Lauren Interior Design

VISIT HISTORIC NEWPORT I had a glorious weekend in Newport, RI. Anyone who wants a glimpse of historical architecture and splendor should visit this town. I've been there many times over the years and I always find it to be magical. There is loads to do. First on the list should be a tour of the magnificent mansions from the "Gilded Age" when opulence and decadence were abound. It's amusing that these lustrous mid-to-late Nineteenth Century mansions were considered "summ...er cottages" for ultra-wealthy families like the Vanderbilts. Built by the water, these grand-scale homes are right near the Cliff Walk - a great place to take an afternoon stroll. For upscale dining try the historic Castle Hill Inn (built in 1875) or for more casual seafood try The Mooring. This weekend we stayed Hotel Viking. The hotel opened in May 1926 and is currently a member of the prestigious Historic Hotels of America. It's interiors are charming and I was especially taken by their restaurant's decor. The brick interior walls were painted a pale shade of gray. It's an unusual color for brick walls but it worked beautifully. The juxtaposition of striped gray sheers provided an elegant contrast in texture to the brick, while the soft gray colors blended perfectly. Let me know about your visit!

WE NEED OUTDOOR ART! Just thinking about how dreary Manhattan can look in the summer. The sun is shining but there is no greenery or beauty on the city blocks... just never-ending gray pavement, black streets, and boxy apartment buildings. Near my office -- on the Upper West Side -- I noticed they recently installed some sculpture. How refreshing and uplifting! I found this sculpture near the 72nd Street subway station to be very amusing. Enjoy!

Published in the Cooperator again.

I was featured in another article in the Cooperator. It's a great topic - Design Trends. Here it is: JANUARY 2017 Design Trends...Continue reading

Stayed at the Boston Park Plaza this weekend. What a beautiful hotel with an interesting history. Originally opening in 1927 as the Statler Hotel, this was a prototype of the grand American hotel -- called a "city within a city." It was the first hotel in the world to offer in-room radio in every room! It has been beautifully renovated and I'd like to share some photos of their stylish lobby.

I am delighted that I am featured in this month's Cooperator. This issue focuses on design and I was interviewed at length about Design Committees. We also launched our ad campaign with a color print ad in the paper.

Now that Spring has sprung, it may be time to consider bringing new life to your interiors and upgrading your property. Starting the design process in Spring often means your project is completed by the end of the year. In this competitive market place, the difference between a fresh renovation or not may mean the difference between a sale or not. Lobbies, hallways, amenity spaces such as community rooms and gyms, and elevators may be good places to start. But what about t...he outside space around your property? How about sprucing up your landscaping or adding a roof deck? As New Yorkers, we welcome this time of year and take advantage of the beautiful weather. Whether you prefer to take a relaxing stroll in Central Park, window shop along Madison Avenue, or walk about the High Line - let's enjoy these magnificent days.... Happy Spring!