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

Etelamaki Architecture’s Minimalist Prospect Heights Townhouse Is Warm and Inviting

September 30, 2015

Etelamaki Architecture’s Minimalist Prospect Heights Townhouse Is Warm and Inviting

By Rebecca Paul

Prospect Heights hasn't always been the most desirable area, but in the past 30 years this neighborhood has seriously upped its game. With beautiful townhouses like this one, renovated by the design team from Etelamaki Architecture, it's easy to see why the neighborhood has continued on the up and up. While each room of this home has noteworthy details, our favorite feature by far is the sweeping staircase that adds fluidity and elegance to this urban structure. Continue ahead for more.
Explore the home here

Distinctive Homes

Giant Pencil Doubles as a Lamp to Liven Up Your Living Space

September 30, 2015

Giant Pencil Doubles as a Lamp to Liven Up Your Living Space

By Rebecca Paul

With all of the serious design out there, sometimes it's nice to have a little quirk to liven up our living space. And whether you're a designer, writer or just have your nose in the books, you'll probably appreciate the HB Lamp, a giant pencil that also doubles as a lighting fixture, from design team Michael and Georgie Gettings.
More on the fun lamp

Cobble Hill Brownstone by Budding Designer Blair Harris Mixes Vintage Finds With Modern Details

September 29, 2015

Cobble Hill Brownstone by Budding Designer Blair Harris Mixes Vintage Finds With Modern Details

By Rebecca Paul

The gorgeous interior of this Cobble Hill townhouse was completed by Blair Harris Interior Design. The home is an eclectic yet elegant combination of classic vintage pieces and crisp modern detailing, all of which is a tribute to the hard work of this budding designer. Harris entered the New York design scene in 2005 after receiving her BFA in Art History. She then spent the next six years honing her skills working at The Jeffrey Design Group before breaking out on her own in the winter of 2011.
Check out one of Harris' beautiful designs

Commute Alone on the NYC Subway With These DIY Blinkers

September 29, 2015

Commute Alone on the NYC Subway With These DIY Blinkers

By Rebecca Paul

While we love to complain about the MTA and the New York City Subway system, it still gets us where we need to go on a pretty regular basis. That being said, the majority of the time we are commuting is spent underground in close proximity with our fellow New Yorkers—whether we like it or not. While in some regards this experience represents the true melting pot that is New York City, it's not always the most pleasant one. Now thanks to artist Imme van der Haak, if you're in the "I hate the subway" camp, you can at least avoid the communal part of the experience with her human blinker project "Open Source."
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Interior Designer Hilary Robertson Brings British Charm to Her Brooklyn Brownstone

September 28, 2015

Interior Designer Hilary Robertson Brings British Charm to Her Brooklyn Brownstone

By Rebecca Paul

Interior designer Hilary Robertson moved from a four-bedroom Victorian in Hastings, England to Brooklyn about nine years ago with her husband and infant son. Prior to her departure west, she had to get rid of most of the objects and furniture she had used to make her house a home for many years. Attempting to settle into her new space in Brooklyn, she found it challenging to recreate the same feeling of home she was accustomed to back in England. That was until she and her husband made their first trip to the Brimfield Antiques Flea Market in Massachusetts where Ms. Roberston's passion was reignited. Her home is now a sprawling tribute to her own personal style and is packed full of beautifully curated rooms.
Look around the home

These Brightly Colored Rugs Are Inspired by Graffiti and Patterns in Nature

September 28, 2015

These Brightly Colored Rugs Are Inspired by Graffiti and Patterns in Nature

By Rebecca Paul

When we think about decorating an apartment, most of us start with our walls, but with these new rug designs from Swedish artist Jonathan Josefsson you might want to consider your floor first. Josefsson is based in Gothenburg and has a background in graffiti. His brightly colored rugs take cues from his street art days and depict organic and playful patterns that will certainly liven up even the drabbest living space.
Find out more about the rugs

Noho Apartment Boasts Vintage Detailing and Doubles as a Performance Venue

September 25, 2015

Noho Apartment Boasts Vintage Detailing and Doubles as a Performance Venue

By Rebecca Paul

New York City is known for its multi-functional spaces, but seeing how the concept is incorporated into homes on an individual basis is always an exciting venture, and this transitional space in Noho is no exception. Designed by Wettling Architects, the very cool apartment was renovated to be both a home and a gathering hall for performances and benefits. Plus, it's full of vintage accessories reminiscent of an an old school New York many of us have only seen on TV, an interesting fact considering it was once home to "Law & Order: SVU" star B.D. Wong.
See more of this fun space

Wallpockets: Cool Cardboard Wall Decor That Doubles as Storage

September 25, 2015

Wallpockets: Cool Cardboard Wall Decor That Doubles as Storage

By Rebecca Paul

No home feels complete without a little wall decor, and what better way to decorate your city digs than with art that doubles as storage! These colorful pentagon-shaped pockets for your wall were brought to you by industrial design students Tim Karoleff and Shea Springer, known collectively to the world as Ampersand.
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Clever Skyline Wrapping Paper Turns Gifts Into City Buildings From Around the World

September 24, 2015

Clever Skyline Wrapping Paper Turns Gifts Into City Buildings From Around the World

By Rebecca Paul

We're suckers for almost anything boasting a city skyline, and this cleverly illustrated skyline gift wrap from Suck UK is no exception. The super-sized gift wrap is printed with building facades from around the world. And since most gift boxes are already shaped like buildings, it will be easy to turn any birthday party or holiday celebration into an urban landscape.
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Bright Harlem Apartment Features Transformative Rooms and Is Wheelchair Accessible

September 24, 2015

Bright Harlem Apartment Features Transformative Rooms and Is Wheelchair Accessible

By Rebecca Paul

6sqft often covers space-saving design and multi-functional furniture, but it's not everyday that we get to share interior design and architecture that has the potential to significantly impact someone's quality of life. However, the renovation of this 1,500-square-foot Harlem apartment, led by the architecture firm Ten to One, is a great example of this type of universal design. The apartment was designed to provide distinct access for a family member who is in a wheelchair. The redesign features clever architectural detailing that gives each room the ability to blend together or be separate and surfaces that can act as figures or enclosures. It also introduced a system of walls and ceilings that cut through the existing structure to expose new depths.
Check it out

Popular Articles

Elizabeth Roberts Combines Styles for a Traditional Yet Hip Park Slope Brownstone

September 23, 2015

Elizabeth Roberts Combines Styles for a Traditional Yet Hip Park Slope Brownstone

By Rebecca Paul

One of the best things about design and architecture in New York City is the constant flow of culture and influence, and the combination of styles and custom architectural detailing found inside this Italianate brownstone reflects this ever-present vibrancy and rhythm. The home is situated on quaint Bergen Street in Park Slope and recently underwent a gut renovation led by the design team at Elizabeth Roberts Design/Ensemble Architecture. The structure that now boasts four bedrooms is perfect for a growing family (plus it has a rental apartment on the garden level), and its interior is decorated with a combination of cool muted tones and dark bold accents.
Tour the home

10 ways to make a studio apartment feel bigger

September 22, 2015

10 ways to make a studio apartment feel bigger

By Rebecca Paul

Our new series Apartment Living 101 is aimed at helping New Yorkers navigate the challenges of creating a happy home in the big city. This week we look at the space and storage struggles that come with studio living. Every New Yorker knows far too well the challenges associated with small living spaces. However, for the folks living in studio apartments, they need to be experts. While we love the beautiful vintage furniture and lush apartment plants that spruce up our digs, when thinking about decorating a studio, one should first start with the basics of good planning and smart design. For our many space-challenged readers, we've put together some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your limited square footage.
10 tips to try out here

Park Slope Brownstone Renovation by Ben Herzog Adds Open Space and Natural Light

September 22, 2015

Park Slope Brownstone Renovation by Ben Herzog Adds Open Space and Natural Light

By Rebecca Paul

Compared with traditional suburban living, the densely packed rowhouses that populate many Brooklyn streets might seem dark claustrophobic. Therefore, it's no surprise that the owners of this narrow Park Slope brownstone wanted their renovation by Architect Ben Herzog to add as much natural light as possible. The first order of business was to remove walls, open up the rear facade, and increase the amount of glass and light. Many other changes were made along the way, and the resulting interior is a brightly lit, airy space that feels welcoming and fresh.
Take a look around

Nendo’s Carbon Fiber Nest Shelf Can Expand to Fit Any Size Room

September 22, 2015

Nendo’s Carbon Fiber Nest Shelf Can Expand to Fit Any Size Room

By Rebecca Paul

Built-in book cases can take any space from drab to fab. Unfortunately, these custom-built units are often expensive—and if you don't own your home, not worth the investment. Now thanks to the Japanese design firm Nendo, and their new shelving unit called Nest, you can have a set of book cases adjusted exactly for your living space. This ingenious shelf stretches to accommodate any size. Each unit is made from carbon fiber materials, so it will hold up under extremely large amounts of weight. Plus, unlike built-ins, when it's time to move, you can take these customizable pieces with you to adorn your new home.
learn more about the design here

Üllo Purifies Wine to Remove Sulfites and Hangovers One Glass at a Time

September 21, 2015

Üllo Purifies Wine to Remove Sulfites and Hangovers One Glass at a Time

By Rebecca Paul

It's probably safe to say that many New Yorkers enjoy a good glass of wine (we certainly do), and who doesn't want to appreciate it just as the winemaker intended? James Kornacki, the mastermind behind Üllo, wants to make sure this is possible with every opened bottle, and according to him it's all about purity. That's why Kornacki teamed up with the award-winning product development and brand incubation firm MINIMAL to create a product than can remove the sulfites used to preserve wine when sold commercially.
More on the product

Beautiful Boerum Hill Townhouse Has a Whimsical Kids’ Playroom and an Impeccable Garden

September 21, 2015

Beautiful Boerum Hill Townhouse Has a Whimsical Kids’ Playroom and an Impeccable Garden

By Rebecca Paul

When it comes to Brooklyn townhouses, we often find ourselves ogling their immaculate renovations; incredible undertakings that always somehow manage to perfectly balance the beautiful and historic roots of a construction with the whimsical and wonderful details of modern homes. This gorgeous four-story row house in Boerum Hill is no exception. Renovated by CWB Architects back in 2010, the project included a gut renovation of the two lower floors, and the family room, guest room, playroom, bar and mechanical space were all redesigned. A large opening was also inserted into the southern facade facing the garden, and a sunscreen was integrated into the structure to shield the interior spaces. What came to be was a home that's both cohesive and inviting.
READ MORE

Bioscleave House Uses Architecture to Extend Lifespans and Strengthen Immune Systems

September 20, 2015

Bioscleave House Uses Architecture to Extend Lifespans and Strengthen Immune Systems

By Rebecca Paul

New Yorkers are always looking for new ways to stay young, and the next health craze may be just a bridge or tunnel away in Long Island at the Bioscleave House in East Hampton. Arakawa and Madeline Gins are the masterminds behind the house, which is also referred to as the Lifespan Extending Villa. The duo's design philosophy is to combat mortality by creating architecture that makes people use their bodies in unexpected ways, challenging them to maintain equilibrium, in turn stimulating their immune systems. “They ought to build hospitals like this,” Ms. Gins told the New York Times in a 2008 interview. Although the idea sounds fascinating and beneficial for all, their out-of-the-box methods might not be exactly what you'd expect. With undulating floors–possibly unsafe for children–and a variety of other disorienting details, the verdict is still out on whether or not their methods will, in fact, reverse the aging process as they claim.
Plenty more on the Bioscleave House ahead

Architecture And Design

Egloo’s Terracotta Dome Will Heat a 215-Square-Foot Room for Just 10 Cents a Day

September 18, 2015

Egloo’s Terracotta Dome Will Heat a 215-Square-Foot Room for Just 10 Cents a Day

By Rebecca Paul

Egloo was created to offer people a more efficient alternative to the traditional methods of heating one's home. The candle-powered terracotta dome takes advantage of the material's natural ability to store heat, then gradually releases it by radiation even after the candle is no longer burning. The structure consist of four elements: the base, grill and two domes.
More here

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Grandiose Castle Hotel & Spa in Tarrytown Helps You Relax and Restore Medieval-Style

September 18, 2015

Grandiose Castle Hotel & Spa in Tarrytown Helps You Relax and Restore Medieval-Style

By Rebecca Paul

Located at 400 Benedict Avenue in Tarrytown, NY, a short thirty minutes north of Manhattan, Castle Hotel & Spa sits atop one of the highest points in Westchester County. This majestic palace (h/t FEH) overlooks the Hudson River and quaint suburbs below. The Castle is over 100 years old and a visit will easily whisk you away to America's enchanted Gilded Age.
Learn more about the historic property

Sleek Tribeca Loft Redesign Features Undulating Walls and Inspiring Idea Lab

September 17, 2015

Sleek Tribeca Loft Redesign Features Undulating Walls and Inspiring Idea Lab

By Rebecca Paul

This Tribeca loft is situated on the sixth floor of an eight-story building in Manhattan. The space measures 3,500 square feet and in 2014 it underwent a complete interior renovation led by the design team at Voorsanger Architects. The exterior of the existing building was also recently updated but its renovation was meant to replicate the historic character of the former industrial neighborhood. What we see on the inside of this loft is a far different approach.
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Distinctive Homes

Luna Globe Lights Will Illuminate Your Living Space Just Like the Moon

September 17, 2015

Luna Globe Lights Will Illuminate Your Living Space Just Like the Moon

By Rebecca Paul

At night, the New York City skyline is illuminated with the artificial glow of its towering skyscrapers and bridges. While this sight is breathtaking and often reminds us of why we love the city so, we can't help but long for an occasional glimpse of the stars and moon. This was Acorn Studio's sentiment and inspiration for the design of Luna, an artificial globe light that looks just like the moon!
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Lang Architecture Updates a Carroll Gardens Brownstone With a Two-Story Wall of Windows

September 16, 2015

Lang Architecture Updates a Carroll Gardens Brownstone With a Two-Story Wall of Windows

By Rebecca Paul

Prior to renovation, this Carroll Gardens brownstone came complete with tattered wall-to-wall carpeting and three separate apartment units. Plus, it was just 14 feet wide. The arduous task of transforming the four-story Italianate home into an attractive one-family residence was awarded to Drew Lang of Lang Architecture (the same firm responsible for Hudson Woods, the Catskills eco-community). When first approached, Lang's clients said they wanted to restore the historic elements of the house, but also make it feel airy, light, and modern.
See how Drew Lang rose to the challenge

Liven Up Your Walls With Bike Art Inspired by the New York City Streets

September 16, 2015

Liven Up Your Walls With Bike Art Inspired by the New York City Streets

By Rebecca Paul

Original art is a great way to adorn the walls in your home, but for some of us, it can also be outside of our budget. One excellent solution to this conundrum is to purchase original prints from local artists like Massimo Mongiardo. Mongiardo recieved his BFA in Illustration from the Massachusetts College of Art, and he now lives and works in New York City. His playful collection of bike prints were inspired by the bike culture he observed around his studio.
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The Best Places to Buy Cheap Vintage and Antique Furniture in NYC

September 15, 2015

The Best Places to Buy Cheap Vintage and Antique Furniture in NYC

By Rebecca Paul

Finding the time and money to properly adorn your living space is challenging in any capacity, and living in a city as expensive as New York makes it that much more difficult. However, this bustling metropolis is not only filled with people, it's also home to all of their furniture! As the saying goes, one man's trash is another man's treasure, and New York is the perfect town to hunt for good deals on vintage pieces that are often better in quality and better looking than what you'd buy new from IKEA (minus the ferry ride). To save you time, we've put together this list of some of our favorite NYC spots to hunt for cheap vintage furniture and accessories. We also included a few new and not so new websites that also offer excellent deals.
The best shops to find great deals here

There’s a Secret Bathhouse Modeled After Ancient Greco-Roman and Ottoman Traditions in Tribeca

September 15, 2015

There’s a Secret Bathhouse Modeled After Ancient Greco-Roman and Ottoman Traditions in Tribeca

By Rebecca Paul

We don't always have enough free time to escape NYC as often as we'd like (or need). However, when we find ourselves desperate for some immediate R and R there are a few gems of tranquility hidden inside the walls of this concrete jungle. One breathtaking example is AIRE's Ancient Bath House located right in Tribeca behind a very unassuming cast iron storefront (we didn't know it existed either!). This sexy newcomer offers guests access to a suite of amenities including pools of hot, warm, cold and ice water; jet and salt baths; and a steamy hammam.
Have a look inside the incredible space ahead

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