Jo Laurie Design

A R C H I T E C T U R A L   I N T E R I O R   D E S I G N

[jolauriedesignllc]

How to better present your home

Staging lets your home speak to possible buyers. The goal is not to completely transform your home but rather to accentuate it in the best light. The objective is to sell your home at the optimum price without turning it into a “sterile un-atmospheric beige box”. The process, although inconvenient and somewhat unsettling at first as you watch your belongings being moved, stored or replaced, completely proves to be worth it when your home sells at the highest price. Here are some tips you can follow to make your space presentable:

1. Clean your space and declutter your things. Nobody likes a dirty or messy apartment, make sure your closets are organized and not overcrowded to maximize the feeling of space. Having open spaces will make your home look larger and more spacious than it actually is.

2. Present complimentary accessories. Put a few books in the living room and have a bowl of fruits, flowers, or scented candles on the dining table to spice up your home. We are trying to sell livable space, and not only the home itself.

3. Open up those shades to let the lights in. Increased natural light makes your space look more open, and if you have an awesome view, those windows can show it off as well so make sure your windows are clean.

4. Hire a professional photographer. They have the skills and experience necessary to best display your home into a 2D image. Good photographers will also advise you on what looks good and what’s not helping, all to better present your home.

Check out our latest staging project in downtown Manhattan to see the potential of staging your home.

Don’t have the spare time to prepare for presenting your home? Find a professional to help you! Jo Laurie Design provides a variety of staging packages tailored to all budgets. The process of staging is a crucial and powerful step in expediting the exasperating process of selling your home and getting the most for it. Especially in New York where space is so valuable, it is imperative to showcase the space’s potential. Using the client’s furniture, we make sure to take advantage of the resources present and give it a personal yet neutral tone that helps other people visualize living in your home. We consider staging to be the bridge between the attachment you have with your home and the process of emotionally disengaging before the future sale. It is about showing your home’s potential so that other people can envision themselves making a home out of the space. In more present colloquial terms, while staging, it is necessary to keep in mind that what sparks joy to the homeowners might not spark joy to the buyers. So, we will use our expertise to harmonize the space that exists and the space that it could become. Visit jolauriedesign.com for more info.

Written by C.S & I.G 

[jolauriedesignllc]

Thanksgiving 2018 Edition

How is that for your dinner plans? We hope that these have been useful to you in some ways. Feel free to mix and match these items with what you already have! Because in the end what matters is everyone being having a good time. With that said, all members of Jo Laurie Design wishes you good health, good fortune, and a Happy Thanksgiving!

See you next time.

Written by C.S

[jolauriedesignllc]

Analogy: Tree vs Home Renovation

Most clients do not really know the reality of a home remodeling, especially in the bustling and tightly regulated New York City. Today we share with you a simple brief infographic of the people who will be involved in an apartment home renovation project.

Just like how weather cannot be completely predicted, there will also be unexpected errors that will happen during a renovation. The strength of the roots anchoring the tree to the ground becomes crucial. Hiring a good architect and/or designer can help clients to save time, money and the stress of having to order and keep track of every materials and details.

Visit out website @ jolauriedesign.com to find out what we can do to help you!

Written by C.S

[jolauriedesignllc]

Fall Wall-Covering Collections

The second 2018 Fall Foliage Report for New York State has just issued. Fall colors will continue to make their first appearances across New York State this weekend.

Photograph by Getty Images

  When it’s time to plan for a fall foliage trip, it’s also great to take a look at wall coverings inspired by the beautiful nature. These collections will be great choices for this fall, which bringing the nature inside either by abstract feeling or literally botanical print on the walls.

  1.      Ready for Wear collection by Silver State

 From www.silverstatetextiles.com  

2.      JUMP by Unika vaev

https://unikavaev.com/

 3.      Natura by Arte

From www.arte-international.com

4.      Kingston in Source One collection by Tri-Kes

Kingston has a tropical feel with banana leaves print on it.

www.tri-kes.com

  5.      Lacebark by Innovations

“An innovative laser cutting technique creates Lacebark’s memorable texture, an allover organic pattern modeled after exfoliating trees. Perfect for statement walls.”

From www.innovationsusa.com

   6.      Anna Redmond Collection by Abnormals Anonymous

From http://abnormalsanonymous.com/

  7.      Swerve in Toucan by Trove for Knoll

From www.knoll.com

 8.      Ode to Eau' Collection by Trove

The designers created a number of paintings in search of the essential nexus of a waterfall, a current, a meeting of a stream and a salty tide. Each painting a petal, shaking off the ordinary for the variant and exquisite nature of that which sustains us.

From www.chi-athenaeum.org

Written by MQ

[jolauriedesignllc]

Charm of Themed Interiors

Recent interior renovations and refurbishments have pretty much been monopolized by either the industrial style or modern and contemporary styles. Intricate and decorative details are no longer popular, simplicity became highly welcomed. However, most of the people remain to be wowed by the older styles, it may be because there is a sense of antiquity, we don’t know. Today we look back into some very unique interiors of the old styles.

SAGRADA FAMILIA (Barcelona) The elaborate vaulted ceiling of the cathedral is supported by a series of tall columns which branches to support the load, mimicking the tree trunks of a forest. This is my personal favorite, the abstract geometric shapes on the ceilings looks like flowers to me.

Photo by Carlos Martin/flickr

HR GIGER MUSEUM BAR (Switzerland)

Covered with cavernous and skeletal structure, the bar’s interior design is based on a fossilized, prehistoric beast, giving visitors the experience of being transported into the remains of a mutated future civilization.

Photo by Andy Davies/Museum HR Giger

FANTASYLAND HOTEL (Canada) This one is not very old but it still has that wow factor! A space-themed room with a capsule bunk-bed and a queen-sized bed. It is highly designed using neon colored lights to give it an outer space ambiance.

Photo by Fantasyland Hotel

Our studio have also done similar kinds of interiors many years ago, though mostly commercial spaces. They are located in New York (USA), Sydney (Australia) and London (UK) respectively.

If you are interested in having these types of spaces for yourself, give us a call or visit our website at jolauriedesign.com to learn more about what we do!

Cheers.

Written by C.S

[jolauriedesignllc]

Here with Marcel Wanders & Cindy Allen ( editor of Interior Design mag) who are introducing a new furniture line at Roche Bobois!⠀ #furnituredesign #marcelwanders #cindyallen #interiordesign #jolauriedesign #nyc #interiordesignmag #architecturaldesign (at 200 Madison Avenue)

[jolauriedesignllc]

A conceptual study for a client in CA who wanted a green kitchen which allows him to have full access to the garden~ #renderings #kitchendesign #ecofriendly #greendesign #jolauriedesign #eastvillage #nyc (at Jo Laurie Design LLC)

[jolauriedesignllc]

From the Eyes of the Intern: Priya

To interior design students out there! Ever wonder how internships feels like here in New York? Today we have our old friend sharing her experience of working as an intern in our firm.

“Hello all! My name is Priya and I was an intern at Jo Laurie Design. I graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Interior Design and I am thrilled to have some insight into the industry. I side with Jo in believing you must do an internship in the design world before being able to hold a position in this industry. What you see on television is very far from what interior design actually is. A lot of people watch 'design' shows and think, "I can do that!" I was one of them. Anyone with good taste can make a room look good, but that isn't what you learn in school and that definitely isn't what interior design is.

What I saw on TV and what I learned in school were completely different, and what I learned in school and the real world of interior design are two totally different entities. My first semester of school was dubbed the 'weed out' semester. People who thought they were going to be doing the things they saw on TV realized during that first semester that they were very wrong, and the ones who didn't like it or couldn't handle the work dropped out.

Though, no matter how amazing my education was, I would not have been ready or experienced enough to just jump into this field. For instance, since I started this internship, I've learned that window treatments (especially in New York City) are very important for any design project. From pleats and liners, to hems and fabric widths, these are all aspects of window treatments that I never realized were actually important. I personally didn't learn very much about window treatments in school, but since working here I've learned that window treatments can really make or break a space.

For anyone currently in school or any aspiring interior design students, I would definitely suggest taking an internship position to gain experience. The sacrifice is well worth the experience and insight you will gain. In fact, it may even help you decide if this is something you really want to do. My advice: If interior design is something you still feel very passionate about after school, don't give up. It's a tough economy, but make the sacrifices you need to make and keep networking and putting yourself out there. You never know who you will meet.”

[jolauriedesignllc]

WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE ARCHITECTURAL INTERIOR DESIGNERS

High-end retail stores, themed restaurants and comfy hotel room… It is common to hire designers to help plan and decorate these spaces, but what is the value of hiring them for residential projects? Today we will discuss the benefits of having them design your home!

LOWER COSTS because we will help you find the best value in the items that you need! We are used to working with a budget, thus we will advice you on what to invest in your homes. We also ensure that you avoid costly mistakes that might happen throughout the project.

MORE EFFICIENT because we help you save time and effort. We are trained with what we do and know the ins-and-outs of the industry. We plan all aspects of your project so that construction go smoothly with minimal obstructions.

PROFESSIONAL ASSESSMENT which can help you get your plan into action. We determine what documents are needed for submission. Certified interior designers also help you prepare the needed construction drawings and deal with the local building codes so that we can get your project going.

MORE RESOURCES AND CONTACT at your service. We connect you to the recommended vendors based on the project’s scope and budget. We are also able to access various material sample for you to see and feel before they are installed into your homes.

ONE POINT-PERSON to help you manage your project. We ensure that all communications are kept clear so that all phases of the project will run smoothly. We help you stay in contact with reliable vendors so that you do not have to do it yourselves.

DESIGN TREND INSIGHTS from professionals within the industry. We bring you the latest aesthetics and visual look, as well as themes that will be of the client’s interest. We also advice on how they can be achieved through the use of colors and materials.

With that, if you are looking for someone to help design your home, come visit our website to contact us and find out what services you’ll need. We are also available through facebook, houzz and yelp!

Written by C.S

[jolauriedesignllc]

New York's New Tallest Building

Today in NYC, One World Trade Center became the tallest building in town. Tonight, the building is being illuminated in the colors of the Port Authority which are blue and white to mark this milestone. 

As someone who witnessed the second plane hit on 9/11, and preceded to watch the towers collapse on a roof top with architects who had worked on the buildings, I am delighted by this news.

This is the photo I took from the roof top on 23rd &  6th Ave.

I want to congratulate the all the hard working people involved, especially all the trades on site. They often do not get the recognition due to them, especially on a complex project like this one.

For all those that are interested, this is how One World Trade Center relates to the other buildings around the world and the twin towers.

[jolauriedesignllc]

Living Alone Bliss

According to a recent New York Times article, "1 in every 4 American households is occupied by someone living alone; in Manhattan the number is nearly 1 in 2." From one who has worked on many apartments in the city, this number comes as no surprise. In Manhattan, our single clients' apartments run the gamut from studio/one bedrooms to townhouses and penthouses.

For those more spatially challenged, the modern Murphy bed could be a great design solution. Clients who like to entertain in smaller apartments, but aren't keen on having guests sit on their bed, favor this option. Forget about losing precious art space - the new generation of Murphy beds are not mounted on the wall, but on the ceiling! 

             For those lucky clients with extra space in their apartment, single living can accommodate whatever your lifestyle dictates, whether you dream of a meditation room or a cigar room.

A meditation room tends to be more of a tranquil environment than a traditional home gym and is a personal refuge.

Cigar rooms are also a great addition to the quintessential bachelor pad. They often incorporate a bar area or library to create a luxurious and sophisticated space.

  Bottom line: living alone has a lot more to be said for it than just getting full access to the remote control. If you want to paint a wall dark blue or buy a lime green couch, you wouldn't have to run it by a spouse or roommate. Whether you have a small or large space, it's yours to customize. From a design standpoint you have total control - how many areas of your life can you say that about?  

[jolauriedesignllc]

Home Design Show

Explore. Shop. Get Inspired.

Architectural Digest Home Design Show is a feast for your creative eye. Over 350 exhibitors come each year to showcase their latest and greatest products for your home. Discover new and established brands and get inspired by new ideas from the top talents in the industry.

There is much to see and do at the four-day event, including complimentary one-on-one design consultations, cooking demonstrations and tastings by celebrity chefs, and design seminars presented by the New York Times, among others.

We're especially looking forward to seeing the exciting new products from our favorite vendors, including Artistic Tile, DOM Interiors, Michael McHale Designs and The New Traditionalists. While currently working on an exterior kitchen for a client in the Hamptons, we're looking forward to seeing Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet.

There’s something for everyone at the show, ranging from corporate production brands to local artisans. Many participants offer customization capabilities as well.

This year’s event takes place March 22-25 at Pier 94, 55th Street at 12th Avenue in Manhattan. 

http://www.archdigesthomeshow.com/

[jolauriedesignllc]

Beds...what's a 1/3 of your life worth?

Last week we attended an event hosted by Architectural Digest and Hastens Beds to celebrate the latter's new showroom in Manhattan. It was a great atmosphere; they had live jazz music and cocktails that paid homage to their motherland of Sweden called Northern Lights. We got to try out the beds ourselves (no drinks in bed) and didn't want to get up. I'm sure the cocktails had nothing to do with it! No matter, we did learn a few things about the beds to share with everyone while we were there.

                       A king bed ranges from $7,000 to $35,000; for those looking to invest in great sleep, they offer a $90,000 bespoke bed that is handmade over 140-160 hours. 

What makes them so expensive? The bed is comprised of layer on layer of genuine, hypoallergenic horsehair, cotton, wool, flax, and pine. Natural materials create wicking so your body can breathe through the night to ensure a good night's sleep. Two layers of pocket springs support you; soft, medium, and hard options are available with a 25-year warranty. 

                                        This may be the Bentley of the bed world, but none of us should be in a Kia (sorry Kia owners!)

[jolauriedesignllc]

Furniture to Fit

Viewing an item in a 10,000 square feet showroom with 14-foot ceiling heights is a totally different experience than seeing it in one's home. Unfortunately, this often results in purchasing furniture and finding it's not right for the space. This could be due to factors such as the ceiling height, inappropriate scale or it's stylistically not in keeping.

Remember: the majority of sales representatives work on commission, so they like any piece of furniture you do! This is still a better option than purchasing online...more on that later!

Always try to consult an experienced interior designer when buying furniture. A lot of designers will do consultation by the hour. If this isn't possible, you can use masking tape to mark on the floor where your furniture will go, including current items. For example, don't just mark the new sofa location; put in the coffee table with enough room to move between that and the sofa! Measure before you buy!

Shown below are other measurements you should take before your purchase. The widest part of the piece and the overall height are important, too.

As designers, the vast majority of the furniture we produce for clients is completely bespoke, with each piece individually designed and custom. We use trade-only showrooms and local artisans. The interior design industry, like many others, has quality products that take time to make and are not inexpensive.  

This will help avoid problems of it fitting when you move the beautiful piece to its new home.

[jolauriedesignllc]

Not Your Father's Partner's Desk!

There is a new face of the modern law office. Technology's sweeping changes have impacted many  facets of our lives. It has even permeated the suffering, wood-clad law offices.

Today's new breed of lawyers are no exception. Their practices, whether dealing with the legal aspects of phone apps or e-commerce related issues, are rapidly evolving new enterprises.

It is akin to revisiting the heady days of the dot-com era, they want modern, contemporary offices. This generation is branding themselves as the 'hip, cooler lawyers'. 

This is an anachronistic concept many of us are still struggling with, but as designers we are more than happy to set the stage for them.

[jolauriedesignllc]

Our Design Philosophy

As designers we take a different and personal approach with every project, in residential design we help bring to life the clients’ wants and needs with our unique vision. Hospitality for us is about pushing the limits and to inspire, whereas commercial design is all about the practicality and functionality of the space.

We will be enlightening you with real design industry stories and fresh ideas from the inside point of view.

[jolauriedesignllc]

the Biography of an Interior Designer Jo Laurie

The interior spaces which Jo designs often reflect her experiences while traveling or living in cities around the world. Her university training took place in UK and her formative years were spent in Australia, Africa and Asia; this has enabled her to incorporate a younger, more inventive sense of design. Since arriving in New York Jo has been based in downtown Manhattan. Initially she established various fashion companies under her own label, and went on to become a recognized fashion and prop stylist, before moving into the world of interior design. 

Her projects have ranged from specialized hospitality, high-end residential and commercial undertakings. Jo Laurie Design LLC has been operating internationally for over 15 years, and has developed an extensive portfolio of award winning projects and has been published in the USA, London, and Australia.

Jo’s portfolio represents a small sampling of the many and varied projects on which she has worked.  Each project is unique and tailored to a client’s desired ‘look’ and budget. Jo makes each new interior an imaginative departure from traditional norms, while still respecting the functionality of the space, but always with a stylish quirkiness.