A modern home in New York City by Plattdana Architects

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The team behind <a href="http://www.plattdana.com/" target="_blank">Plattdana Architects</a>, a New York City-based architectural firm is about to change your mind!  That is if you think that modern design is not capable of being classic and cozy at the same time.  Hope Dana and Kate Platt are the principal architects of the firm and their main goal is to achieve homes with a classic and modern mix.  This duplex located in the Flat Iron neighborhood of New York City was remodeled and designed by Plattdana Architects, where everything from the herringbone floors to the seagrass wallpaper covering the walls in the library are only a few of their brilliant touches to accomplish a cozy and warm modern home.  Enjoy!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwm3g3t1yywXhbSNaix_oSQcNTgZOBNx0kQ_JKzb7YsX-2CMwS2f8NWYCBOoRdbYnEvhNET4Vq7n_Nwv4m96NoWYXzXTxctj6lMJO01C8gQgUS78QX1g4AnIwMZIoP7gPDzvFqMU2eubw/s1600/ceiling+fixture%20by%20lindsay%20adelman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwm3g3t1yywXhbSNaix_oSQcNTgZOBNx0kQ_JKzb7YsX-2CMwS2f8NWYCBOoRdbYnEvhNET4Vq7n_Nwv4m96NoWYXzXTxctj6lMJO01C8gQgUS78QX1g4AnIwMZIoP7gPDzvFqMU2eubw/s400/ceiling+fixture.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous herringbone floors are found throughout the common areas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwn3NEsauU5tzPCiIn8LgKUQQgfyPUP3_XbUlpbZ7Zc7npfJ9OekNjV2swzr54lsKorDVGCaRcstcyRCV9klSO2cVB4khLvWFfWnrtxNF3pcIJLqAhWdqGOn5Y6eh4DJWghXArwUX5JaJX/s1600/herringbone+floors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwn3NEsauU5tzPCiIn8LgKUQQgfyPUP3_XbUlpbZ7Zc7npfJ9OekNjV2swzr54lsKorDVGCaRcstcyRCV9klSO2cVB4khLvWFfWnrtxNF3pcIJLqAhWdqGOn5Y6eh4DJWghXArwUX5JaJX/s400/herringbone+floors.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Spacious and bright hallway</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTO3s0KVdlPiLBZhRxndhsJOyE3rr87zq_1xnSNQMhtuklZ1qoBuujsDS1gF1sLcJ6T-YL0J0Got4DFIMBDuGwACxX_hu_wbM06Waun2O3bNSeVBwkONP0SJetqIkvWNIO6D7r5TpF_mp/s1600/library+with+seagrass+wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTO3s0KVdlPiLBZhRxndhsJOyE3rr87zq_1xnSNQMhtuklZ1qoBuujsDS1gF1sLcJ6T-YL0J0Got4DFIMBDuGwACxX_hu_wbM06Waun2O3bNSeVBwkONP0SJetqIkvWNIO6D7r5TpF_mp/s400/library+with+seagrass+wallpaper.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The library feels cozy and warm and I want a fireplace like that one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAPFMPmE7lM3utqCVjfvtLtcOCA4qpGKysLtd6LyOarf8joCHjikjkM-iT3j0-jlwJO332nZbitx-iwsJPm_9B5r59DQpiMQ4noyJ0N8c7luaNI6rsiy5v09v7q3zH0jTmCHgKd2ToBWs/s1600/plattdana+architecture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAPFMPmE7lM3utqCVjfvtLtcOCA4qpGKysLtd6LyOarf8joCHjikjkM-iT3j0-jlwJO332nZbitx-iwsJPm_9B5r59DQpiMQ4noyJ0N8c7luaNI6rsiy5v09v7q3zH0jTmCHgKd2ToBWs/s400/plattdana+architecture.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I think painting the baseboard and molding in a darker color is brilliant and so is the color red contrasting gray. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0c4z-oR6XDRXktYtUpRv3GwrSeMimLo4PbR3JqYOxEYExRDSqpVT30roQM8v2Oi-coPPqx-s_0xYpTyeuW9LQaGskr3uWT_FHN3p7swLg-hBl59u99tMfthGWh7iGxJ1_DD_gbrC2twI/s1600/modern+kitchen+design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0c4z-oR6XDRXktYtUpRv3GwrSeMimLo4PbR3JqYOxEYExRDSqpVT30roQM8v2Oi-coPPqx-s_0xYpTyeuW9LQaGskr3uWT_FHN3p7swLg-hBl59u99tMfthGWh7iGxJ1_DD_gbrC2twI/s400/modern+kitchen+design.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I can easily make a party in this kitchen with that amazing glass ceiling.  What would it be to be here when it snows?  I guess a dream.  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCoYi3-wbB-0A7eZCz_t-_dYb13XbtdMQ-MeqjbJRTdDGwBJhaNXTrTFz1q1x-dM-TK0wJU5Jm-MA4A64WhLICtwxYcUXYASrwLrwFtVUJMV64vqEuKfMsMydn25if9pkVF4hCrAo-QSs/s1600/floor+to+ceiling+windows+and+skylight+in+kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCoYi3-wbB-0A7eZCz_t-_dYb13XbtdMQ-MeqjbJRTdDGwBJhaNXTrTFz1q1x-dM-TK0wJU5Jm-MA4A64WhLICtwxYcUXYASrwLrwFtVUJMV64vqEuKfMsMydn25if9pkVF4hCrAo-QSs/s400/floor+to+ceiling+windows+and+skylight+in+kitchen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_Sd8Ee9K1sqITlmajBPzV1H79IJIkSVu5bz8mTNcXfgMjGacVmCBiPiOzkwIw5vcX6vpviV5EuvYtSRXtZYRKmRvS573QgH1ORZtjdoCt-F3io2nDyzFvy-VjjDHAIOR4WoCJ17rYkhP/s1600/kitchen+with+built+in+oven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_Sd8Ee9K1sqITlmajBPzV1H79IJIkSVu5bz8mTNcXfgMjGacVmCBiPiOzkwIw5vcX6vpviV5EuvYtSRXtZYRKmRvS573QgH1ORZtjdoCt-F3io2nDyzFvy-VjjDHAIOR4WoCJ17rYkhP/s400/kitchen+with+built+in+oven.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWifvBAVIZr3lW8dXRPJzwYBKffJSHnvTgfPuXueqtQ5o69NBf6IZRWsr6usmRYuk7RaC6dc1LQONeL9APChxivan1QP00tiFVkagYskcuZRo4EixCDz4lBMD0DANrYlaZpG84sARZzVR/s1600/bathroom+with+stripped+marble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWifvBAVIZr3lW8dXRPJzwYBKffJSHnvTgfPuXueqtQ5o69NBf6IZRWsr6usmRYuk7RaC6dc1LQONeL9APChxivan1QP00tiFVkagYskcuZRo4EixCDz4lBMD0DANrYlaZpG84sARZzVR/s400/bathroom+with+stripped+marble.jpg" width="397" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hi you there stripped marbled bathroom, you gorgeous and clean thing. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">images from Plattdana Architects</span></div></div>

A modern home in New York City by Plattdana Architects

The team behind Plattdana Architects , a New York City-based architectural firm is about to change your mind!  That is if you think that mod...

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Small Modern Kitchens

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yynH0YvZAj5yGRs-X6oqUfDe8uLmVNg4f2ZobSy4zqhFx2QLiEOVR0FsP0sqC3tgzJi0FvwH3eRE3nvD81_shchn42kOFkOrnjKNKUPTJ9ViJBoqW3d8IZ1_FChxReH4dh8B6YEa-mlC/s1600/carolina-castiglioni-milan-home-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yynH0YvZAj5yGRs-X6oqUfDe8uLmVNg4f2ZobSy4zqhFx2QLiEOVR0FsP0sqC3tgzJi0FvwH3eRE3nvD81_shchn42kOFkOrnjKNKUPTJ9ViJBoqW3d8IZ1_FChxReH4dh8B6YEa-mlC/s400/carolina-castiglioni-milan-home-05.jpg" width="516" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Carolina Castiglioni home with <span style="font-size: x-small;">a cluster chandelier </span>via T Magazine</span>.  </div><div style="text-align: left;">Not many people appreciate modern and clean lines in Interior Design.  But I think it's worth a second look to try to understand that when dealing with tiny and narrow spaces like these ones "less is more" and I'm not one that uses that term very often because mathematically doesn't make much sense, ha!.  On the other hand, though these kitchens featured here are all small and with clean line cabinetry, they all have something in common that stop them from being boring.  This unique element is the finishing on the cabinets, fixtures and accessories.  These smart designers kept things interesting with finishing such as lacquer, stainless steel, gorgeous marble as back splash, and a lot of brass or gold accents.  Me like it like that!  Enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwH3XMrgDjpWLZ-_PUG82E-jakJNi-l4f96nuk9ln_R2zt2vGPEQS1Kyk-MD9h2kuT2nE_u2QPiXhcriMS1gh3-XZX6FNPrlyIxuQqnpukEJofbg-gmUevluU25yCKmIYrQjiXe9cDrVm/s1600/44473115041585641_vbAgK9qP_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwH3XMrgDjpWLZ-_PUG82E-jakJNi-l4f96nuk9ln_R2zt2vGPEQS1Kyk-MD9h2kuT2nE_u2QPiXhcriMS1gh3-XZX6FNPrlyIxuQqnpukEJofbg-gmUevluU25yCKmIYrQjiXe9cDrVm/s400/44473115041585641_vbAgK9qP_c.jpg" width="518" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jean-Louis Denoit kitchen</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9UKThOwrjVwuHQ_KuYkXtSLRKJWnxTs0-eWK-EnELc3yY7h0NcV_Qs5LGAXX6XWQupD3-p8nSj8Ar9Qd0H6JNvUxTJvlMky3UIWnYxLw3jYv-Wp8935qnyPnrxKiLmMneA4NWKqvVzpO/s1600/athena-calderone-windows-brooklyn-penthouse-05-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9UKThOwrjVwuHQ_KuYkXtSLRKJWnxTs0-eWK-EnELc3yY7h0NcV_Qs5LGAXX6XWQupD3-p8nSj8Ar9Qd0H6JNvUxTJvlMky3UIWnYxLw3jYv-Wp8935qnyPnrxKiLmMneA4NWKqvVzpO/s400/athena-calderone-windows-brooklyn-penthouse-05-1.jpg" width="466" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Athena Calderone home</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">in Brooklyn via Harper's Baz<span style="font-size: x-small;">a</span>ar</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TFGfVc-zSNWJcmu0WvQXT4hgzQwTNN_79jthHBRMuhVyqZR4JyRonLIUcDx7ka7BW7UovGkIH9znZKxDE6untcY14loqqcUBU922UA1jrKNvXFUVfBnolMRFGWPB-9pO-YiXEzpmhZ34/s1600/29203097553794475_7poHpQtk_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TFGfVc-zSNWJcmu0WvQXT4hgzQwTNN_79jthHBRMuhVyqZR4JyRonLIUcDx7ka7BW7UovGkIH9znZKxDE6untcY14loqqcUBU922UA1jrKNvXFUVfBnolMRFGWPB-9pO-YiXEzpmhZ34/s400/29203097553794475_7poHpQtk_c.jpg" width="470" /></a></div></div>

Small Modern Kitchens

Carolina Castiglioni home with a cluster chandelier via T Magazine .  Not many people appreciate modern and clean lines in Interior Design. ...

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Design off the shelf - the Top 5 Retail companies providing furniture and finishes you can afford (mostly)

<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you haven't figured this out by now, I specify and purchase alot of furniture, fixtures, and finishes.  Often we have little time and modest budgets to completely transform a space.  Finding unique furniture and accessories is often a challenge when you are working with tight constraints.  To help out those in similar situations, I have put together a quick guide to the companies that I go to when I need to create a 'wow' factor using off the shelf items that have a bespoke look.  Before I reveal my top five picks, let me qualify the criteria I used to select the best companies.  In my mind, they have to have a diverse product line, offer great quality and value, have a mix of styles, and develop their own pieces.  Some of the more popular names did not meet most of these criteria.  For example, companies like Design Within Reach or Crate and Barrel have some great items but don't often make their own goods or limit their product lines.  They were considered, but in a pinch, I prefer the following five companies:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1- Restoration Hardware - What can I say about Restoration?  They are doing things right with true attention to detail and pieces of amazing character.  Their bath fixtures are works of art at half the price of Waterworks and their reclaimed wood furniture has all the charm of custom pieces.  If you find their running lines pricey, just wait for the sales as they often move out inventory regularly throughout the year.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZVV5-m1CUw8lt6Qeugd0u2u2oT_seW-65fn6jL3KvxOpVy-BkT-cfb6oINMp7QOorcDJWHrXpDww3l6S6HuzQuKVz_XbHTRttkM6kQ38IzIv30fUQC3RyRzfvLq8riXNZgG9N6n-vHA/s1600/blog-rest-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZVV5-m1CUw8lt6Qeugd0u2u2oT_seW-65fn6jL3KvxOpVy-BkT-cfb6oINMp7QOorcDJWHrXpDww3l6S6HuzQuKVz_XbHTRttkM6kQ38IzIv30fUQC3RyRzfvLq8riXNZgG9N6n-vHA/s320/blog-rest-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2- Room and Board - Although they don't have many stores, Room and Board pays great attention to quality and timeless design.  They sell everything from Nelson lamps to Eames furniture and have the best values in sofas that I have seen.  They can custom upholster to your specifications and the prices are very reasonable.   I have personally owned several of their pieces and have never been disappointed. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="210" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNH2fT1083SoyMEmDwXB3og12LY0xLxHXIjOBcpLoS8rY970k5obko89sOs3myWJ5wHzu6azr5sFf3KMXSAx37l2ndOTsztdQ8gpMqbwwdP5eIfcavRN1yq6C4xRJgxLTL4FwHgMKOqpY/s320/blog-roombd-2.JPG" width="320" /></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3- FLOR - Need to change a room in a hurry?  Use paint and FLOR tiles and the transformation is complete.  FLOR has the most incredible range of carpet tiles that are easy to install and can be customized in an endless amount of combinations.  They have tiles ranging from graphic prints (such as Union Jacks and cowhides) to subtle textures to Cable Knit Sweaters.  They also have area rug kits pre-configured in tonal ranges.  Overall, they are a great value and the installation is a breeze. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrL809gRVpnR6M69lKruUe_PFk0K5SVQ_LX5vOiA2bjua-NsR17rCvZOABT-sAYhaQDOzAPKY7HLPcHo45LpzpAG1u2BisWfI9wcJxBUZ8YdP7iFpTB3FCyyhVkvsN4cMpYF3wPfdvaQ/s1600/blog-flor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrL809gRVpnR6M69lKruUe_PFk0K5SVQ_LX5vOiA2bjua-NsR17rCvZOABT-sAYhaQDOzAPKY7HLPcHo45LpzpAG1u2BisWfI9wcJxBUZ8YdP7iFpTB3FCyyhVkvsN4cMpYF3wPfdvaQ/s320/blog-flor.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4- Mitchell Gold Bob Williams - If you have ever seen 'The Good Wife' on TV, you know that Alicia Flourick has some pretty good taste in decor.  What you might not know is that most of her apartment comes from MGBW.  The company has a wide range of styles and price points most of which are focused on gracious entertaining and family living.  I particularly like their upholstered items including beds and side chairs.  Definitely worth a look.</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-55VmyoTmsLoCRRYs_UkIioCkmf7ExjX0K1Nwr1ZjewJ-swNSLMi79BcFAcXxyH0xrNYpYEnZ8tGz0maA4se1q-XJg9a0fhJsAt0P4e0umEOURt2mUPurAc0Qz15N_wGHtIjIMnsoik/s1600/blog-mgbw-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-55VmyoTmsLoCRRYs_UkIioCkmf7ExjX0K1Nwr1ZjewJ-swNSLMi79BcFAcXxyH0xrNYpYEnZ8tGz0maA4se1q-XJg9a0fhJsAt0P4e0umEOURt2mUPurAc0Qz15N_wGHtIjIMnsoik/s320/blog-mgbw-3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">5- West Elm - Although West Elm is the least expensive company on our list, it certainly is not the least interesting.  With a product line that is constantly evolving and an emphasis on stylish modern decor, this company is definitely one of my favorite.  Not only do they tend to incorporate current trends and eco friendly sourcing into their play book but they always have an inspiring way to look at items that often get taken for granted such as mirrors or shelving. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XnPHPNDUZws370i7gxF4rAvxoNMaVjKGnT1NIGUzWE9hjme_0AIoRPaPTtMPrYfcfxcGw_Z_HbkKs6h5iExGmS-jX9uPrO6KApEYGlwERs-GEGZAVXUodKU23zJ1inMTGbXfYLqyaPo/s1600/blog-west-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XnPHPNDUZws370i7gxF4rAvxoNMaVjKGnT1NIGUzWE9hjme_0AIoRPaPTtMPrYfcfxcGw_Z_HbkKs6h5iExGmS-jX9uPrO6KApEYGlwERs-GEGZAVXUodKU23zJ1inMTGbXfYLqyaPo/s320/blog-west-4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Although I would never advise that you furnish your home all from a single source, I certainly encourage you to mix and match from reputable companies such as these.  We constantly are referring to these outlets as part of our Room Service package which creates custom designs for clients using off the shelf products (<a href="http://www.yourroomservice.com/">www.yourroomservice.com</a>).  </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Let me know what you think of these stores as well as any others that might be on your favorites list!</span>

Design off the shelf - the Top 5 Retail companies providing furniture and finishes you can afford (mostly)

If you haven't figured this out by now, I specify and purchase alot of furniture, fixtures, and finishes.  Often we have little time and...

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The new rules of Retail Design

<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's no secret that internet retailers have been taking market share from brick and mortar stores over the last few years.  Recent numbers suggest that half of all merchandise is purchased online now as compared to about 10% a few years ago.  With that being said, large and small stores seem to be at a crossroads:  either they rebrand themselves every few years to stay relevant or they close up.  You may be familiar with JC Penney's recent re-launch including a new logo, new store design, and a new marketing campaign flaunting incredible customer consideration.  The commercials seem well timed around the election year antics where normal people go into 'angry mob' mode and start rebelling against the establishment.  All things considered, I applaud what JC Penney is trying to do.  Unfortunately, I feel they are ignoring some very basic principles of retail design.  If you plan on opening your own shop or mega store anytime soon I suggest you review the following guidelines for retail design:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1- Set the mood - There's a reason that stores like Anthropologie and Ralph Lauren spend alot of money on window dressing.  It creates an impression before you even walk in the door. If you don't have alot of window space you need to create a dramatic entry.  Most department stores ignore this completely.  You come in the store and you're knee deep in some department.  This is one of those bad habits that companies keep repeating.  User experience is everything in retail.  There's a reason that Abercrombie pumps that obnoxious cologne into the air right by the door.  You've got to grab people right at the gate or they're gone.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2- Big stores are out - Sorry department stores, but your days are numbered.  You can't stock 150,000 products and expect to make money on each one.  It's not because it can't be done, it's because web sites can do it better for less money.  The most profitable brick and mortar stores are the ones that drive the most revenue in the least footprint.  You could fit 50 Apple stores in the average Macy's.  Which one do you think makes more money?  I was surprised to see that the new JC Penney store was the same size as the old one. I would have thought they would have focused on highlighting their best selling products in a fresh new (and more efficient) environment.  Instead they've just jumbled up their departments and created a bunch of new fixtures and displays.  The problem is that it's hard to make 200,000 SF look good in a store trying to compete in the budget friendly arena.  </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">3- It's better to have good product than discounts - I have never gotten a coupon for 50% any drink at Starbucks.  So why are they so crowded when nothing is ever on sale?  The answer is because they spend their money on creating a good product and not giving it back in the form of a sale.  Even Wal-mart can't give you an Ipod any cheaper than the Apple store.  People will line up for something that makes them feel special but it has to be something special.  If you read the labels of the clothes at most stores, it's amazing how few of them have natural materials.  I think the Wal-mart effect has run its course and people are tired of having to replace everything they own every 6 months.  There is a movement towards quality and it's hard to do that unless you focus on a core group of products.  </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">4- Invest in Design - Great retail brands have iconic images. I know it sounds like common sense but companies that invest in creating more interesting environments reap the benefits of more loyal customers who spend more per purchase.  It's no coincidence that when McDonald's created a new store design prototype featuring classic mid century inspired interiors that they launched a line of new burgers and salads that are comparably priced to a real restaurant.  Better user experience equals more money.  Time and time again, Good Design is Good Business.  </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">These four guidelines are just the beginning of what it takes to build a retail empire.  Whether your business is a day spa or a cupcake bakery, keep in mind that creating a great user experience has to be in the DNA of the design from the early stages.  Without it, you will find yourself struggling to maintain a competitive edge against your competition.</span>

The new rules of Retail Design

It's no secret that internet retailers have been taking market share from brick and mortar stores over the last few years.  Recent numbe...

Read more »