Alfonsina Romero and Daria Demin for Design on a Dime

 

Interior designers Alfonsina Romero-Waters (ARNY) and Daria Demin (Circa 22 Design Studio)  are collaborating to design a prohibition-inspired room inside a 10’x12’ booth at Housing Work’s annual fundraiser: Design on a Dime. This event, dedicated to raising funds to end homelessness and AIDS, brings top together designers to create unforgettable vignettes exhibited and sold at Opening Night.
 
The duo's booth captures the essence of a modernist speakeasy lounge, drawing inspiration from the glamour of the Prohibition era. Fusing opulence with simplicity, weeping flowers on the wall panel adorning the walls evoke the sorrow felt for those affected by alcoholism. In the heart of the room stands a radiant red lacquer bar shelf generously donated by Vondom.  
 
"We wanted to create an experience that seamlessly blends old nostalgia with modern trends," says Alfonsina, whose creative background extends beyond designing spaces. With over a decade in NYC's hospitality scene, Alfonsina combines design, marketing, and PR to create truly immersive experiences.
To pay tribute to the original spirit of the prohibition era, the Timothy Oulton - donated bar will exclusively serve non-alcoholic cocktails, staying true to the booth's historical theme. Hosted by Gin and Tonic Queen, nonalcoholic cocktails will be exquisitely crafted with London Essence mixers, echoing the era's ethos of temperance and innovation.
 
The ambiance of the duo's booth is elevated through strategic collaborations with luxury brands such as JAB Fabrics, Fromental, Metropolitan Lighting, Houles Paris, Tom Faulkner, Classic Sofa, Soy Creative, Pom Rugs, Luigi’s Blinds and Drapes, and Jan Kath Carpets. These esteemed sponsors have contributed to tailoring a space that displays a distinctive blend of history and innovation. 
 
"We are thrilled to be part of this project and support Housing Works' mission," says Daria, founder of Circa 22 Design Studio. With 20 years of experience in interior design, Daria's expertise has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life with incredible contributions, including a unique custom piece designed exclusively for their concept from Classic Sofa. 
 
 
Upcoming Events:
Ground Breaker Awards Gala: April 24, 2024
Opening Night: April 25, 2024

Superfine! NYC 2017 Art Show Preview

Alexander Guerra "Keep Calm and Louis Vuitton"

Miami based art fair, Superfine! Comes to New York this weekend from May 4-7 in the Meatpacking District and brings curated and affordable art to Frieze Week. 

The inaugural New York showcase will host 50 international exhibitors including 23 galleries and curatorial collectives alongside 27 independent artist positions. Artwork pricing caps out at $10,000, with over 70% of the works on display priced below $5,000. Each exhibitor has committed to feature at least one work under $1,000, a strategy designed to embolden young collectors while encouraging established collectors to explore new artists. 

Porcelanosa Factory Tour

When in Spain, tour Porcelanosa. Last summer's tours of the Porcelanosa factory complex in Valencia made it to ID Socialites! Porcelonasa not only fabricates porcelain tile as we all know it, but and array of specialities just as plumbing fixtures and accessories, kitchens and closets. The best part of the 3-day tour was sending project samples back home.

Soon to Launch: SOY CREATIVE by Alfonsina Romero

Interior Designer Alfonsina Romero-Waters launches the first scent of her new candle this December. The currently- secret scent is the first of many rich organic aromas made out of natural soy and natural ingredients you’d find in your kitchen. The SOY CREATIVE candles smell delicious- “almost edible” as they do not contain the musky perfumes found in many candles. SOY CREATIVE is packaged in a beautiful eco-friendly glass jar with a silver metal twist cap.

SOY CREATIVE scents launch twice a year and each will be revealed at their own exclusive scent launch party, which will be an exciting and much anticipated experience. Explore #soycreative

Platinum Circle Awards Gala

The 28th annual Platinum Circle Awards took place November 15th at the Marriott Marquis in New York, honoring John Ceriale, Prospect Hotel Advisors/Blackstone Group, chef and restaurateur Tom Colicchio, and Tim and Kit Kemp, Firmdale Hotels; Jeffrey Beers of Jeffrey Beers International and Clodagh. 

Handwritten Notes for the Holidays

Dempsey & Carroll's 2016 Holiday collection ranges from top quality correspondence cards, gift tags, and thank you/apology notes to send a host after perhaps one too many Hot Toddy’s. The 138-year-old brand, founded over a century before texting, emailing and social media became the popular way to communicate, is continuing its quest to bring back, and preserve, the lost art of the handwritten note.

Our very favorites from the 2016 collection are vibrant and very classy, see below: 

11 Howard Guestroom Tour

The main lobby at 11 Howard

Located right off Canal Street, 11 Howard, a former Holiday Inn boasts a fashion forward boutique hotel appeal with chic and modern design. Upon entering the lobby there are no formal reception desks, a trend that is predominate in many newer and hip properties. An iPad and a greeter casually check guests in at one of the round tables that adorn the lobby space. A metal spiral staircase transports guests upstairs into the bar and restaurant. The visit included a tour of the Penthouse suite, public areas, the meeting room and the gym.Unlike a traditional gym, the gym at 11 Howard is interestingly divided by areas into existing small guestrooms on the second floor.