unique location on the label. Jazz evokes the cozy, warm atmosphere of a private club with notes of tobacco leaf, vanilla bean, pink pepper, and neroli oil.- $60 Nordstrom

4. Diptyque Feu de Bois: A scent that will transform any room into a crackling fire. The perfect accompaniment to chilly fall days. -$62 Diptyque

5. Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille: From his newly launched candle line, the famous tobacco vanille scent from the maison is reminiscent of an old English gentleman's club. A spice-infused blend of tobacco and vanilla. -$250 Bergdorf Goodman

6. Molton Brown Black Peppercorn: An iconic blend of ginger, amber, and bergamot to spice up your home. -$74 Barneys

7. Cire Trudon Ernesto: A candle inspired by the Cuban revolution- leather and cigar smoke set stage. Based in leather, tobacco, and amber with notes of bergamot, grapefruit, and rhum. - $95 Cire Trudon

8. Volupsa Maison Holiday: A great blend for the holidays to come with cinnamon ceylon and copal blended with resin and amber. -$16 Nordstrom

Why White is Trending

Why Everyone is Loving White

In 2016, white is making trends year-round, not just between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Out are the days where it is a faux-pas to wear or utilize the crisp color in your interiors and accents past Labor Day. In interior design, all-white is a strong trend for 2016. 

White feels especially refreshing in the summer, but many are enjoying the crisp, minimal, feeling as many look to decrease clutter throughout their homes. We are seeing the trend carried out throughout entire homes, with the newest luxury kitchens and baths featuring tonal white countertops and appliances, as well as luxurious marble and stone finishes in baths. 

Many are attracted to white because of its simplicity. It serves as a great background for interesting art, patterned interior accents and more. The color also evokes a sense of airiness that can make a space feel open and revitalized. This can be something to consider if you are thinking about listing your home. 

Design Trend of 2016

In luxury real estate, we are always seeing cutting-edge design trends, being the first set of eyes on designer showcase houses and by working closely with top staging agencies. From lush white rugs in living spaces to novel white accents, the refreshing white color palette is transforming spaces. Not only is white being utilized in interior designs, it is also trending in The Hamptons as an exterior color of choice. New homes are being constructed in classic hamptons style with wooden shingle sides done in clean white rather than tan tones. 

The Victoria Shtainer Team has curated a selection of "it" white design pieces to inspire you to add a little touch of this trend throughout your home.

Bubble Lamp- George Nelson
Ceramic Elephant Bank- Jonathan Adler
Positano Candle- Cire Trudon
A9 Speaker System- Beoplay
Maestria Espresso Machine- Nespresso
Cashmere Throw- Barney's
Grand Baxter Couch- Jonathan Adler

Looking for some white inspiration in luxury real estate? We have got you covered. We are loving the kitchen at our exclusive listing at 117 Bridies Path in Southampton. The brand new construction features a kitchen that is just waiting to be enjoyed with its pristine white calcutta marble counter tops and fresh custom designed white cabinets. Dinner party prep anyone?

And, perhaps the most lust-worthy luxury real estate? This jaw-dropping bathroom at the exclusive 432 Park Avenue. The white backdrop is the perfect frame for the stunning views across Central Park and upper Manhattan. Get a look inside the luxurious 432 Park Avenue condominium here.

And you thought white was boring?

2016 Coastal Living Showhouse Comes to The Hamptons

Every year, Coastal Living presents a beautiful showhouse that is the hallmark of design and architecture in a town of their choosing. This year, and for the first time ever, the Coastal Living showhouse has come to The Hamptons!

The 2016 Coastal Living showhouse is situated in Bridgehampton on Brick Kiln Road. This year's project is the collaboration between Fred Throo architects, Touch of Grey Builders, and interior designer Meg Braff. The team has worked to design the quintessential coastal home with style inspired by the sea and bold colors throughout. The home is comprised of 6,800 square feet with 7 beds and 8.5 baths.

If you are visiting The Hamptons, we highly recommend a visit to the 2016 showhouse. It is a great place for interior design inspiration and ideas. Not only does the showhouse inspire, but it also benefits the Conscience Point Shellfish Hatchery, a non-profit that is dedicated to sustainable aquaculture and ecological stewardship of Southampton town water.

Showhouse Hours:
Thursday-Sunday: 10am-5pm
June 11-September 4th
272 Brick Kiln Road, Bridgehampton

You can purchase tickets online at Coastal Living.

The Victoria Shtainer Team Presents The Hamptons Collection

We are pleased to offer a collection of homes throughout the East End, including new construction. If you are visiting the showhouse and interested in a property, please contact us for an appointment.

Real Estate and Charity Collide at the Kips Bay Show House

The 44th annual Decorator Show House is underway, showcasing work from top interior designers. The townhouse at the Carlton House has been completely transformed, and all for a good cause, namely the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. All proceeds from the events will go to the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club which provides after school enrichment programs to more than 10,000 youth in the Bronx. 

History

In 1950, The New York Times announced "Astors to Build Hotel Apartment." The Astor Estates interests has ties to hotel properties in the city since 1848. They purchased 13 consecutive properties to make room for the new building which would become the Carlton House. 

The Carlton House got its name from the then to be demolished Ritz-Carlton, with the new building accommodating displaced tenants with penthouse and luxury hotel-service apartments. In 2010, Extell Development and Angelo, Gordon & Co purchased the property from the estate of the late Leona Helmsley. Now in 2016, the house is designated as part of the Upper East Side Historic, and is one of the largest newly constructed townhomes on the Upper East Side. It is 35 feet wide with approximately 10,000 square feet of living space with an additional 5,000 square feet of outdoor space. 

The Townhouse is currently on the market for $49,500,000.

This townhouse presents a rare opportunity to experience amenity living rarely seen with other New York residences. Residents enjoy perks from being neighbors to Barneys New York such as food delivery from Fred's. Additionally, the townhouse resident has access to the full range of amenities offered by the Carlton House including 24-hour doorman, concierge, 65-foot indoor swimming pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, and private storage. Entry can be made directly from 61st street or through a private entrance within the Carlton House lobby.

Decorator Show House

The expansive townhouse residence has become a showcase of work from renowned interior designers that have donated their time and skill to create the beautiful spaces. The interior features 5 floors of living space which have been transformed into sumptuous space from a Napoleon inspired sitting room with rich, dark tones to a Clive Christian kitchen complete with Lalique panels. 

The interior designers have spared no attention to detail throughout the home, sourcing their decor from the likes of Hermes, Sotheby's, Bergdorf Goodman, and Roche Bobois to name a few.

Take a look at a few of the beautifully curated rooms in this year's Decorator Show House:

Salon by Alex Papachristidis Interiors

Kitchen by Clive Christian Interiors

"Salle a Manger Glamour" Alex Papachristidis Interiors

Library by David Kleinberg Design Associates

"An American Dream" by Victoria Hagan

Sitting Room by Garrow Kedigian Interior Design

"The Art of Modern Living" by Eve Robinson Associates

Victoria Shtainer in the "Lady Lair" by Phillip Thomas Inc

"Urban Oasis on the Roof" by Hollander Design

The Show House will be running May 12 - June 9 2016.

19 East 61st Street
Monday-Saturday: 11-5pm
Tuesday and Thursday: 11-8pm
Sunday: 12-5pm

Tickets can purchased online in advance by visting Kips Bay Decorator Show House. Remember, all ticket proceeds benefit the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club.

5 Tips for Making a Home Office

With all the technology it is no surprise that 'telecommuting' or working from home is on the rise as it can provide more work-life balance. Additionally, many run their business from their homes full time. A home office can be a valuable and productive space when done correctly, whether you are sitting down to pay the occasionally bill or running an empire from your home. Here are five things to consider when designing your home office.

Location: Consider what space within your home you are thinking about transforming into a home office. Consider spaces with large windows and light. Your surroundings can highly impact your work ethic and attitude, so if you are going to be spending a large amount of time in your office it is important to ensure it is positioned correctly. Have you given thought to separating your work space from your spouse's? Our 166 Perry Street listing incorporates an office for him as well as a "woman cave" for her which can be a functional work space.

Functionality: Having a balance between design and function is important when it comes to an office since the ultimate goal is to get work done. Of course we all want our spaces to be aesthetically pleasing, but keep functionality in mind when shopping for furniture, accessories, and decor. 

Organization: Make your space organized! It will eliminate clutter and allow for a more efficient work environment. Consider using your space wisely, as many home offices are on the smaller side. Shelves are a great way to use vertical space above a desk. There are some great desks that have a shelf system as part of the desk which is great for storage and organization. We love the amount of storage this Restoration Hardware desk offers.

Color: Paint the wall a color by which you will love to be surrounded. Different colors have different effects on mood and the feelings they evoke. The psychology of color certainly affects each one differently, however, blue is generally said to be the most productive color.

Equipment: Just like functionality vs. design, strike a balance between equipment and accessories/decor. It can be easy to spend on accessories to add to the space, however, it is important to ensure you have the proper equipment first so you can get work done. Invest in a good desk chair such as this one by Herman Miller.

Spring Refresh: Home Fragrances

Spring is a great time to freshen up your space. You can freshen up your home or apartment without doing a complete overhaul of your decor. Sometimes, something as simple as the fragrance in the room can change the mood. Scent is one of the most powerful mood setters when it comes to decorating. This spring, consider updating your home fragrances with ones that uplifting and fresh like the season. Switch out spicy and woody fragrances more attuned with fall and winter for citrus and floral notes that are perfect for spring and summer. Below our some of our favorite scents for freshening up our spaces.

NEST Corsica Classic: Bring the French Island of Corsica into your space with this limited edition scent from NEST. A blend of Mediterranean fig leaves, olivewood, and a touch of lemon zest, this fragrance would be perfect for a beach home. $75 NEST

Malin + Goetz Mojito: Bring fresh notes of lime into your space with this candle inspired by the classic mojito cocktail. Notes of lime, rum, mint leaves, and basil will fill the air, creating a cool, fresh environment. $52 Barneys 

Diptyque Figuier Diffuser: This diffuser's design is as good as the fragrance that it exudes. The iconic scent from Diptyque fills the room with an aroma of sun soaked fig trees. Notes of warm bark and fresh leaves come together to create an inviting environment. $150 Diptyque Paris

Cire Trudon Prolétaire: Cire Trudon's history is as impressive as its fragrances. The house dates back to 1643 on Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris. For floral lovers, Prolétaire features a fresh, green floral fragrance with hints of Lily. A great light, fresh aroma for the spring season. $95 Barneys

Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Diffuser: A signature from the Jo Malone line of fragrances, this diffuser will create an aroma reminiscent of a Caribbean breeze with notes of basil, white thyme, and lime. $85 Jo Malone