All articles by Rebecca Paul

Rebecca Paul is a Brooklyn based artist, writer, designer and strategist currently living in Buenos Aires. With and Undergraduate degree in Illustration and a Master's in design and business strategy, Rebecca is equally passionate about discovering compelling business ventures as she is about exploring her own artistic expression. The written word is her tool for brining the two worlds together. Her previous work experience includes her position as the Business Operations Manager for Inhabitat.com, the leading website dedicated to green and sustainable art and architecture; as well as the Director of Content Strategy for Prodigy Network, a international company committed to building new economic structures through crowdfunding in Real Estate. Follow her on twitter and instagram @rebeccapaulz

This 17-Room Historic Bronx Mansion with 40-Foot Indoor Lap Pool Can Be Yours for $8M

December 8, 2014

This 17-Room Historic Bronx Mansion with 40-Foot Indoor Lap Pool Can Be Yours for $8M

By Rebecca Paul

This massive house, located at 4547 Livingston Avenue in the Bronx's beautiful historic Fieldston neighborhood, is 17 rooms deep, boasts 10,450 square feet, and is now available for $7,950,000 (h/t Curbed). Built in 1911 with fieldstone quarried from the property, the home was last sold in 1984 for $451,000 to philanthropists Harvey and Jayne Beker. Over the past 30 years they meticulously renovated and expanded the property with no detail left behind. The mansion now boasts an indoor lap pool with Jacuzzi, a heated driveway, a paved terrace that can accommodate a 100-person dinner party, and an "au pair suite."
Tour the massive Bronx home here

Upper West Side Duplex Rental Is a Crown Molding Lover’s Dream

December 5, 2014

Upper West Side Duplex Rental Is a Crown Molding Lover’s Dream

By Rebecca Paul

Finding a place to rent in New York City can be a headache at best. But you can save some money on aspirin if you're interested in this two-bedroom Upper West Side duplex that is now available to rent for $6,925/month. Located at 313 West 75th Street, this charming, well-preserved, pre-war home boasts many of its original details, the most striking of which is its wealth of historic moldings, including crown and picture moldings throughout. You'll also find dentil moldings in the living room, and ornate floral moldings around the mirror. The decorated marble fireplaces aren't too shabby either.
Take a look around

Distinctive Homes

Beautiful Flatiron Loft Shows NYC What Built-Ins Are Supposed to Look Like

December 4, 2014

Beautiful Flatiron Loft Shows NYC What Built-Ins Are Supposed to Look Like

By Rebecca Paul

It's not everyday that cool new listings pop up in the Flatiron District, but lucky for us today is an exception. We are pleased to bring you this stunning, new-to-the-market property that was recently renovated and transformed from a gorgeous three-bedroom loft into this fabulous two-bedroom apartment with home office and a massive 25 x 31-foot living room. Located at 15 West 17th Street, this home features many of the unit's original details, including exquisite exposed brick and hardwood floors.
Check out the rest of the home here

Distinctive Homes

Fabrica718 Transforms Industrial Space into Cool Williamsburg Loft Perfect for Work and Play

December 2, 2014

Fabrica718 Transforms Industrial Space into Cool Williamsburg Loft Perfect for Work and Play

By Rebecca Paul

Most New Yorkers are well aware that a short ride over the Williamsburg Bridge will put you in one of the hippest neighborhoods in the city. This cool pad, located on Jackson Street in Williamsburg, was previously outfitted for a manufacturing business, but was recently converted into a design office and residential loft. The design team responsible for the upgrade is Fabrica718, and their goal was to optimize the common spaces to account for all of their client's needs. The stylish new interior is the perfect combination of the hip and rustic styles that typify the surrounding neighborhood's attitude.
Check out the rest of the home

Chelsea Townhouse Gets an Upgrade with a 550-Square-Foot Glass and Steel Garden Extension

December 1, 2014

Chelsea Townhouse Gets an Upgrade with a 550-Square-Foot Glass and Steel Garden Extension

By Rebecca Paul

The renovation of this beautiful West Side property was made possible by the design team from Chelsea's very own respected architecture firm, Archi-Tectonics. This project included the addition of a garden extension, two floors, and a rooftop terrace. The client, who is a fashion designer, wanted the home to reflect a "textured" or layered approach in its design, and the cool, narrative style does just that. The contemporary renovation was completed in 2011, when the original 3,400-square-foot brownstone–also a New York City landmark–was extended by 550 feet with the addition of the new garden space to create a residence that was light and airy.
Take a look at the rest of the house

HS2 Architecture’s Grandiose Upper West Side Townhouse Renovation

November 26, 2014

HS2 Architecture’s Grandiose Upper West Side Townhouse Renovation

By Rebecca Paul

We're back again with another "well worth the wait" renovation story; this chapter takes us to an Upper West Side townhouse that was recently revamped by HS2 Architecture. The facade of this five-floor home is magnificent on its own, boasting ornate concrete detailing, elaborate windows and a grand front doorway. The overall approach to this renovation was to create more free-flowing spaces that reflect the more contemporary lifestyle of the family.
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Andrew Franz’s Signature Style Makes a Mark with This Elegant Townhouse in the East Village

November 25, 2014

Andrew Franz’s Signature Style Makes a Mark with This Elegant Townhouse in the East Village

By Rebecca Paul

The East Village is one of NYC's most sought-after neighborhoods, and this beautiful townhouse located in its landmark district speaks to the area's down-to-earth yet sophisticated and modern appeal. The four-level home recently underwent a massive renovation led by the design team from Andrew Franz Architect. Andrew Franz is known for their seamless integration of outdoor and structural elements, and with many of their projects it's hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. With their signature style running rampant throughout the space, this stately home is no exception.
Check out the interiors here

Distinctive Homes

Renovation of Brooklyn Heights Gothic Revival Townhouse Will Make You Want to Say Hallelujah!

November 24, 2014

Renovation of Brooklyn Heights Gothic Revival Townhouse Will Make You Want to Say Hallelujah!

By Rebecca Paul

People are constantly moving back and forth from New York City to different cities on the West Coast like Los Angeles and San Francisco; with everything these great cities have to offer, who can blame them? This was the case for one family who moved back to New York after a five-year stint in San Francisco. Their plan of action was simple: Buy a townhouse in Brooklyn Heights, do moderate remodeling, and be chillaxing at home in a year's time, max. However, as many of these stories go, that wasn't the case, and in the end it took them three years to find the right property for purchase and another three years to complete the remodel. With 1100 Architect at the helm, what they lost in time was made up in style and elegance. This five-story Brooklyn Heights Gothic Revival will make you want to say "Hallelujah! That's some good design!"
Have a tour inside here

Breathtaking Upper East Side Townhouse Boasts Four-Year Renovation Well Worth the Wait

November 21, 2014

Breathtaking Upper East Side Townhouse Boasts Four-Year Renovation Well Worth the Wait

By Rebecca Paul

Great architecture, whether it's here in New York or elsewhere, is fully realized when the physical shape of the building, the interior design, and the surrounding landscape are brought together through great design, and this amazing Upper East Side townhouse is an impeccable example of this magical combination. Led by Steven Harris Architects and interior designer Rees Roberts + Partners, the house recently underwent a four-year renovation and re-decoration, and the results were clearly well worth the wait. The property boasts over eight stories and 8,500 square feet of living space, and it includes a bedrock basement pool, wine cellar, gym, and workshop.
You've got to see the rest of this home

Architecture And Design

Light and Airy Penthouse Fuses Modern Luxury with Classic Upper West Side Charm

November 20, 2014

Light and Airy Penthouse Fuses Modern Luxury with Classic Upper West Side Charm

By Rebecca Paul

Easy breezy is the perfect description for this duplex penthouse that recently popped up on the market for $3,850,000. Located at 329 West 108th street on the Upper West Side, this beautiful three-bedroom home includes a dramatic corner living room and ample outdoor space–both perfect for entertaining. The living room also features an elegant angular skylight, so whether you're inside or out, you and your guests will be able to enjoy beautiful views of the New York City skyline.
READ MORE

Distinctive Homes

Popular Articles

$2.7M Duplex Invokes the Historic Hipness of the East Village

November 19, 2014

$2.7M Duplex Invokes the Historic Hipness of the East Village

By Rebecca Paul

From beats like Allen Ginsberg to '80s artists like Keith Haring, the East Village was once home to the city's hippest New York icons (and, some may argue, still is). But since its heyday, the neighborhood has become an extremely sought after part of the city, and this East Village pad that was recently put on the market is fully stacked in the hipness department. The four-bedroom unit is located at 211 East 2nd Street and is currently listed for $2,695,000. From the Carriage House condominium's unique exterior to the edgy, rustic interior, this home is sure to make you the coolest kid on the block.
Tour this East Village beauty here

Distinctive Homes

Picturesque Upper West Side Brownstone with Skylit Art Studio Asks $8.75 Million

November 18, 2014

Picturesque Upper West Side Brownstone with Skylit Art Studio Asks $8.75 Million

By Rebecca Paul

Nothing says the Upper West Side quite like images of quaint townhouses above sidewalks of tree-lined streets, and this beautiful brownstone up for sale fits right in. Located at 139 West 87th Street, the grand, recently restored property is in perfect move-in condition. The home includes approximately 4,000 square feet, 4-6 bedrooms and an abundance of luxurious and historic details. The current asking price for this classic piece of New York architecture is $8.75 million.
READ MORE

Distinctive Homes

Jane Kim Creates a Rustic Ski Lodge-Like Urban Loft Using Recycled Materials

November 17, 2014

Jane Kim Creates a Rustic Ski Lodge-Like Urban Loft Using Recycled Materials

By Rebecca Paul

Located on Franklin Street in Tribeca, the interior of this loft, by designer Jane Kim, is a cool combination of rustic elegance and industrial modernism. The wooden floors and brick laid walls warm up the expansive space that's somewhere between urban loft and mountain ski lodge. If you happen to be one of those New Yorkers charmed by the use of raw materials and luxury amenities, this might be the perfect bit of inspiration for your next home makeover.
Have a look inside

Gorgeous Penthouse Condo Offers All the Thrills of Greenwich Village

November 14, 2014

Gorgeous Penthouse Condo Offers All the Thrills of Greenwich Village

By Rebecca Paul

As a neighborhood, Greenwich Village offers a taste of almost everything that makes people dream of living in New York–eclectic restaurants, vibrant nightlife and shopping and world-famous community events, all in a low-scale, family-friendly neighborhood. Now you can enjoy all of the benefits of living in one of the best neighborhoods in the world, as this impeccable five-bedroom penthouse condo just popped up on the market. Located at 29 East 10th Street, this seriously gorgeous piece of real estate is currently listed for $14.995 million and offers the privacy of townhouse living with the ceiling heights and proportions of a classic Downtown loft.
Tour the rest of the home here

Designer Robert Couturier’s Midtown Apartment Could Double as a Modern Art Museum

November 13, 2014

Designer Robert Couturier’s Midtown Apartment Could Double as a Modern Art Museum

By Rebecca Paul

This gorgeous midtown home says mod from top to bottom. Designer Robert Couturier is responsible for the apartment's impeccable interior design, and according to Couturier, "décor above all else, must be appropriate to the architecture, to the clients, and to the setting." Keeping that in mind, the cool stylings and playful details infused throughout this apartment have us convinced that the owners are the kind of folks we'd like to meet.
Tour the mod, colorful apartment here

Zen Tribeca Loft Complete With Neon Signs and Beatles-Inspired Bed Can Be Yours for $10.5M

November 12, 2014

Zen Tribeca Loft Complete With Neon Signs and Beatles-Inspired Bed Can Be Yours for $10.5M

By Rebecca Paul

Tribeca is filled with well-designed lofts, but this space boasts a symmetrical zen-like elegance that is definitely worth checking out. The one-bedroom unit is located at 158 Franklin Street on one of the neighborhood's most desirable cobblestone blocks and is currently listed for $10.5 million. The interior space features low furnishings and eastern-inspired details–most notably a bed inset into the floor, reminiscent of the Beatles' bed in their famous movie, "Help" (we can't be the only ones who've dreamed of having that bed). The loft recently underwent a complete renovation, and we like what we're seeing.
Tour the rest of the home here

Distinctive Homes

Beautiful Upper East Side Fairytale Mansion Now $2M Less

November 11, 2014

Beautiful Upper East Side Fairytale Mansion Now $2M Less

By Rebecca Paul

The fairy tale of New York City is constantly unfolding, and this one-of-a-kind Upper East Side townhouse will surely set the scene for a romantic urban happily ever after. This home, originally built in 1893 by A. B. Ogden and Son, is located at 5 East 93rd Street, a stone's throw away from 5th Avenue and Central Park. Within the last few years the entire property was completely restored, and the elaborate detailing that went into the design of this home is immaculate. The listing price for this property is $17.95 million—and yep, if you’ve been following, it's dropped almost $2 million from its February listing price.
READ MORE

Architect Steven Harris Builds a Floating Staircase to Heaven in This Tribeca Loft Renovation

November 10, 2014

Architect Steven Harris Builds a Floating Staircase to Heaven in This Tribeca Loft Renovation

By Rebecca Paul

Made possible by handiwork from the firm Steven Harris Architects, the design and luxury of this Tribeca loft renovation are magnificent. The entirety of the project included the renovation of a huge penthouse located in a converted 1930s office building into a dream home for one family with three teenagers and no budget constraints. What emerged was this multi-level unit that occupies the 27th and 28th floors with nearly 8,000 square feet of living space. The property features a self-contained guest house, a new glass and teak beam rooftop (which also doubles as a recreation room), and fabulous views of Manhattan and Brooklyn. However, within all of this architectural glory our favorite detail is the elegant floating staircase that climbs up the living room wall and almost into the clouds.
READ MORE

Cleverly Designed Noho Loft Is Inspired by the Japanese Bento Box

November 7, 2014

Cleverly Designed Noho Loft Is Inspired by the Japanese Bento Box

By Rebecca Paul

Making space for all of your things is a constant challenge when living in New York City, and efficient storage is a valuable commodity (any seasoned New Yorker would agree). That's why this cleverly designed Noho loft, inspired by the neatly-packed Japanese bento box, has caught our attention. Koko, the architecture firm responsible for the delicious design, was approached by friends (and now clients) to revamp their 1,400 square foot loft into a space capable providing for the needs of a growing family.
See how everything fits into place

Distinctive Homes

Artist Transforms Decrepit Woodstock Property into a Psychedelic Playground and Home

November 6, 2014

Artist Transforms Decrepit Woodstock Property into a Psychedelic Playground and Home

By Rebecca Paul

We know Woodstock, New York is an upstate haven for creative types, but we still had to look twice when we saw this rainbow-colored house gracing its woodsy landscape. Artist Kat O'Sulllivan, also know as Katwise, is the mastermind behind the psychedelic transformation of this barn-home. When she first purchased the property it was a decrepit looking house from the 1840s, far from the graphic masterpiece that it is today. The exterior of her home boasts a vibrant spectrum of colors and patterns, and the interior is equally spectacular and whimsical.
Take a look around the colorful abode

Architecture And Design

Andrew Franz Transforms an Old Soap Factory into a Tranquil Tribeca Oasis

November 5, 2014

Andrew Franz Transforms an Old Soap Factory into a Tranquil Tribeca Oasis

By Rebecca Paul

Architect Andrew Franz is known for his nature-inspired designs, and he has successfully infused his signature aesthetic into the tranquil interior of this Tribeca home. Franz transformed a 19th century Manhattan soap factory into what is now a gorgeous example of adaptive reuse. The designer's goal for this project was to create the feeling of being outdoors when inside the walls of the Romanesque Revival building, while also maintaining as much of the original structure as possible. By combining modern clean lines and open spaces with rustic wooden columns and raw brick walls, Franz creates a visual narrative celebrating the preservation of something old in the creation of something new and beautiful.
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Designer Loft in the New Museum Building Listed for $10.5 Million

November 4, 2014

Designer Loft in the New Museum Building Listed for $10.5 Million

By Rebecca Paul

Recognized as one of Lower Manhattan's most sought after addresses, this gorgeous condo at 158 Mercer Street has a lot to live up to. However, with 4,200 square feet to work with, this three-bedroom loft might be up for the challenge. The sophisticated sun-blasted space features high ceilings, dark wood floors and stately columns. Plus, the interior was meticulously designed by de la Torre design studio—a talented team once named one of Elle Decor's top 25 designers. The property was recently put on the market and the current listing price is $10.5 million.
Tour the interior with us

Distinctive Homes

This 16-Room Upper East Side Penthouse with Conservatory is Back for $4M Less

November 3, 2014

This 16-Room Upper East Side Penthouse with Conservatory is Back for $4M Less

By Rebecca Paul

Real estate in NYC has its own special 'wow' factor that many of us have become accustomed to. However, every now and again you come across a property of truly epic proportions, and this seven-bedroom, 16-room penthouse located at 52 East 72nd Street on the Upper East Side is just that. The massive space spans approximately 6,300 square feet and includes 1,200 square feet of elegantly landscaped terraces. The listing price for this beauty is $17.95 million—and yep, if you've been following it, it has indeed returned to the market for $4 million less than its April listing price.
Take a peek inside

Distinctive Homes

Live-Work Loft in SoHo is a Museum for Luxury Living

October 31, 2014

Live-Work Loft in SoHo is a Museum for Luxury Living

By Rebecca Paul

This live-work loft, currently home to a prominent art dealer and his a notably impressive art collection, was recently put on the market for $6.5 million. Located in the heart of SoHo at 84 Mercer Street, this galley-style home occupies a full floor that was gutted and rebuilt with the help of loft architect Todd Ernst. The building was first constructed in 1884, and in 1978 was declared a National Historic Landmark. The cast-iron structure features massive windows, 16' ceilings, a private elevator, and a definitively cool interior style.
Tour this spectacular loft

Distinctive Homes

Animated GIFs Remembering the Post-Sandy Devastation

Before-and-after views of Staten Island

October 31, 2014

Animated GIFs Remembering the Post-Sandy Devastation

By Rebecca Paul

This week marks the two-year anniversary since Hurricane Sandy devastated New York City and the surrounding coast lines. In its wake, the storm forever altered our coastal areas. These before-and-after satellite images from the Huffington Post taken via Google Earth, show just how dramatic the damage was—and they ask us to consider the progress we've made recovering from the destruction over the last two years. Our rebuilding efforts in the post-sandy aftermath have been significant, however our work is far from over.
More details here

City Living

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