This month we look at ‘sanctuary spaces for women’, a part of our Modern Classic Family Style Series that uncovers personalized custom designs for each individual in a home. The designs within a home that we have created for women are all encompassing of the women we design for- whether a retreat and sanctuary room that allows for an escape from their power positions or a more practical ‘command’ center to help facilitate their executive roles. The rooms, while varied in style from traditional and transitional to modern classic, all have one thing in common- they are timeless and exquisite yet progressive and ‘state of the art.’

Our design philosophy requires that each individual in a family needs their own private space to relax and spend time doing the things they enjoy whether that is work related, relaxation oriented or both. Typically, children have their bedrooms to retreat to, fathers have the study or library and women? Often times, a private space for the woman is overlooked. It usually ends up being in the kitchen or family room but women too need a private space where they can retreat to to do the things they enjoy. Women want it all and we have some exciting spaces to discuss as a result from private inspiration rooms filled with favorite collections such as, books, flowers, candles and luxuriously comfortable furniture to expanded first floor offices/communication and command central/organizational areas to keep track of schedules, finances, paperwork, travel planning, gift wrapping and entertaining  plans.

LRI prides itself on designing these individualized spaces for women and all members of the family. It is the ideal component necessary to create to best home you can have for a modern family.

Anything else?

A man’s home used to be his castle, but somewhere along the line the family’s needs have usurped the man’s space.  Interior design is ever evolving and making a full circle back to designing for the man of the house. Man-centric rooms are conductive to a man’s personal time and reflection- a good thing- although many women may disagree.  It is also important to give them their ‘space’ literally and figuratively, when they come home, particularly those men working on Wall Street who require early mornings and/or late evenings. As a result, we are seeing new master bedroom designs with separate suites as well as adjoining areas. Our experience has found that adding more personal spaces for men and women- separately as well as together- creates a home environment that creates  more intimacy.  When each partner feels they are getting their “personal space” needs met, they tend to be happier. For the man of the house, designing man-centric rooms that accommodate unique interests – whether they are in-house personal gyms, trophy rooms for the great hunters, or an indoor sports court with a recreational mezzanine for the whole family -whatever we desire – can and should be custom designed to enjoy. These spaces celebrate our interests and treasures, allowing our homes to be welcomed and enjoyed as rest havens.

The current “Mad-Men” culture is very popular with our clients now. This edgy, clean, mid-century, modern-classic look that is brilliantly portrayed in the men, women, and interiors of the show is extremely appealing. Perhaps we are yearning to return to an era when our inspiration came from those “Masters of Class” like Cary Grant and Sean Connery. As with any timeless inspiration, modern classic design is a really a way of living that has been carried across most design industries- from clothing to home décor to other lifestyle accessories. It is really a state of mind (state of style?) that has been treasured by many who innately have the gift and can surround themselves with the look in their lives. For others, who aren’t innately equipped to achieve the look without professional consulting, we are called in. We delight at the prospect of achieving this modern classic style and have delivered some very interesting creations recently.

Some current examples and design trends for these man-centric spaces include lower levels (no longer a basement) that incorporate golf simulators, car garages with turntables that allow for display of a car collection and/or eliminate the need to back out; interactive sport game rooms, indoor batting cages, billiard/cigar rooms, and dressing+library+office spaces  designed specifically for men.

While our many modern classic projects integrate man-centric design pieces with sleek accessories and lighting, we typically use rich textiles and animal fabrics integrated with sophisticated new technology and electronics which are enjoyed by both sexes.

Whether the homes are being designed for young families just having children or those designing their empty-nest spaces, we find this master class/modern classic design fits the needs and functions of most whether they require comfort, luxury, progressive/multi-functioning areas or simply the classic family home.

With all of the (economic) turmoil over the recent years, a good objective for any homeowner or designer,  is to create personal spaces  for both partners/spouses that capture ones individuality and inner peace, enhancing one’s mood.  This ultimately creates a well connected and cohesive family unit.

Linda Ruderman-Rosier, President and owner of LRI, Inc. has created interior designs for residential and commercial properties throughout the United States for over 20 years. Linda’s formal education was bolstered with independent study courses in architecture and the history of furniture, as well as lecture study tours around the world. Linda has traveled extensively for her business and own pleasure. Since Linda’s grandfather and father both worked in the textile industry, not only was she surrounded by creativity but also learned what a beautiful fabric was and how it was made at a young age.