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From the Old World to the New

March 23, 2023
A living room with a couch , chairs and a coffee table

Photography by Laura Sumrak


Interior Designer Amy Lee owner of the design firm Artistic Interiors transforms an old world lake home into a current day stunner. We had the opportunity to speak with Amy on her approach and aesthetics.


WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ASPECTS OF THIS HOME?

Seeing the transformation from the dated, old world lake home to a more functional, modern and vibrant lake home was truly exciting. I love every aspect of this home, but the study is one of my favorite rooms. The walls and custom cabinetry are painted black and accents of saddle brown and cream create a truly unique room that feels amazing to sit down in and have a drink or watch tv. The use of fun papers and patterns also brought a more fun, yet sophisticated aesthetic to the home.


HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THIS INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECT? WAS THERE A THEME?

We were able to completely gut the majority of this home and give it a total transformation. At the beginning the goal or theme of the home was to create a modern, rustic aesthetic. With time and as the project unfolded,
I started to bring in more specific design elements that really spoke to the personality of my clients. I was told “alcohol and fire” were best used to describe our fun loving, creative homeowners and with that bit of flare, the final design theme was created.


HOW DO YOU BEGIN THE DESIGN PROCESS?

All my projects begin by sitting down with the client and getting to know who they are and how they tick. I pride myself on being able to really get within my client’s psyche and not only see but feel what they’re hoping to achieve. The design layout, floor plan design and interior architec- ture details come next and from that a vision for the entire space begins to unfold.


WHAT DESIGN TRENDS ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR 2023?

A nod to more natural colors and materials with warmer colors and natural stones like marbles and limestones making a comeback. I’m also excited to see a strong trend

in furnishings with a geometric spin, lots of new concepts that I’ve never seen hit the market before, or reinvented styles from the 60s and 70s that bring character and flair into a space.



HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR OWN DIVERSE STYLE WITH THAT

OF THE CLIENTS?

My client’s style lays the foundation for the design project. Rather than having one “look” I enjoy creating unique and diverse designs for each of my clients. While all my projects have a simple, yet sophisticated theme to them, they’re all custom tailored to the client. This keeps my job fun and exciting and I’m never bored creating the same look repeatedly.


A dining room with a vaulted ceiling and a table and chairs
A bathroom with a sink a toilet and a mirror
A bedroom with a canopy bed and blue and white wallpaper
A bathroom with blue cabinets and a large mirror
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Fifth Avenue: 200 Years of Stories and Legends is a masterful blend of evocative storytelling and rich historical insight, chronicling the remarkable transformation of Fifth Avenue from a serene residential street to a global symbol of culture, wealth, and style.This exquisite volume celebrates the vibrant history and timeless allure of one of the world’s most iconic thoroughfares. Featuring a breathtaking collection of images, the visually stunning edition bridges past and present, offering readers a captivating journey through two centuries of evolution.The book provides a panoramic exploration of Fifth Avenue’s transformation, from black-and-white photographs of horse-drawn carriages passing grand mansions to vibrant modern-day scenes alive with energy and sophistication. Archival images juxtaposed with contemporary photography illuminate the Avenue’s enduring cultural, architectural, and social significance, capturing its legacy in every detail.More than a tribute, Fifth Avenue: 200 Years of Stories and Legendsis an immersive experience for history enthusiasts, architecture aficionados, and photography lovers alike. This edition is a must-have for collectors, offering a rare and unparalleled glimpse into the street that has been a cornerstone of New York City’s legacy for two centuries.
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