I was honored to be asked to update the common hallways, elevators, and elevator landings for The Hampshire House . The 37 story building is a New York City landmark. Sitting on Central Park South just steps from The Plaza Hotel, its steep copper roof and double chimneys form one of the iconic shapes on the NYC skyline.

The Hampshire House was built in 1938 as a hotel, but is now luxury apartments, and most have wonderful views of Central Park, which is directly across the street.

It was a little intimidating to do any design work in the building, originally designed by the great decorator, Dorothy Draper.

I did not touch any of Draper’s work, which is still intact in the main lobby. What I was asked to do was update the public areas which had been poorly decorated back in the 1980 (think peach shag carpet and apricot walls – yuck)! Besides being unappealing design, it was not good Feng Shui.

Even though these are transitional spaces, the energy of public areas effect thousands of people over time. When spaces like these are designed for optimal energy, it increases the well being of all those who live there, and ultimately improves the success of the building as a whole.

So as with every project, I started with a Feng Shui analysis. Based on the Feng Shui reading of this building, wealth and harmonious relationships are enhanced by adding Metal and Water elements. That formed the basis for my design.

Metal colors are silver, gold, white or gray. Water colors are colors blue or black. So I selected a color scheme of pale blue, black and white.

For the floors, I installed a blue plush carpet lined with black and white tiles. The tilework harkens back to the Hampshire House’s art deco origins, and tie in with the original tiles in the main lobby.

We finished the walls in a pale blue venation plaster, the softness of which feels a bit watery (and water enhances the wealth energy of the building).

I selected hardware and light fixtures trimmed in polished chrome, and lined the halls with black and white photographs showing parties from the golden age of the hotel.

I placed a white leather settee in each elevator landing, backed with a mirrored wall in a diamond pattern to bounce light into the windowless space. Finally, I chose sleek white and chrome light fixtures to bring a little modern energy into this elegant space.

While many Feng Shui books and teachers focus on arranging the individual rooms in one’s home, integrating Feng Shui design into public areas is a fantastic way to enhance the well being of all who pass through the space. Who knows how many people will be positively affected by visiting such a place…even if they have no idea what Feng Shui is!

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Check out today’s Home section of The New York Times  for the fascinating article, The Bedside Battleground. I was delighted to be one of the designers asked about the ideal bedside table in this age of new technologies, sleep devises, medications and a million other items we keep close at hand every night.

Here are some additional Feng Shui tips for your bedside table:

~ For healthy romance, it is important that you have two bedside tables. It represents balance in the relationship.

Pair of Side Tables by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb

~A substantial bedside table is best. It honors you and your rest and relaxation. (You also don’t want the insecurity of knocking things off of it in the middle of the night.) It should be able to accommodate whatever you need in an organized and accessible way.

Mame 3 drawer side table by Bungalow 5

~ I like a table with a large surface on top, one drawer and one open shelf. That seems to satisfy most people’s bed time needs.

Gracie nightstand by Baker

~ Consider a round end table, or at least one with rounded corners. Sleeping with a sharp corner near your head is not good Feng Shui and can disrupt restful sleep.

Brigitte side table by Bungalow 5

 ~ Overall, the experience in the bedroom, especially near the bed, should be one of softness, warmth, and safety. To feel like you are floating on a cloud, or wrapped in a soft cocoon in your bed is ideal Feng Shui.

Sweet dreams...

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Sumptuous silk pillows by Leah Durner

 I’m so happy that my dear friend Leah Durner has created a line of items for West Elm. Her artwork is stunning, and it is incredible that we can now purchase her art in this beautiful line of home accessories.

Her trays are bold and elegant.

 From West Elm: New York artist Leah Durner’s audacious and colorful paintings range from psychedelic poured enamels to postmodern abstractions. “My primary inspiration is the vibrancy and density of New York City and its amazing and inspiring people” she explains. We translated some of Leah’s favorite pieces into an exclusive collection of silk pillows and lacquer trays.

 But you will have to act fast – her items are already selling out online!

I love how her pillows pop on my office sofa. Sofa by Urban Outfitters, throw by Missoni Home.

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