Designer of the Week - Daniel Romualdez

Daniel Romualdez describes himself as a problem solver.

"My job is to be a problem solver. As in, 'I need one more bedroom than the apartment has,' or 'I have a collection of X, how do we display it?' If I don't solve the problems first, no matter how pretty the fabrics are, the job isn't a success." The good news, he says, is that "solving the functional things informs the design. Otherwise, decorating can be very arbitrary. You come into it saying, 'Oh, let's use that color here.' It's far better to ground it in the requirements of the family." (WSJ)

Romualdez' California Home
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Romualdez's design has a wide appeal. His clients range from Mick Jagger to Tory Burch, all praising him over his attention to detail.

Romualdez' Connecticut Home
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Deeda Blair says "Daniel just gets things. He has a thoughtfulness beyond measure." (WSJ) "Tory Burch's apartment doesn't scream Daniel Romualdez," says Blair. "It screams a most attractive house for young boys and a young family." (WSJ)

Tory Burch's Hampton Estate Solarium

Romualdez is not, however, someone with a signature look. He recently completed a residence in Aspen, Colorado, for Aerin Lauder that is at once modern and woodsy, while his latest store for Tory Burch, on Madison Avenue, feels like a high-gloss private townhouse. What his projects do have in common are a strong concern for context and a compelling design narrative that steers clear of cliché. (AD)

Romualdez' Connecticut Home
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Romualdez  four personal homes are his design labs where he experiments and takes risks. 

Romualdez' black lacquered library in his Manhattan apartment
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Daniel Romualdez is truly an inspiration. To read more on this amazing architect and designer, read the articles linked to in the images above.

xo, 

Laurel 

Buying an Island

Yes it's true...

We are looking into purchasing an island, but we are having debates about which side of the Atlantic would suit us best. I say west, but the hubs says east... dilemmas.

Just kidding, but we are going to buy a kitchen island.  We are saving our pennies so we can have one that I designed for our space custom built. One day I will do a kitchen before and after post, but as I said before our goal was to update the kitchen for less than $1,000 - including buying a dishwasher.  Now, this island is not included in that price, but the island will be the only piece that stays when we completely redo the kitchen in a couple of years. 

I knew the look that I wanted was more of a furniture piece than an island -

 I mean look at these pretties...

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So, here is what I came up with...

For now, the island will have a wood top, but once more pennies are saved - a carrera marble top will be added. The island will be 7' long and 3' wide. I debated forever about the island being at table height or counter top height, but in the end I decided to go with counter top height. I also debated about having a shelf or two below, but with babies crawling around - that would be one more spot calling their name to destroy (and climb). Some of the drawers will include silverware dividers, and there will be a hidden outlet on the more private side of the island.

If you would like me to design a custom island or kitchen for your home contact me at LaurelHPowell@gmail.com.

Have a great day!

xo,

Laurel

12 Days of Christmas: Gold & Glam Gift Guide

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8 . 9 . 10 . 11 . 12

Santa, you know where to find me.

xo,

Laurel