| | “Renovating our home, albeit a long process was a learning experience for me and my husband. Early on when the vision of renovating our home was in its infancy, we were fortunate to have met Natalie Weinstein at a home show. After a few conversations, I knew that this may be the person we needed to hire as we were entering unchartered territory. One of the major things I learned was the importance of hiring someone with not only expertise and solid knowledge of interior design, but also a person I could trust, was honest and had integrity. Natalie Weinstein was that and more. She guided us through the decision making process and cautioned us when it seemed we were about to make a mistake. Her staff was always there to support us with anything we needed. This experience also taught us that just like Natalie was trustworthy and hard-working, there are those people in the home construction business that are not. Thus, weeding out those vendors that want to “make the money and run” is crucial to making your dream home a reality. I am happy to say that here again, Natalie Weinstein, came to the rescue by referring us to the very best people she knew would get the job done well, whether to lay our tiles or to design our kitchen. Lastly, I learned that realizing a dream requires risk taking. Our leap into the unknown led us to that first meeting with Natalie and to her I am eternally grateful. With her advice and support we designed a beautiful home that we feel comfortable in and proud to share with our family and friends. We could not have accomplished this without her. Oh yes, one other thing I learned patience is truly a virtue.” |
Click on read more to view our editorial on this job published in HOUSE Magazine.
Click on read more to view our editorial on this job published in HOUSE Magazine.
In 2009, I met a wonderful couple who purchased a large home on the North Shore of Long Island. While new for them, it was already 30 years old and required a lot of work, more than they ever imagined. Shortly after, they signed on with our design firm and we field measured the house, prepared computer aided floor plans and furniture placement, created new kitchen and bathrooms, designed a second floor office above the garage, and established a list of “to do’s” for the contractor they hired. The process began, slowly – ever so slowly. Years later that contractor was gone and my clients replaced him with another. The frustration level was mounting, but we all hung in there as the house was finally taking shape, as planned.
One thing about a long arduous renovation – you really get to know your clients. During those years, much happened (albeit, not decorating) but the patience and character of the lady of the house was a constant. To put it mildly, she was amazing! As they say, “All good things come to those who wait”. The waiting finally ended this past summer. Over the years, their Sunday visits to Uniquely Natalie, for a piece of furniture, an accessory, or an art piece, was not only a shopping adventure, but a visit with old friends. The brand-new kitchen and custom built-ins were now no longer new, but were the cornerstone of an elegant and gracious home which finally had not only furniture and window treatments, but art and accessories.
Finally – the last step is when a house truly becomes a home and finishing touches are added. Each one seems to make such a difference. Recalling one of my last visits – a long, yet fun filled day, unpacking and placing the “goodies” we brought from our store – we could finally laugh about the journey we had taken together and how well we got to know each other.
The completion of a design project is always a high, but bittersweet, as well. The relationships that develop are such special ones that we don’t want it to end, and often times it just takes a hiatus until our clients come back to us for another project. In this case, our clients will surely need a rest before that happens! As my long-departed grandma used to say to her impatient granddaughter, “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and “Good things come to those who wait”. To their credit, this couple waited and never settled. After rough starts and stops, they finally got the home of which they had long dreamed and can now enjoy with friends and family for many years to come.
One thing about a long arduous renovation – you really get to know your clients. During those years, much happened (albeit, not decorating) but the patience and character of the lady of the house was a constant. To put it mildly, she was amazing! As they say, “All good things come to those who wait”. The waiting finally ended this past summer. Over the years, their Sunday visits to Uniquely Natalie, for a piece of furniture, an accessory, or an art piece, was not only a shopping adventure, but a visit with old friends. The brand-new kitchen and custom built-ins were now no longer new, but were the cornerstone of an elegant and gracious home which finally had not only furniture and window treatments, but art and accessories.
Finally – the last step is when a house truly becomes a home and finishing touches are added. Each one seems to make such a difference. Recalling one of my last visits – a long, yet fun filled day, unpacking and placing the “goodies” we brought from our store – we could finally laugh about the journey we had taken together and how well we got to know each other.
The completion of a design project is always a high, but bittersweet, as well. The relationships that develop are such special ones that we don’t want it to end, and often times it just takes a hiatus until our clients come back to us for another project. In this case, our clients will surely need a rest before that happens! As my long-departed grandma used to say to her impatient granddaughter, “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and “Good things come to those who wait”. To their credit, this couple waited and never settled. After rough starts and stops, they finally got the home of which they had long dreamed and can now enjoy with friends and family for many years to come.