Design Archives - Pembrooke & Ives

Characteristics of a Hamptons Home

Located on the East End of Long Island, the Hamptons is a region defined by its storied past, natural beauty, and unique architectural styles. Long a summer haven for artists and affluent New Yorkers,…

Our Favorite Types of Wine Storage

Well-crafted and temperature-controlled storage is essential to preserving flavor and quality of any wine enthusiast’s collection of bottles. Integrating this type of storage seamlessly into a home’s…

Design Spotlight: Chrome Accents

Chrome accents bring a nostalgic yet undeniably modern appeal to interiors. First popularized in the 1920s, chrome symbolized progress, machine-age innovation, and a sleek, contemporary lifestyle. Its…

Material Focus: Solid Wood

Natural wood is a classic material option for timeless design. It has a stately appearance that elevates any interior, from hallways to home offices and everything in between. Wood is extremely versatile…

2024 Design: A Year in Review

As we turn the page to 2025, we are taking a moment to reflect on what we have seen and learned from our clients over the past year. With a notable shift in the way people are choosing to live, we are…

Characteristics of an Aspen Interior

Aspen interiors are the epitome of mountain luxury, striking a harmonious balance between rustic charm and modern sophistication. These interiors blend organic materials with thoughtful design elements…

Characteristics of a Palm Beach Home

Palm Beach interiors exemplify coastal elegance, blending light, airy materials with thoughtful design elements that draw inspiration from the lush tropical landscape, creating serene and stylish retreats.…

Design Basics of a Primary Bedroom

A thoughtfully-designed bedroom is not only aesthetically beautiful, but also a place for well-being and retreat. Here, we introduce the key principles of designing the perfect primary suite.

Material Focus: Upholstery

The right upholstery can transform a space from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you are revitalizing a beloved vintage chair or furnishing an entire living room, our guide aims to equip you with the…

Our 5 Most Requested Interior Design Styles

Interior design is vital in creating a comfortable and inviting home environment. However, with so many different styles, deciding on the best fit for your space can be challenging. We created a guide…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.

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.

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…

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…

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.

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.

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…

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…

Make-Shift Home Office Basics

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

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.

Kitchen Trends of 2022

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