Journal - Pembrooke & Ives

A Travel Guide of Stockholm, Sweden

The Leaders of Design, a group of renowned designers and architects, recently took a trip to Stockholm, Sweden to explore the country’s rich design culture. Our Principal and Chief Creative Officer, Francis…

6 Custom Home Bar Designs to Entertain Your Guests

Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or simply enjoy hosting friends and family, a well-designed custom home bar adds both style and functionality to your living space. Beyond just serving drinks,…

Dressing Room Design: An Interview with Francis Nicdao

As Principal and Chief Creative Officer, Francis Nicdao drives the firm’s creative direction, ensuring a standard of excellence in design and client service. With over 14 years of experience, Francis…

8 Custom Closets for Elegant Storage and Style

Opting for a professionally designed closet with custom features and specifications is the best way to meet all your storage needs in a bespoke way. We love designing solutions that maximize space, organization,…

6 Places to Shop in New York City for Antiques

New York City is home to some of the most prestigious antique shops in the world. From vintage furniture to rare art, the city offers an endless selection of unique and beautiful pieces. We’ve gathered…

A Guide to the Interior Design Process

Understanding the design process when beginning a project is crucial. It is important to feel comfortable with what you are getting into and to have transparency around how you will be working with your…

Winter Retreat Dining Room: An Interview with MJ Atelier

Maria Apelo Cruz, a New York Academy of Art master’s graduate with over 35 years of experience, collaborates with designers globally, offering expertise in various painting styles. Alongside husband…

Our Favorite New York City Luxury Showrooms Near Rockefeller Center

Travelers and locals alike celebrate the holiday season immersed in New York City’s vibrant festivities and iconic charm, but no event is quite as “New York at Christmas time” as a visit…

The 2023 Holiday Gift Guide

Our annual Holiday Gift Guide is here! This festive season we are sharing some of our favorite design objects of the year that are sure to delight everyone on your gifting list. From the kitchen to the…

Designers’ Weekend: Exploring Nashville

As an interior design firm venturing into the heart of Nashville for a new project, our days in Music City promise not only professional pursuits but also a delightful immersion into the city’s…

Designing in Nashville: An Interview with Senior Project Manager, Megan St. Denis

Megan St. Denis is a Senior Project Manager for Pembrooke & Ives. She has overseen the design and construction of complex private residences across the world, including New York, Chicago, Nashville,…

5 Ways to Use Stone in a Home

Stone, the epitome of timeless elegance and practicality, finds its place in many corners of our homes, enhancing both style and functionality. From bathroom suites to custom kitchens, we’ll explore…

3 Colorful and Imaginative Children’s Playrooms

Children’s playrooms can offer a colorful and imaginative space where creativity can flourish in young minds. These spaces should be comfortable and inviting, while offering plenty of storage for…

How to Renovate a Home with an Interior Designer

Renovating your home can be an exciting but overwhelming process. Working with an interior designer can help ensure that the renovation runs smoothly and achieves your desired outcome. As an award-winning…

Case Study of Uptown Penthouse

For our Uptown Penthouse project, we were tasked with elevating many architectural features throughout the triplex apartment as well as to create a space that was not only sophisticated and comfortable…

5 Luxurious Powder Rooms with Vanities That Inspire

Powder rooms are typically adjacent to the public spaces and entertainment areas of the home. They offer the opportunity to create an impactful moment and make a statement. Discover five of our luxurious…

15 Minutes with Agustin Reynoso

We caught up with Agustin Reynoso, Associate Studio Director at Pembrooke & Ives, for a 15-minute Q&A to learn more about the designer.

The Spathroom: How To Transform a Bathroom into a Spa Sanctuary

In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and demands seem to be ever-increasing, the desire for relaxation, self-care, and wellness has become paramount. The concept of the bathroom has evolved…

4 Hardware Materials for Kitchens and Bathrooms

When it comes to choosing hardware for your kitchen and bathroom, there are plenty of options on the market. Not only is the finish you choose important for the design, but the material makeup of the…

3 Interiors for the Modern Art Collector in All of Us

Collecting modern art is a passion of many of our clients. From world-famous artists to rising stars, showcasing modern art in a home is great way to bring color, composition, and focus to a space in…

6 Art Galleries to Visit in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a city full of art and culture. Whether you’re a seasoned art aficionado or a casual observer, the city has esteemed art galleries for everyone to enjoy. We’ve rounded up our…

How to Choose a Paint Color for a Bedroom

Selecting the perfect color for your bedroom can make all the difference in creating a relaxing and comfortable space. We’ve gathered some tips on how to choose the paint color that fits your style,…

Antiquing: An Interview with Renowned Buyer Keith Johnson

When it comes to seeking antiquing advice, there is only one person to turn to: Keith Johnson. Keith has spent the majority of his life traveling the world buying furniture and objects, both in his role…

6 Coastal Outdoor Havens To Inspire Your Summer

From beachfront patios to luscious gardens, we’ve designed captivating coastal outdoor spaces that embody the serenity and charm of outdoor living. As we welcome the summer season, we’re sharing some…

A Guide to Luxury Window Treatments

The world of window treatments is a vast one. From elegant drapes to chic shades, there are many options to create privacy, keep out the strong sunshine and add softness to the interior. We’re sharing…

3 Luxury Projects with Hamptons-Style Architecture

Pembrooke & Ives has designed dozens of projects throughout The Hamptons, ranging in style from the traditional shingle homes of the area to very contemporary, newly-constructed homes with features…

Liberty National Golf Club Phase 1 Renovation

Pembrooke & Ives is thrilled to share a peek of the first phase of our renovation for the Liberty National Golf Club, located in Jersey City, New Jersey. Over this year’s Memorial Day weekend,…

4 Interiors with Curved Staircases

Staircases can take on many shapes and sizes. While they serve a very functional purpose, wherever we have the opportunity, we love to make these architectural features a striking moment.

15 Minutes with Francis Nicdao

We caught up with Francis Nicdao, our Principal & Chief Creative Officer, for a 15 minute Q&A while on his way to a client meeting. What role did design play in your childhood?I grew up in…

Questions to Ask an Interior Designer in Your First Meeting

Hiring an interior designer can be an exciting step towards realizing your project. Before you dive into the design process, you should have a clear understanding of your interior designer’s approach…

A Travel Guide for Israel

The Leaders of Design, a group of renowned designers and architects, recently took a trip to Israel to explore the country’s rich design culture. Our Principal and Chief Creative Officer, Francis…

Salone del Mobile 2023 Highlights

As interior designers, attending the annual design festival Salone del Mobile in Milan is a must for staying on top of trends and innovations in the design world. It’s an opportunity to discover…

A Travel Guide for Milan for Salone del Mobile

As a hub of design and fashion, it’s no surprise that Milan is home to some of the world’s most spectacular interior design showrooms, museums, and galleries. With the start of Salone del Mobile, Milan’s…

6 of Our Favorite White Paint Colors

One of the most important decisions to make for a new home is choosing the right paint color. While there are countless shades and hues to choose from, sometimes the simplest choice is best. With so many…

15 Minutes with Brigitte Coleman

We caught up with Brigitte Coleman, a Pembrooke & Ives Design Director, for a 15 minute Q&A to learn more about the designer. Was there a moment when you knew that design was going to be…

5 New York City Entryways That Make a Statement

The entryway of a home is your moment to make a strong first impression and to set the tone for everything that is to come beyond. The design of these spaces can either be a standout moment or blend seamlessly…

Designing a Tablescape for Holiday House 2023

Holiday House 2023 was held at Palm Beach’s Colony Hotel. Pembrooke & Ives was among fifteen designers to create a tablescape, showcasing cutting-edge decor and lifestyle concepts all in the…

5 Florals We Love to Use to Stage a Home

Whether you’re hosting friends and family or simply want to keep your home looking its best all year long, fresh florals can give a space life and color. Adding a thoughtful floral arrangement can…

15 Minutes with Stephanie Sarkies-Schabot

We caught up with Stephanie Sarkies-Schabot, a Pembrooke & Ives Design Director, for a 15-minute Q&A on her way to a site visit. What role did design play in your childhood?My father was…

Popular Amenities for a Luxury Home

Home amenities continue to grow in demand even as we have emerged from a time when the world stayed inside. During the pandemic, many realized how important it is to be comfortable at home, both while…

How to Install and Display Artwork

We spoke with Principal and Chief Creative Officer, Francis Nicdao and Design Director Jessica Iwaniec about how they work with art in the home. They offered their expertise in this exclusive interview.

Frieze: LA 2023 Highlights

We are happy to share with you some of the highlights and hand-selected picks by Design Director Jessica Iwaniec from her visit to one of our favorite California art fairs, Frieze: LA 2023.

4 Upholstered Headboards We Love for a Luxury Bedroom

Upholstered headboards bring an inviting softness and unique luxurious element to any bedroom. They can be designed in an endless combination of shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns. We’ve compiled…

Capital Improvements for Enhanced Property Value in Florida: AKAM Interviews Aaron Dussair

AKAM’s Vice President of Southeast Operations, Doug Weinstein spoke with Executive Vice President Aaron Dussair for an interactive Webinar Series on Capital Improvements in Florida.

Case Study for Colorful Collector’s Abode

In this newly constructed building on New York’s Upper East Side, and as the first time occupant of this apartment, our client presented us with the opportunity to use this blank canvas to create…

The Future of Home Design and Automation: Mansion Global Interviews Francis Nicdao

Francis Nicdao, Principal & Chief Creative Office, speaks with Mansion Global’s Rory Glaeseman about what’s next for home design and automation in an ever-changing real estate market.

A Trip to Paris for Maison et Objet

In advance of this year’s Maison et Objet show, held from January 19th to 23rd, Pembrooke & Ives designer Hilary Lam shares with us her top picks for an art, design and food-packed day around the…

Pembrooke & Ives Commissioned Poster for Ode to NYC, NYCxDesign

For this year’s Ode to NYC collection, NYCxDESIGN commissioned 16 dynamic designers who embody New York City’s expansive creative ecosystem to create works that represent their vision for a more equitable…

5 Kitchen Islands to Gather Around

The kitchen is a place where guests naturally love to gather. Especially around the holidays, we congregate at the heart of the home where sweet treats, oven roast, and memories are made. At its center?…

The 2022 Holiday Gift Guide

Our annual Holiday Gift Guide is here! This festive season we are sharing some of our favorite design objects of the year that are sure to delight everyone on your gifting list. From the dining room to…

FAQ: How to Tastefully Mix Patterns

Patterns are a great way to bring personality and texture to a space. They can set the tone for a lively, energetic and dynamic design through color, shape, scale, and composition. We often are asked…

Project Focus: Uptown Eclectic Kids’ Playroom

Design Director Jessica Iwaniec was tasked with creating this impactful space for children to play in our Uptown Eclectic apartment while taking into consideration how the space could transform for future use as the children grow up.

5 Grand Dining Rooms Across the USA Perfect for the Holidays

The holiday season is a time to be thankful for many things in life, including a dining room to host all of the highly-anticipated mouthwatering feasts. We’ve gathered around the table to showcase…

3 Interior Design Projects in Aspen, Colorado

When designing a home, it is crucial to take into consideration the project’s geographic location and setting within the landscape. The mountain views and picturesque nature surrounding these Aspen homes…

The Designs For the Hudson Valley Lighting Collection

We worked closely with Hudson Valley Lighting Group to create a collection of six lighting families that evoke classic design with a modern twist. The collection launched at High Point Market in October 2022.

4 Places to Shop for Antiques in Los Angeles

Jessica Iwaniec, Design Director for Pembrooke & Ives, is currently based in Los Angeles while working remotely for the firm. We spoke with her about her favorite places to go for design inspiration…

Pembrooke & Ives X Hudson Valley Lighting Collaboration

We sat down with Brigitte Coleman, a Design Director at Pembrooke & Ives who spearheaded the collaboration, to ask her about what it was like to bring this lighting line to life with collaborator…

Mercanteinfiera 2022: Parma’s Venerable Antique Fair

Pembrooke & Ives Director of Branding & Communications Alexia Sheinman ventured to Mercanteinfiera, a week-long antiques show in Parma, Italy to explore the vast collection of the industry’s…

4 Bold Wallpapers with Big Personalities

Clients want to bring a unique personality into their homes. One way our designers achieve this is through the specification of a bold, graphic wallpaper that makes a strong impact. We’ve compiled a few…

5 Contemporary Bedrooms with Neutral Palettes

We’ve comprised 5 of our contemporary neutral bedrooms that showcase tone and texture to create a compelling and comfortable space.

Tribeca Loft on Leonard Street: An Interview with Aaron Dussair

Pembrooke & Ives is no stranger to New York City’s Leonard Street. After working with the developer to design all the interiors for the newly constructed multi-unit apartment building, Aaron Dussair,…

Material Focus: Marble

Formed from limestone through pressure and heat, marble is an industry favorite for use throughout the home. Praised for holding its value more than any other stone, marble can be found in a wide variety…

FAQ: Recommended Heights for Countertops Throughout the Home

Countertop heights vary from space to space, depending on the requirements of the client and the constraints of the room.

A First Look at South Flagler House, Luxury Condominium Towers

We are thrilled to share a first look of South Flagler House, a new residential development on the Intracoastal in West Palm Beach, Florida. The project is being developed by Palm Beach-based real estate…

3 Bathrooms with Modern Tubs to Envy

Explore three of our bathroom projects that showcase modern tubs in varying materials, nestled into sophisticated spaces.

An Interview with Andrew Sheinman: Art Collections

President & Founder of Pembrooke & Ives, Andrew Sheinman speaks on his own art collection, showcased in the West Side Elegance project.

3 Tips for Sustainable Shopping

Discover 3 ways to shop for materials and decor sustainably in today's market.

4 Outdoor Dining and Lounge Spaces for Summer Entertaining

Dine and lounge outdoors in style with these 4 spaces that are perfect for summer entertaining.

4 Jewel-Toned Sofas in Modern Living Rooms

Discover four of our favorite jewel-toned sofas that inspire a sophisticated and modern living room.

Salone del Mobile 2022 Highlights

Salone del Mobile has grown into a must-see design fair since its conception in 1961. Held annually in Milan, Italy, the show is an inspiration for those passionate about all things design.

Q&A with Aaron Dussair, Executive Vice President

Executive Vice President Aaron Dussiar shares his knowledge and background of architecture and design.

5 Things to Consider When Hosting a Small Dinner Party

When hosting a small dinner party, the design of your space matters. Set the scene for a successful party with these 5 considerations.

Case Study of Classical Park Avenue

See our Classical Park Avenue project in a new light. In this case study, we showcase the New York home's design before and after renovation.

Case Study of Historic West Palm Beach

The Historic West Palm Beach home boasts of art-deco form and detailing, a signature architecture of its location.

Project Focus: Tonal Palette On Park, Lighting by Rosie Li

Rosie Li, a Chinese-American designer, focuses her craft on lighting and objects. In many cases, she is inspired by nature and geometry to design fixtures that are both compelling and precise. With engineer…

Case Study for Tonal Palette on Park

Explore the Tonal Palette on Park project from start to finish.

Q&A with Gretchen Kubiak, Design Director

Design Director Gretchen Kubiak expertly focuses on client expression and creating projects that reflect the client’s taste and lifestyle needs. She is particularly interested in exploring sustainability in the context of luxury design.

Kitchen Backsplash Best Practices

When designing a kitchen, the backsplash is a key design element for consideration. Faced with endless options, it can be overwhelming to choose a design direction. We’ve compiled three ways to think…

5 Noteworthy Accent Walls

Explore 5 of our favorite accent walls in our interior design projects that utilize a range of luxury materials and concepts.

Q&A with Jessica Iwaniec, Design Director

As a Design Director, Jessica Iwaniec offers a holistic approach, creating spaces that lend themselves to a lifestyle of comfort, melding craft with a modern aesthetic.

Maison et Objet 2022 Highlights

After a few years of cancelled fairs, we were thrilled to be able to head back to Paris and attend the bi-annual Maison et Objet showcase. Below we have gathered some highlights and noticeable trends…

A Weekend in Paris

Follow Alexia Sheinman, Director of Branding & Communications, for a two-day Parisian tour of design, antiques, art and food.

Case Study of Palm Beach Apartment

The Palm Beach Apartment received a much-needed update while maintaining the luxurious personality of the space. With neutral tones in a bright and light palette, the new design was inspired by the Floridian…

5 Productive & Modern Home Office Spaces

The concept of a home office is growing in popularity, with more dedicated spaces created for privacy and productivity as the workplace navigates a hybrid model. Having a purposeful space to work can…

Q&A with Stephanie Sarkies-Schabot, Design Director

Design Director Stephanie Sarkies-Schabot shares her knowledge and passion for high end residential interior design.

5 White Kitchens to Inspire You

When a client asks for their kitchen to feel both timeless and classic, we naturally lean into a white backdrop paired with metals and glass to elevate the space, making it anything but ordinary. White…

Frieze: LA 2022 Highlights

Frieze Los Angeles was hosted in Beverly Hills in February 2022. The show largely focuses on contemporary art and celebrates the exceptionally dynamic culture of Los Angeles and its global contributions…

Case Study of Uptown Eclectic

This Upper East Side apartment was transformed from a very traditional Park Avenue home to a vibrant, eclectic space filled with objects of art and collectible design. The 3,500 square foot footprint…

Pembrooke & Ives Top Resources for Design Trends

It can be challenging to stay on top of design trends year after year. Pembrooke & Ives uses many global resources to stay up-to-date and keep our finger on the pulse of how our industry is constantly…

Q&A with Brigitte Coleman, Design Director

Design Director Brigitte Coleman aims to create spaces that feel effortless and elegant, grounded in the philosophy that the best designs are deceptively simple.

3 Contemporary Dining Rooms with Showstopping Chandeliers

With many styles and options to choose from, chandeliers can tie a dining room together and create an impactful point of focus. We’ve compiled three Pembrooke & Ives contemporary dining rooms with…

Make-Shift Home Office Basics

Pembrooke & Ives walks through how to design a home office to fit personality, productivity, and comfort.

Case Study for Ocean-front Compound, The Kennedy Winter White House

Our Ocean-front Compound project, better known as the former “Winter White House”, is a 1923 Mediterranean-style villa in Palm Beach, Florida. It was owned by John and Jaqueline Kennedy during…

Q&A with Francis Nicdao, Principal & Chief Creative Officer

As Principal and Chief Creative Officer, Francis is responsible for both business development and the creative direction of our projects. He is integral to upholding the Pembrooke & Ives standard of quality design and client service.

5 Lighting Terms That Will Make You Sound Like an Expert

Lighting is a complex and very technical component of interior design. There are many aspects to take into account when looking to sufficiently light a space. With all of the options available when specifying…

Designing a Home Gym

Executive Vice President Aaron Dussair guides through the basics, best practices, and considerations of designing a home gym.

Project Focus: Red Mountain, Behind the Bar

Within our Red Mountain project, we focus on the concept and detailing of the Aspen home's bar.

Kitchen Trends of 2022

Principal & Chief Creative Officer, Francis Nicdao has compiled his top kitchen trends of 2022.

Q&A with Rendell Fernandez, Design Director

Design Director Rendell Fernandez shares his background of product and interior design with residential and commercial projects.