Guest Blogger: Julieta Alvarez Shares Her Apartment Before & After Design (Part 2)

Guest blogger and DesignIntake writer Julieta Alvarez shares more about her recent budget-friendly design projects at her Upper East Side apartment in Manhattan.

By Julieta Alvarez

Painting the walls was the first task on my to-do list once I had purchased everything on my list. The Benjamin Moore paints that I chose included a teal tone for the living room; a light, cold gray for the hallway; and for the bedroom, a neutral but sophisticated bold Trout Gray, making the bedroom cozy and inviting.

I knew that I had to come up with an idea for the entryway since there was no dedicated location for my keys, coat, or handbag. The solution to the problem became the fabulous wall-mounted shelf from CB2. I positioned a white ceramic stool underneath the shelf, et voilà: the bag goes on top, but the ceramic stool can also be used as extra seating.

I acquired the lithographs during one of my many expeditions to the Armory in Hudson, New York. I urge anyone with an interest in antiques to make a trip up there! You will find an abundance of interesting and inexpensive items, and I promise you will not leave without a phenomenal deal. Each lithograph cost me roughly $50, and I framed them with a simple gilded wood frame. I used Pierre Frey fabric for the pillows and made the art in the hallway, and I also found a few pieces at nearby flea markets that were inexpensive but great-looking items—not to mention easy to find!

All of the pre-drawn designs, laundry lists of products, and time and energy spent working on my “before” landed me with an “after” I'm truly happy with and comfortable living in. It's only a matter of time before another itch comes and I'm back for another redesign!

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more from Julieta, and check out her design blog.

Guest Blogger: Julieta Alvarez Shares Her Apartment Before & After Design (Part 1 of 2)

Guest blogger and DesignIntake writer Julieta Alvarez recently spent some time staying up with her housekeeping. Now she shares her design renovations at her Upper East Side apartment in Manhattan.

By Julieta Alvarez

Not that an apartment is really ever finished, because progress is timeless! A few weeks ago I spent the better part of my week, amid work and play, working on an apartment design project. My restrictions were only to keep the project on a budget—and a tight one, may I add!

First things first: imagine or draw out a final concept to keep in mind before you start. It doesn't have to be definite or concrete, and it doesn't have to be perfect or finished; it just has to be the foundation of something you know you want and that will help you mush on through the process until you're finished. Think of it as a tiny light at the end of your tunnel.

In looking over my space, I knew that before I was to add anything, I would first need to purge a few things. So, the first thing I had to consider was which items in the apartment I wanted to keep and which items were ready to be tossed. Certain pieces in your living space can be an obvious “keep” or “toss” decision, but if you're like me, many fall into the “know you gotta go but hate to see you leave” category.

The black leather ultra-modern sofa I've had for years as well as the IKEA kitchen table used as desk had to go. The deciding factor on this was simple: they did not complement the final concept I had in mind.

Once this was accomplished, I gathered a list of items I wanted to purchase. These included a sofa from Crate & Barrel, a bookshelf from Target, paint from Benjamin Moore, a wall-mounted shelf, and a ceramic stool from CB2. Also on the list, because it's better to go bigger than smaller, were framed lithographs for the wall that I found at an antique sale in Hudson, a rug from Anthropology, pillows, and other ancillary items.

Once I got all these items, the fun part could start!

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo tomorrow for more from Julieta to see what she does with her apartment's new design. In the meantime, check out her blog.

Guest Blogger: Julieta Talks Shop with Bradley Thiergartner (Part 2)

Guest Blogger and DesignIntake writer Julieta Alvarez continues her conversation with Holiday House showhouse designers Benjamin Bradley and David Thiergartner of Bradley Thiergartner Interiors. Here's more with Benjamin and David.

JA: What can’t you live without in your apartment?

BB: My down-filled Bridgewater sofa from George Smith!

DT: My Fortuny dining room light fixture from Stephanie Odegard!

JA: When it comes to holiday gift shopping, where do you go?

BT: David likes to shop year round at small, unique stores searching out gifts that fit each person individually. I [Benjamin] enjoy picking up gifts at antique stores, antique shows and small boutique stores while I travel. We both do a considerable amount of shopping for books, too.

JA: What gift tends to always be a success?

BB: Baked good wrapped in either vintage linens or packaged in vintage tins.

DT: Annie Glass and Roman Antique collection items. They fit most any style of entertaining and are both elegant and informal at the same time.

JA: If you had a “no budget” project with absolute design freedom, how would you decorate?

BT: We would both enjoy a project that is rooted in a traditional style but has an air of “today." We describe our style as Tailored Traditionalism and feel that we create timeless, personal interiors.  Our projects almost always begin with fine antiques as “foundation” pieces, custom upholstery, antique rugs and luxurious fabrics. We also love textures over patterns and use trims in a way that makes them meld into the fabric as opposed to stand out against it.

David would love to use Gracie wallpaper in a project, which allowed its usage in an unexpected, non-traditional manner. I, on the other hand, would love to be able to purchase an entire historic paneled room or boiserie and install it in a new construction project.

JA: What advice would you give people who are starting out in the design business?

BB: Absorb everything around you; there is design in all things that can be folded into your own design philosophy. Listen; it is your client’s home and not your own! And always experiment! You learn things by taking risks!

DT: Have patience, explore possibilities and challenge yourself and your taste level through experimentation.

JA: What are upcoming goals for the company in 2012?

BT: Our goal is to use our phrase “Notable Interiors and Tailored Design” as our guide. We would like to continue to hone our thoughts and visions about Tailored Traditionalism and try to broaden its reach as a legitimate interior design style.

Guest Blog: Julieta Alvarez Recaps the Hampton Designer Showhouse 2011

Guest Blogger and DesignIntake writer Julieta Alvarez recently attended the Hampton Designer Showhouse and she's sharing her favorites from the designers.  This year's Hampton Showhouse benefited Southampton Hospital.

By Julieta Alvarez

What could be better than spending a beautiful summer Saturday at the Hampton Designer Showhouse with friends? I recently took the train out to Watermill, New York for a visit to the Hampton Designer Showhouse to see the beautiful work of  "up and coming" interior designers like Aurelien Gallet and Tilton Fenwick.

The showhouse was a total success and full of enough design inspiration to last us through the upcoming fall! Here are a few of the highlights from my time there:

Joy Tribout's room was fabulous. I thought of it as "the Nacho Figueras" room, as the bedroom had lots of leather, linen and wood. It was also layered with different shades of gray, beige and dark blues with fabrics and paint from DDB showrooms including Holland & Sherry and Farrow & Ball.

Aurelien Gallet's room was one of my favorites from an artistic perspective. I saw an art collector calling this his living room because of the amazing pieces sprinkled perfectly throughout the space.

Tilton Fenwick is the master of color! Design duo Suysel Cunningham and Anne Foster infused this room with pops of blue, olive green and National Geographic yellow. It was so well done!

Baltimore Design Group's room brought me back a bit! I remember using the Modo Chandelier in one of my projects in school not long ago! I also loved the idea of using a dining table as a desk. It's such a simple idea with so much impact!

Nina Freudenberger is not only the founder of interior design firm Haus Interior but also the owner of a store in Nolita that bears the same name. One of her trademarks is using graphic stenciled patterns on walls, which gives a hip and new-age look to things while still allowing room for a classic look. I also loved the console table in the entryway, which she accessorized with coral, chevron patterns, books and abstract art.

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more from Julieta and check out her design blog.

Event Recap: Dwell Studio Launch Party Celebrates Highly Recommended 'Undecorate'

Julieta Alvarez, Pierre Frey sales and marketing assistant, shares her experience attending Dwell Studio's launch party held in New York City last week.

By Julieta Alvarez

Having seen a ton of growth and success for Dwell Studio in the past several years that I've lived in New York City, my friend Peti and I couldn't pass up the chance to attend its recent launch party.

It was a great pleasure to see that they were also promoting Dwell Studio's new book Undecorate by Christiane Lemieux, which I absolutely love and highly recommend if you don't already have it! Undecorate celebrates the love for imperfection, which is what I am ALL ABOUT!

Does the book advise to go minimally strict and get rid of all the rules of interior design that we, as interior designers, learned and live by? Not at all! This book shows us the way to make our homes comfy and full of personality by mixing styles up and breaking some rules here and there. For clients with children or difficult amount of spaces who also juggle owning a lot of meaningful things, Undecorate helps us designers and our clients understand the necessity for homes to feel a part of them.

We also saw  Libby Langdon, who is always a pleasure to talk to. Libby gave us plenty of tips on how to promote yourself and be your own PR person in the design world, which you can find by watching HGTV's 'Small Space, Big Style.'

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more from Julieta and in the meantime, visit her fabulous design blog.

Meet the Blogger: DesignIntake with Julieta Alvarez (Part 2)

Yesterday, we introduced you to Julieta Alvarez, founder of DesignIntake and regular contributor to GoDesignGo and one of the bloggers participating in the DDB's Blogger Lounge during Fall Market. We sat down with Julieta to learn more about what she's been up to and what she's excited about at Fall Market.

GDG: What are some of your favorite things about your blog?

JA: When I decided to start my blog, I found myself researching and being very curious about anything that had to do with interior design. I had also always wanted to know the latest trends for my career as an interior designer. The blog was a way for me to record all of these interesting things for myself. It was a very natural evolution and the feedback I get from total strangers is VERY rewarding.

GDG: What are a few fundamental elements to the style of your space?

JA: I suppose my style is a mixture of casual femininity with masculine and bold elements. I never want to make a space or an outfit that I wear “too much” of one thing. For example: I would not want to make a space too feminine, nor too elegant. I believe a space needs a balance of different elements to work in harmony; and I always try to have a BOLD element in each space to make it unforgettable in its own way.

GDG: Were there any trends this summer that you especially loved--or didn't?

JA: I had a ton of favorite trends, including the color combination of coral and gray, watercolor paintings, Hollywood Regency, lacquered walls, gloss paint, tufted sofas, Ikat fabrics, velvets, gold jewelry, Marc Jacobs bags and leopard ballerina slippers!

I did have a few trends that I'm really looking forward to saying goodbye to, including too many animal prints in one product and asymmetrical and slouchy dresses.

GDG: Can you share some fun facts about yourself?

JA: Luxury for me is having spare time and being happy with it--spending that in a beautifully designed space wouldn't hurt either! I also love to walk around in unknown cities taking pictures and blogging about the design inspiration it gives me.

I don’t collect anything, but if I had the disposable income, I would collect shagreen clutches and bold cocktail rings!

Check back with GoDesignGo to meet more of the DDB's Blogger Lounge roster.

Event Recap: Julieta Alvarez Recaps the New York Gift Fair 2011

Julieta Alvarez, Pierre Frey sales and marketing assistant, attended this summer’s New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF). Held twice a year, the Show draws thousands of attendees from all over the world and showcases new designs in home and gift categories.

By Julieta Alvarez

This show is a must see for every interior designer and storeowner! As an interior designer, I am usually drawn to furniture rather than candles, lotions and perfumes, but I was stunned by the amount of booths with these items! Below are a few of the highlights from my trip.

Jardins en Fleur had something truly unique--I have never seen alabaster candlesticks with animal feet! These are perfect as a housewarming gift! Jardins en Fleur has everything chinoserie: hand painted silks, wallpapers, ceramic garden stools and alabaster accessories. So if you are looking to infuse your home with some Asian trinkets and accessories to go with your Gracie wallpaper, you know where to go!

Happy Blanket was amazing! Their most popular items were the cute and cozy animal blankets made from 100% cashmere. They were so cute that I had to bring one home with me!

Lubin was founded in 1798, just after the French Revolution and was the official perfume maker for Josephine and Pauline Bonaparte. Talk about a legendary brand!

McEvoy Ranch had one of my favorite items at the show. Their Body Balm made with olive and jojoba oils, beeswax and Vitamin E made a little go a long way! It was super rich and it left a subtle sheen on my skin. My absolute favorite for sure! The best part is they use recycled packaging and organic ingredients whenever possible!

I’m already looking forward to NYIGF 2012! Mark your calendars and be sure you don't miss it!

You can expect more from Julieta on GoDesignGo, but in the meantime, visit her fabulous design blog.

Guest Blogger Julieta Alvarez Shares Her Favorites From the Kips Bay Decorators’ Showhouse (Part 2)

Yesterday, Guest Blogger and Pierre Frey Sales and Marketing Assistant Julieta Alvarez gave us the behind-the-scenes scoop on being a Kips Bay Showhouse volunteer, and today she's sharing a few of the rooms and designs she loved most. Here are a few of Julieta's many favorites.

By Julieta Alvarez

It's hard to narrow down and pick favorites, but one of the rooms that really stood out most was Brad Ford's The Stereo Lounge. I loved how calm and comfortable the room was. It really helped gravitate people to hanging out and socializing in the space, and it even avoided being too masculine or too feminine—which is hard to do!

An oversized paper lantern ballooned over the room and the fabrics that Brad used were gorgeous, soft and sophisticated. A pair of shaggy stools sat near to the natural skins on the sofa and rugs made the room casual and earthy. What a versatile room!

I can see it in a beach house in Montauk, a penthouse loft in Manhattan or anywhere in California. And did you notice the turntable on the coffee table? What a fabulous idea! And while the coffee table isn't from one of the D&D Building showrooms, the stunning beige rug came from Stark Carpet and the sheer, linen drapery fabric hanging as a backdrop are from Schumacher.

I was also a huge fan of the staircase designed by Janet & Carolina Rauber (Rauber+Rauber). This staircase was a beacon of glow! Taking advantage of high ceilings, the sisters upholstered the walls in a large-scale Ikat pattern. Beautifully colored in a graphite grey and mustard yellow, it was just beautiful! Of their product, the wall upholstery 'artwork' is from Dedar, which can be found in the Jerry Pair showroom.

And if you missed it this year, don't stress, there's always next year! And if you doubt a visit or two will give you your fill—then you can volunteer!

You can expect more from Julieta on GoDesignGo, but in the meantime, visit her fabulous design blog.

Guest Blogger Julieta Alvarez Shares Her Experience Volunteering at the Kips Bay Decorators’ Showhouse (Part 1 of 2)

Julieta Alvarez, Pierre Frey Sales and Marketing Assistant, gave us a behind-the-scenes tour of the Kips Bay Showhouse last week. As a volunteer for the showhouse, she gave us the inside scoop shared her experience working with top designers.

By Julieta Alvarez

After deciding to volunteer at Kips Bay Showhouse with three of my favorite classmates from New York School of Interior Design (NYSID), I got to be part of one of the best events in the industry—and it was a blast! I had never been to the Showhouse before, but after seeing it in person, I'll be there every year from now on!

This year, 22 top interior designers were chosen to decorate rooms in a beautiful neo-Federalist style home on 63rd Street in Manhattan. The spaces included bathrooms, kitchens, stairways, hallways patios and a backyard, leaving no space un-designed.

One of the tasks of a volunteer included learning about the materials in the rooms, including the wallpaper, carpeting, furniture, colors and more. By doing so, we were able to learn about a few rooms we loved and then spend time in them while telling the coming and going visitors all about it.

My job at the D&D Building also made me even more interested in knowing which product came from the showrooms I love. Everyone wants to know what materials and product make up the room, and as long as I made sure they didn't go beyond the red velvet rope, I had the luxury of talking shop with them for as long as they wanted!

Stay tuned for more from Julieta's experience at Kips Bay Showhouse to learn which rooms stood out most for her, and visit her design blog to hear more from her.

New Faces: Julieta Alvarez at Pierre Frey

The latest addition to the New York staff at Pierre Frey is part-time Sales and Marketing Assistant, Julieta Alvarez. Originally from Argentina, Julieta also studies at the New York School of Interior Design (NYSID) and amidst her hectic schedule, she found some time to tell us a little bit about herself.


GDG: How did you initially get into interior design when you moved to New York City?

JC: It took some time! While interior design has always been my first love, I was afraid of leaving my comfortable first job in New York City in the real estate world. I finally decided to take some classes at NYSID to see how I would like it. A month later, I decided to ditch real estate completely and dug into school full time!  Even though I was broke most of the time, I was the happiest I had ever been!





GDG: Where did your interests take you next?

JC: While enrolled in school I interned for Alex Papachristidis and Zach Bliss. I also started a blog in October of 2010 as a way to express myself and record my inspirations. The blog includes everything from interior design to photography, fashion, jewelry and much more.


GDG: How did Pierre Frey come into your vision?

JC: I started working at Pierre Frey in April thanks to Alex Papachristidis, who highly recommended me to Kim Huebner. I'm thrilled with it!





GDG: Other than work and school, what else would we find you doing?

JC: I love to research interior design for my blog as well as take pictures. I became an amateur photographer two years ago with my trusty Canon Rebel. While at home, I work on my blog because it keeps me creative and up to date with new trends and new resources for interior design. When I am out, I take my camera and take lots of beautiful pictures!


Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more about Julieta and her blog.