The Madoff NYC Penthouse

Madoff Penthouse floorplan via curbed

Ever since this whole Madoff scandal hit the press, I've been nothing short of obsessed. I know, it's sick to watch this man and his family's pathetic downfall, but I can't look away. I've been mostly waiting to see each of their many properties. How does someone with that much money decorate their home? Well, The Daily News came out with some images of the penthouse from a number of years ago BUT STILL. Something to think about.

Yeah, so this living room is about three times the size of my apartment. Besides that, this room has a gorgeous Lavar Kerman Persian rug estimated at $35,000, gorgeous architectural detailing, a $20,000 Chippendale tea table, and many priceless antiques and works of art.

The Madoff boudoir? EESH to that bed. That's a beautiful wardrobe in the corner though with Chinese porcelain jugs from the 1700s.

Word on the street (slash HERE) is that the property will appear on the market sometime in the near future. I'll just be waiting for more pics of this incredible penthouse, the house in Montauk, the house in Palm Beach, the yacht, and the castle in France.


Alicia B.

A Great Makeover

Everyone loves a good makeover. Whether it's a tired rundown 40 year old mother of 3 on one of those TLC shows, or a tired rundown living room, people love to see a successful before and after. My latest favorite is one that I saw in House Beautiful by Jonathan Rosen. I've always loved his work, and I even did a blog post about him a few months ago HERE! Here is a one day makeover he did on this lucky woman's living room--oh I forgot to mention everyone loves instant gratification, too.

Here is the boring average mess that he started with.

He used mostly what his client already had by taking things he found in other rooms that would work better in other places, or rearranging the pieces in the room already.

The most fun part is to see his process; to see how he is thinking through his next change/improvement and then to see the result. Amazing!

He did do a wee bit of shopping. William Wayne is one of my favorite places too! Check out their website asap.

Voila! Look how much more fresh this room is now! Jonathan rearranged some furniture, brought in pieces from other rooms, and added some that he purchased and this room is completely transformed.

Nothing like a gorgeous bouquet of flowers to add life to a room. I just adore those sconces though over the fireplace--the scale is PERFECT.

Check out the whole article in House Beautiful and the 69 pics of Jonathan Rosen in action! After visiting his website many a-time and finding it "under construction" I tried one last time and OMG my wish came true--his website is finally up! Thanks!

Alicia B.

And the winner is.........

The winner of this adorable fun rug giveaway (picked by random.org) is...

ROBINCHRISTEN!!!

Congratulations! Please email me asap at aliciabdesigns@gmail.com with your address so that CSN rugs can send you your prize! Thanks again to everyone who participated and left me some amazingly funny responses!

Alicia B.

Friday Apresmidi

Clouds Reflected in the Water

Have a lovely weekend!


Alicia B.

Rando Design Inspiration Friday

Friday is here again! Here is your weekly dose of design inspiration. Enjoy. Also, please don't forget to enter the Rug Give-Away Contest below. If you can't be bothered to scroll down just click HERE: I'm lazy but I still want to win.

Timothy Whealon created a gorgeous living room using many different geometrics, some subtle, some bold but I really love the white washed mirror over the fireplace.

Southern Accents. You couldn't pay me to touch a book when I was younger but now, if I seen an interior crammed with books and a lovely arched bookcase like this one, I'm ready to move in. Seriously. It's going to get weird when the owner comes home and I'm sitting at that desk with glasses on and holding one of those antique books.

Lars Boldander never stops impressing me. This painted blue clock is mesmerizing.

This is a tad bit too symmetrical for me but the bold modern looking monogramming on the pillows is what won me over. By Jackye Lanham.

Amanda Nisbet is so great with color. How happy does this mantel look? I want that painting.

I'm not sure if I had a theme for today but all of these images have a cottage quality feel to them. Maybe it's because I'm going home to celebrate my Mom's birthday (AND I get to bake her cake!!) this weekend up in the country, or it could be because all I really want to do is lie on my bed and listen to Heal the World by MJ. Have a great weekend everyone (MJ would want you to.)!


Alicia B.

CSN Rug Give-Away Contest!!!

I'm so excited about today's giveaway which I have the immense pleasure of hosting for CSN rugs. They offer an extensive variety of rugs at really great prices (wish I'd known about them a few months ago)! Check out their area rugs and more HERE. I secretly want this rug for myself. I think it would be really pretty in my front hall but you could also use it in a mudroom, front porch if you're lucky enough to have one, or in your kitchen!

Audrey Doormat in Iceberg. The prettiest doormat I've ever seen.

To win, you must leave a comment (not anonymously) about how you'd like to use it by 9 AM Monday June 29th. The contest is open to US and Canada (that means you Jillian). Good luck!


Alicia B.

Too Crewel

This summery crewel pillow is from Etsy Seller, Tuttie Lou for only $45!

One of my anonymous commenters (who has yet to man up and get a real name) asked the other day what crewel was. Well, i thought it would be a great opp to show off some amazing crewelwork interiors! Crewel is a style of embroidery usually made with wool threads on cotton or linen and depicting flowers, plants, or vines (but not always). It has a traditional/country sort of connotation but came back as a trend about a year ago. Personally, I love it. I think it can be very elegant and demonstrates amazing craftsmanship.

This duvet and sham is available from Williams Sonoma Home in this nice natural color on a cream background. Maybe I need to switch up my bedspread...

This bright and lively interior is by Todd Romano and he used this incredible crewel work piece as a wall hanging. Crewel work was made a lot by women around the time of the American Revolution so there are many pieces around such as this one.

I adore this room that I found in AD by Suzanne Tucker and I think it's because of the rug but it MIGHT just be because of the crewel fabric (by Travers) used on the slipper chair. I'd just like to point out though that this fabric can be used with modern elements too such as the paintings over the bed.

Another room by Suzanne Tucker (I knew I liked her), she used Lee Jofa crewel fabric on these two chairs flanking the large white sofa. I think the only thing in this room I like are the chairs though and I nearly blacked out in horror over the mirrored wall/screen. Sorry Suzanne.

I remembered this great post that Eddie Ross did on crewel fabric HERE and this one really stood out to me because it was on a dark background. How gorgeous is this?

If I can't get a crewel duvet, I might get a throw pillow or something for my bed. I'm such a pillow lover, sometimes there are more pillows on my bed, than actual bed! HA. This YUM looking bed is from Country Living.

As I think about this more, I believe I had a rocking chair in my room growing up with crewel fabric and I used to complain that it was too scratchy for me. Well, I think I've gotten over that and I'm ready to try again. ALSO, if anyone can figure out the movie soundtrack reference of the title of this post...well, I'll be impressed. HINT: The star of the movie just had twins!

PS: GIVE AWAY CONTEST STARTS TOMORROW!!!


Alicia B.

Surprising Log Cabin

The idea of a log cabin is a really cute one but when the idea is actually put forward it turns into a mess of antler cliches and too much wood. NOT HERE though! I was pleasantly surprised by this home that super caught my eye in Traditional Home, designed by Carole Weaks.

The white painted wood lightens this covered porch right up. I don't like the uber woodsy feeling that you can sometimes slip into with these types of houses. Well played, Ms Weaks.

Okay, I know it's a little bit more woodsy in here but I think that it's lightened up by the fabrics and the white material that fills in the logs.

I'm letting this tree branch handrail and balustrade off the hook because it's made from a rhododendron. I think you see my point.

This sitting area looks so cozy and delightful! The antique chest by the door (swoon) is so cute! I am such a sucker for antique painted furniture.

Isn't this fabric for the draper incredible? It's Ajmir by Manuel Canovas. I also adore bobbin furniture like these chairs and bench above.

Another light and airy bedroom. This room is simple, but with incredible details like the grass cloth walls (Zoffany), the double doors opening into the room, and the earthy pottery vases.

As a rule, I super don't like valances, but it's just my opinion...Moving on though, how sweet is that crewelwork fabric for the drapery and pillows?! The antique table that these two beds share is also incredible.

Ignoring the entire drapery work as it's getting a little too "country kitchen" for me, I am really taken in by this bed. So dainty and sweet with plaids and prints and I am equally enthralled with the mini vase hidden in the corner.

Overall I'd say this is the perfect little log cabin. They've really worked with a tiny home and made it seemingly bigger by leaving the interior lighter, in color and otherwise.

Also I'll be having a special give-away later on this week so GET JAZZED for it!

Alicia B.

Before and After: Foyer

After much design therapy with these two LUNATICS that I adore (my older sister and BIL), they have finally given in to my wishes and added some elements to their front hall under the console table! Their console table is beautiful, but the whole moment looked...empty. Anyway, I convinced them to put something under it to draw attention to the space. My BIL really took to the idea of ceramic elements, a grouping of three so he and my sister chose a celedon urn, a ceramic garden stool (love!), and a wooden pagoda to go with their other Asian inspired pieces around their apartment.

I love their little cluster of three. The different sizes and they way they are arranged adds depth to the space.

Such beautiful colors. Taken from below.

Shopping time: Celedon urn vase from Gumps, Wooden Pagoda from Gumps, and the ceramic garden stool from Williams Sonoma Home!

I wonder what I'll make them buy next! Perhaps it's time for a visit to Chicago, yes?


Alicia B.

Rando Inspiration Design Friday

A photo I took. Like it?

Finally it is Friday! Like I should be complaining though because I've had a four-day week. HA. Anyway, the rain seems to have cleared at least for a few hours so far, so I'll keep my fingers crossed. Again, it's Friday and we need a pick me up to make it to the weekend, so enjoi!

Isn't this wood skirted front hall table amazing? Yes. By Solis Betancourt.

This reminds me of the time I was in Cabo and we had outdoor showers. Good times. By Barry Goralnick.

My super traditional side is in LOVE with this room. Such pretty wallpaper. By Branca. Btw, I've been dying to go to the new Branca store in Chicago. Perhaps I'll have to make a trip and visit my sisters...!?

Not only do I love this fabric, but that round chair in the corner? Is it trying to ruin my life because I don't own it?? Lovely interior brought to you by Kim Zimmerman via Peak of Chic.

What's on the docket for this weekend, y'all? I hope the weather is nice as I'm going to a Mets game with my former roommate! Then maybe a day in Central Park? Who knows!


Alicia B.

The Modern Pleat

This room in the Kips Bay Showhouse is full of uber traditional pleated details by Mario Buatta.

Usually when you think of pleats you conjure up images of fussy chintz sofas (see above and please don't hurt me Mr. Buatta), doilies, and lots and lots of passmenterie. Lately however, the idea of a pleat is modern, clean, and...trendy. I'm seeing them in upholstery as well as in the fashion world. While I've always been a fan of a cute pleated skirt, pleats are BACK in pants, too.

Massucco Warner Miller uses a pleated pillow in this cheery orange, blue and neutrals room. Modern but not cold--I like it.

Eileen Fisher has a line of dupioni silk home accents including these loosely pleated pillows.

I just know I'd have to run my fingers manically up and down this pillow. By Dransfield and Ross.

A pleated bed skirt is also another way to go! I love the way this looks here. By Marshall Watson.

This is the happiest little pleated pillow and doesn't have a super structured look but isn't fussy. From etsy shop TootieEstelle.

This pleat all the way up the arm ads a fussy/fresh detail to the chair. Henredon via Point Click Home.

Gap is pulling in outside designers (thank God) again and these pants in the window caught my eye on my power walk down to work. I know my friends would tear me down if I bought them so I'll stick to my regular khakis but these are quite fun! Alexander Wang designed for the Gap for $69.50.

I like the detailing, personally, but what do you guys think? I'm into the fresh modern take on something traditional--surprised?


Alicia B.

Next time you're in Bethlehem CT...

You definitely have to go and visit the Bellamy Ferriday House. It is a historical house that was lived in by two different families, Reverend Bellamy, and the Ferriday Family (especially Miss Caroline Ferriday). The house was modest in parts but extremely beautiful architecturally and design-wise. Unfortunately our borderline uptight guide forbid us from taking pictures but I was equally intrigued by Miss Caroline's life! Take a look at the photos that I was able to take of the exterior and the gorgeous gardens...

This is the front of this gorgeous home. Swoon.

I was obsessed with this little doorway between the house and the annex. It leads to the backyard garden. So romantic with the ivy hanging over it.

Great barn/shed in the side yard.

This is our guide, leading us around to the side entrance and then ruining my fun of taking pictures. Boo.

Oh my GAWD all this Greek Revival architecture is making my heart soar. This was on the side and it used to have a porte cochere attached but Miss Caroline had it removed to look more like the original house.

This is from the garden in the back of the house. How gorgeous are those bay windows? They were a later addition on the house, I believe by Mrs Ferriday.

Fox Gloves were all over the perimeter of the garden in purples and greens!

A pink peony.

This is a beheaded version of me posing with some flowers in the garden!

Miss Caroline Ferriday was an amazing woman, especially for her time and was so daring for a woman of her stature (precious). She was a philanthropist, an actress, a gardener, and was extremely instrumental in aiding a group of women WWII Ravensbruck survivors. Read more about this amazing lady HERE. She also kept an apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan!

Alicia B.

Tortoise shells are the new...

Everyone knows (if you read this blog) how much I adore fur. Well, I've taken a liking to another home decor item that comes from "nature:" tortoises! The shell of a tortoise is very beautiful in color and texture and has a certain richness and depth. They can be hung on the wall, or you can use the shell itself in an accessory.

My, that's a substantial shell! Susan Chevalier leans this one casually (but obviously thoughtfully) on this folding chair. The swirling pattern mimics the deep dark floors, too.

This one is hung on the wall. The lamp right next to it reflects light on it showing the curve in the shell. By Joe Nye.

Inspired by a turtle, this lovely drawing or print shows off the gorgeous pattern on the shell. By Joe Lucas of Lucas Studio.

In this very open room by Celerie Kemble, she uses this sideboard to display many beautiful objects and tops it off with a large tortoise shell!

My design hero, Albert Hadley used this Schumacher tortoise wall covering on the back walls of this cabinet. The light reflects off this wall paper so beautifully. What a genius.

Another aspect to this accessory is the idea of collecting. It's not as if you can just pick one of these up off the side of the Third Ave in Manhattan so I think it gives the look of traveling to an exotic location, being well traveled, and a more eclectic look. Thoughts? Also, sorry for the brief silence, I took a three-day weekend and then I'm back in classes for the Summer so I'm pretty busy SO BACK OFF. Just kidding, come back to me!

Alicia B.

Rando Design Inspiration Friday

Take a deep breath. Take these AMAZING interiors in and savor them. Yeah. This week has gone by quickly despite the fact that it has YET to stop raining. Thanks to everyone who told me to get over myself and embrace the rain. So now I'll tell you to embrace these amazing interiors!

Joe Nye has completely sucked me in with the amazing contemporary painting and fresh color scheme in this sophisticated living room.

Joe Lucas had me at the nightstand. NOT meant to sound dirty.

What draws me to this beachy looking room by S R Gambrel is just how unpredictable it is. The stool/bookcase at the foot of the bed is so unexpected and the desk with two chairs. Also, nothing gets me quite like a map (the wall paper) and a green glass jug made into a lamp.

I love how light this room by Kari McCabe is. Could there be more angular elements in here?? The sofa frame, the thinly framed pictures, the wood floor JUST to name a few. The main thing that drew me to this room was that fabulous window in the back though. So simple yet so perfect.

Happy Friday everyone! If the rain clears up, the bf and I are going to walk on the new High Line Park over on the West Side apres work! Have a great weekend.

I hate on rain

via photobucket

SO at this point in the "Summer" I'm pretty much over the rain. I hate rain gear even though I have cute polka dotted wellies, a trench coat and a pretty pink umbrella. I think by now we should just go ahead and embrace the rain and then maybe it will go away. Worth a shot.

Marc Jacobs loud graphic print umbrella from Nordstrom for 37.50

How cute is this happy little panda umbrella? From the Conran Shop.

Classic Hunter wellies from Shopbop for $115.

Feminine preppy Sperry Topsiders from Piperlime for 60.50 look great for jumping in puddles.

For the equestrian, these chic rain boots are a different change of pace from the polka dots. From Ralph Lauren for $395.

Butterflies! Kinda makes you happy to use an umbrella, huh? Coach for $148.

I love yellow and I love polka dots. J. Crew can do no wrong with these. $49.50

You know when you bring an umbrella and it doesn't rain? It's a proven fact. So, if we all go out and get lots of wellies etc, then the sun will come out. Plus, spending money helps stimulate the economy I'm told.


Alicia B.

Balloon Fail

I absolutely love balloons. I think they're whimsical, pretty, and remind us all of when nothing thrilled us more than holding a balloon on a sunny day.

Cup of Jo

Cup of Jo

Cup of Jo

So you go from something sweet and whimsical to THIS. BLAM.

I hate to be a negative Nelly but...are you kidding me with this table!? It is 500 balloons wrapped around a side table and sells for $215. Apparently designed by a design student (yay), this table now sells at Mxyplyzyk and Umbra. Eesh.


Alicia B.

Tick Tock Clocks

Jay Jeffers uses this antique train clock face as the focal point in the room. HOT.

Paintings, wall hangings, china plates, and photographs are many common things to hang up on the wall but clocks are not so common. I love the idea of a clock on the wall. I don't wear a watch so it would be especially convenient for me as I hate to be late!


I just adore oversized and out of scale clocks. This lovely room with a cute striped rug (Dash and Albert?) is by Satinwood. It kind of looks like a black chalkboard, no?

The clock here is small but Windsor Smith makes it pop out by putting it against a dark charcoal background.

Julie Stevenson's kitchen is very contemporary. This modern clock makes everything look like it's floating. Hate the clock though even though most people love it.

Always pretty and traditional, Diamond Baratta used this white clock on a white desk. I love repeated shapes. Swoon.

Antique clock faces are so good looking--I love the distressed look and how cute is that mini one all the way to the left? MINI. From Country Living.

These may seem like sweet accessories but as Benjamin Franklin once said, "Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that the stuff life is made of." Woah. Profound.


Alicia B.

Alicia B. Housewarming!

Baked Brie with Fig preserves is my favorite! Food Photo Blog.

Over the weekend I had a molto fun Housewarming Party! I was surrounded by some of my favorite people in the entire world and yum food, which made the party a grand success! Here is a little rundown of the party.

I made a simple tomato and basil bruschetta which set off the smoke alarm a few times EVEN THOUGH I did not burn them. No smoke whatsoever!

Former roommate and bff brought me these gorgeous flowers which added lots of height to a certain corner of the room. Thanks!

The summery cocktail of the evening was pink lemonade vodka and a strawberry garnish! Yum!

I made these great brownie bites from my great grandmother's recipe. Don't they look so pretty with the strawberries? I KNOW.

And fellow blogger and friend Anusha from Nush Designs Blog brought me this gorgeous Indian wall hanging. I haven't found the right parts to hang it but I think it would look amazing in my front hall foyer. The colors would be perfect!

After much preparation to my home and for the party itself it was great to enjoy it. Thanks everyone who came--I had way too much fun.


Alicia B.

Rando Design Inspiration Friday

YAY, it's Friday again! Though it's raining now, we have a great sunny/warm weekend to look forward to. Here is your weekly fix of lovely design brought to you by... ME!

I've officially fallen in love the Thad Hayes for this living room. What a soothing color palette and I great choice of antique furniture (bobbin benches).

Phoebe Howard could not be more of a genius with these adorable brass turtles on a side table. What a great accessory/how cute are turtles??

A good man is hard to find. And when I say man, I mean bookcase display. I'm still trying to find an attractive balance between all my books, and fun accessories that I want to display. This office is by KAA Design.

KAA Design also designed Hotel Oceana in Santa Monica. I love that wall of fabric behind the table/booth contrasting with the fabric lampshade.

From House Beautiful, this little moment of blue and white is absolutely mesmerizing. I'd love to sit here with a book and read my whole day away!

Do y'all (yeah I said y'all, what of it?) have any great weekend plans? I'm having my housewarming party finally so I have lots of planning to do tonight and Saturday but I'm super looking forward to seeing spending time with my friends and enjoying my new home. Happy Friday!


Alicia B.

Small Spaces for a rainy day.

This apartment is only 400 SF! The designer, Anu Suebsawangkul used mostly white and black to make the space look bigger! Point Click Home.

It's been a terribly long time since I've written about small spaces. Since I live in NYC I'm very familiar with living in less than 800 square feet and am learning how to make my apartment seem bigger than it really is. My main principle is to make the most of the space by way of strategically arranging furniture, scale, and storage.

This mini 47 square metres home is free from clutter. The book cases are definitely full and I think the repeating ceiling beams expand the space a lot. Marie Claire Maison.

Another funky space from Marie Claire Maison. I love these stairs but I'd be afraid to climb them. This space has more clutter but less furniture and things that take up space. Keep it simple.

A lot of attic spaces have pitched ceilings so built in bed is a smart and cozy idea! From Coastal Living. Also, aren't you dying over the white painted wide planked floors? I am.

In this super small entry way, the designer put a day bed and storage underneath to hid clutter and make good/comfortable use of the space! Cottage Living.

You wouldn't guess this for a MOMENT but this space is 95 square feet! This is Garrow Kedigian's amazing little room from the Kip's Bay 2009 Showhouse. The Greek key motif throughout the room and the lines created by the moulding expand this space.

Another shot of this amazing room. I LOVE it! From Habitually Chic.

I love living in a tiny apartment. All the places in my apt are cozy and special. I will be excited to live in a giant farmhouse one way and have a large wooden trestle table and Orkney chairs but for now, I'm enjoying getting creative with my mini space.

Alicia B.

Trend Alert? Objects in low places.

I've noticed a few times now when objects are placed very very low. They seem out of place but then you look at them and you notice them more that you probably would if they were where you thought they were going to be. I've only found a few examples but I think they're pretty interesting.

Nancy Boszhardt placed this still life painting underneath this desk, as opposed to above it. I was worried at first that the painting would get hurt under there, but I suppose the desk is deep enough...

It is a great idea to place objects under the console table and these lanterns look amazing. Miles Redd then added a mirror to draw attention to them.

My new design love, Grant White Design placed this sconce next to the fireplace where you might usually see it above the mantle.

Have you all seen this anywhere else? Perhaps this is an old trend and is coming back again? What do you all think? I was skeptical at first but designers are always being applauded for placing things up high to draw your eyes up; why should this be any different? Just something to think about.

Alicia B.

Clerestory Story Time

Traditional Home. Look to the left to avoid the TV over the mantle (ugh) to the clerestory windows!

A very loyal reader asked me yesterday what clerestory windows were. For those of you who didn't have a proper art history education, clerestory windows, which originate in churches, are a narrow band of windows placed up high, to let light in from above. Here are some great ones that I found in residences, not churches.

This is from the Golf Digest Showhouse by Suzanne Kasler. If you can get past the astro-turf patch, there are gorgeous clerestory windows in the kitchen. The kitchen is a great place for them if you don't have an amazing view from your sink or you want privacy but still want light to come in, then these are perfect!

The light that streams in from these windows is so beautiful/ethereal. By Suzanne Kasler.

These next two are used as decorative elements on the interior of the room. This bathroom was designed by Robert Young for Traditional Home. These windows let you know that there is another room behind those slatted doors.

By Phoebe Howard, these almond shaped clerestory windows are placed above closets and add a great architectural element to the room.

These are more reminiscent of a church setting, as the windows are placed very high, and the ceiling is slightly pitched. By Christopher Coffin.

There are so many different kinds of windows out there so it can be confusing. I love clerestory windows because they remind me of my early days in art history classes, which eventually led me to interior design. Sigh.


Alicia B.