The Happy Client: Upper West Side One Bedroom

It was love at first sight when Melissa saw this, her first apartment in Manhattan, on the Upper West Side. We looked at quite a few apartments, from studios to one beds, but this great space had everything- location (in the 80s by the Park), high ceilings, a bedroom and a seperate kitchen. Simple, colorful and neat as a pin, the apartment looks fantastic! It is homey with just the perfect balance of space vs furniture and accessories- it feels roomy and cozy. When I told her how great it looks, Melissa said "Thank you, I love it!"

The Happy Client: Kristin & Peter, Upper West Side

After almost a year at his Upper West Side apartment (featured here), Peter, his wife Kristin Rose of Oleander for Home and I are searching for a new apartment (actually, we have an application on one). Moving from Ottawa last year for a new position in Soho,  I met after he reached out to a few agents (including me) to help in his search for a NYC apartment...I was a bit late in my response, but after no follow-up from the agent he had engaged for his search (I had sent a "good luck" email and a list of documentation he'd need to secure an apartment here) he asked if I would help find he a Kristin and apartment. I did and the rest is history! We found a doorman, elevator building literally steps from Central Park which they've decorated in a modern meets traditional, fun meets elegant decor that feel spacious and comfortable.

For their new apartment (his building was sold this year, so moving out was a must), I focused on finding a one bedroom. After viewing a few walk-ups, Peter explained that he was happy with what he has now and that a good-sized studio in a doorman buidling would fit the bill. I can see why- by "zoning" his studio with area rugs, Kristin and Peter were able to create a sleeping/ dressing area, a living and dining space. Each area complements the next and with eggplant, chartreuse and grey "pops of color" throughout, each zone informs the next with both color and functional cues. "Look at the pattern in the bedding," explained Kristin. "If you look closely, all of the colors of the bedding are reflected throughout the apartment." It is and it works! In a month or so, you'll be able to see the new studio in my first "before and after". In the meantime, check out Kristin's Ottawa store, Oleander for Home, for the exquisite bedding, table and bath linens, kitchen and bath accessories that give this apartment it's luxurious feel.

The Happy Client: Upper East Side, 80's

It was so great to see Samantha again at her Upper East Side studio and see how she had settled in...the apartment is fantastic! "I definitely like the pre-war charm- everyone compliments the exposed brick and the fireplace." For me, the appeal was not only the charm- this place is big! In pretty jewel tones, she's been able to comfortably seperate a living area and a bedroom, "I'm glad I went with the open space, so I could create the rooms myself, instead of having a small bedroom or a small livingroom." While the living area has clean lines and bright colors (love the aqua pillows on the cobalt sectional...), her bedroom is feminine to a tee. "The silk flowers on the mantle are an homage to my grandmother," Samantha says with a smirk. "She plants silk flowers outside because she can't bare to see them die in the fall." I just loved that... and admitted that my grandmother had done the same. "It's fine when your driving by in the summer, you really can't tell...it's when you have to sweep the snow off them that it seems a bit obvious."

Who? Samantha, Physician's Assistant

What? Upper East Side Studio

How? Three days, probably about twelve apartments. We stayed on the Upper East Side, so that Samantha's commute to the Bronx would be shorter....she's now a few blocks from the train.

 Best Thing about the Apartment? "location for sure...love the access to the parks, the restaurants and the bars. I thought I'd be heading to Central Park, but I love the park at East End. I've cut my commute in half and i run into someone I know everyday. On the way home from the train tonight, I ran into two people I know!"

Worst Thing about the Apartment? "Ummm...it's definitely more expensive in Manhattan than Astoria- groceries, everything. The truth is, I've stopped taking cabs...I walk more and take the subway, so it may actually be awash."

Best Thing about the Search? "We saw so many apartments- different layouts, sizes and streets, so by the time I saw this apartment and made my decision, I was really confident."

Worst Thing about the Search? "The heat. That one day we were looking, I think it was 100 degrees!"

The Happy Client: Upper West Side, Amsterdam

I had the chance last week to visit PR maven Ali in her new two bedroom on the Upper West Side. Always fun and sweet, with a definite sense of purpose, Ali and her dad called me to look at places a month or so back after she had lost an apartment that day...she was ready (and determined) to find something! Relocating from the south, Ali had job interviews lined up and wanted a two bedroom (she'd find a roommate) to call home. After seeing this apartment (we had looked at only a few), she knew it was the one...the clincher? We had to wait for the listing agent to show the unit to someone coming back for a second look. Tenacity served us well -we waited outside as the other client looked, having told the agent we would sign that moment if he wasnt ready to commit. He didn't, we did and Ali had an apartment within a few hours.

 Ali's unit is a two bedroom (she found a roommate and had landed a job within what seems like seconds...I told you she has a sense of purpose!) in the back of a building that is nestled between restaurants and shops on Amsterdam. Quiet, with high ceilings and an eat-in kitchen, it's decorated with paintings from friends, fun poster art, family photos and color!

The Happy Client: Upper West Side

It was such a pleasure to visit Puja this weekend to see her Upper West Side studio and the progress she was making with her new home! Obviously, the results are wonderful and her apartment is bright and elegant with warm pops of color against a very neutral palette. It's a large studio on a gorgeous, tree-lined street about half a block from Cenrtral Park. Puja's sleeping loft is used as a "guest bedroom" (her parents have already claimed the spot for their next visit) and she hasn't even utilized all of the storage space in the studio! She's decorated the walls with her own paintings, that, like the apartment and like Puja, are warm and spiritual, bright and graceful- all with a wonderful sense of humor.

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The Happy Client: Hell's Kitchen/ Clinton

When I went back to visit Daniel, fully moved-in and settled in his pre-war one bedroom, I was surprised. Even for a much higher price, it's a roomy little apartment with a big kitchen (eat-in), living room with exposed brick and a bedroom with closet space and enough room for a dresser, queen-size bed, night table and his bike! How would I describe the look? Comfortable, clean and not fussy. A triathlete, medals hang in the kitchen and his bike rests on the wall in the bedroom- while there is evidence of his athletic interests, he never crosses over the line to "bachelor pad". Instead, it seems balanced, integrated, cheerful and, well, very Daniel.

Who? Daniel, Occupational Therapist, NYU

What? One Bedroom Walk Up in Hell's Kitchen / Clinton

How? Quickly! Daniel and I looked at about 6 apartments: 2 in Chelsea, 1 in the West Village and 3 in Clinton- the last apartment was the winner. In his price range, the downtown apartments were studios, so he jumped on the renovated one bedroom with an eat-in kitchen and queen-size plus bedroom.  

Best Thing about the Apartment? "I really love the one bedroom...I love being able to close my door. If I have guests or friend's staying, I can close the door and we have our own space." Daniel thought for a minute, "I love the exposed brick and I love that there is space for everything, so I keep it clean. You should have seen my old apartment...there just wasn't space, so clothes were everywhere."

Worst Thing about the Apartment? "Hmmm...the outlets are a problem, they're just not were I want them to be.., but nothing really. I really like it here"

Best Thing about the Search? "Fast!!"

Worst Thing about the Search? "Waiting in line to see that dirty little apartment in Chelsea."