{"id":11728,"date":"2018-08-15T15:26:24","date_gmt":"2018-08-15T15:26:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/livunltd.wpengine.com\/?p=11728"},"modified":"2024-01-16T19:23:27","modified_gmt":"2024-01-16T19:23:27","slug":"upstairs-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/livunltd.com\/fr\/upstairs-design\/","title":{"rendered":"CHATS \/ Andrew McDonald of Upstairs Design"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"
Courtesy of Upstairs Design<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Meet Andrew McDonald, the man behind Upstairs Design<\/a>, an NYC-based interior design studio focused on transforming un-inspired, mundane spaces into masculine homes of sophistication and taste. We sat down with him to talk design and neighborhood favorites.<\/p>\n

What led you to interior design?<\/span><\/h4>\n

After graduating with an art degree, I began my professional career in branding and design. Living in the city posed the challenge of finding smaller, more functional furniture both for my apartment. So I began building my own solutions\u2014first for myself, then for friends, and then for friends of friends, which eventually led me to diving full-on into interiors. <\/span><\/p>\n

Tell us about your creative process.<\/span><\/h4>\n

It takes a while before I get in front of the computer. Even though the entire process is quite fast from initial consultation to the delivered designs, I spend much of the upfront time in my head; visualizing the space, flipping through my inspiration sources, sketching layouts and potential furniture solutions. For me, it\u2019s all about plotting and planning the visuals in the space of my own mind before I start officially pulling together a cohesive design presentation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Describe your style in 5 words.<\/span><\/h4>\n

Warm, functional, lived-in, non-precious, laid-back. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
Courtesy of Upstairs Design<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What inspired you to start Upstairs Design?<\/span><\/h4>\n

I\u2019m a guy, and it became pretty clear to me pretty quickly that guys have no idea what they\u2019re doing when it comes to interior design. And the options that exist on the market feel very skewed towards females. Men are finally caring about their clothing and grooming\u2026 interiors deserve the same attention. Your home is part of your identity, and the process involved in creating a personal, handsome space doesn\u2019t need to be so crazy expensive and\/or mysterious.<\/span><\/p>\n

How is Upstairs Design different than traditional interior design companies?<\/span><\/h4>\n

There are 2 huge problems with traditional companies that Upstairs is designed to solve. The first is that they\u2019re insanely confusing. There are a ton of hidden costs and the process (and what you\u2019re getting) is often unclear. The second is that most designers seem to design spaces for the beautiful, staged photos. I won\u2019t argue that those shots aren\u2019t important, but the primary goal of Upstairs is to design spaces that are truly functional, that can actually be lived in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
Courtesy of Upstairs Design<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tell us a little more about the different levels of service Upstairs Design offers and the process clients go through:<\/span><\/h4>\n

I created plans for 2 different types of guys. The first is for the guy who wants to be a part of the full process but isn\u2019t sure how to start. For him, we work out a full design plan that\u2019s built to give him all the tools he needs to go out and execute on his own. The second is for the hands-off and hand-it-over guy. Maybe he\u2019s too busy, maybe he can\u2019t be bothered with the details and choices. For him, we do everything from the planning to the purchasing to the physical installation.<\/span><\/p>\n

When it comes to the process, it always begins with a home visit. We\u2019ll have a beer, see the space and talk needs, timing and budget. We\u2019ll comb through a collection of image boards to hone-in on the design style that feels like the best fit. Next, we\u2019ll share a recommended level of engagement. Once everyone is comfortable\u2014it\u2019s off to the races. We\u2019ll share a first round of the design plan within a week and usually are ready to start making purchases by the 2-week mark.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Courtesy of Upstairs Design<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What is your go-to source for inspiration?<\/span><\/h4>\n

Honestly everything. I have quite a large, OCD-organized set of folders on my desktop containing images I\u2019ve been saving for the past 8 years. My style definitely pulls inspiration from Europe (my mom is from Berlin), so whenever I\u2019m across the Atlantic, I try to visit and experience as many design-forward homes and buildings as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you could design a space for anyone, what kind of space, and for whom would it be?<\/span><\/h4>\n

Roger Federer\u2019s Swiss Alps indoor tennis court and lounge.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is your favorite piece in your own home?<\/span><\/h4>\n

Definitely my wall-mounted magazine shelf. It\u2019s a prototype I built at the end of last year as a solve for the fact that I have way too many stacks of magazines and books in my apartment. I wanted to showcase some of my favorites, rather than finding\/hanging another piece of art. I hope to start producing them later this year. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
Courtesy of Upstairs Design<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Who do you look up to in the design world?<\/span><\/h4>\n

Commune Design<\/a> et Donald Judd<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a staple in your toolkit?<\/span><\/h4>\n

My collection of design magazines and my Moleskine<\/a> notebook. <\/span><\/p>\n

Which design blog or website would you be lost without?<\/span><\/h4>\n

Two design blogs that can really be held responsible for starting me on this design-obsessed path would be Convoy<\/a> and the late, Blood and Champagne.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Outside of interior design, what are your passions?<\/span><\/h4>\n

Now that it\u2019s summertime, the McCarren Park tennis <\/a>ladder is taking up most of my time and mind-space.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
Courtesy of Upstairs Design<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Andrew\u2019s Guide to Greenpoint, Brooklyn:<\/span><\/h4>\n
FAVORITE RESTAURANT:<\/h6>\n

Five Leaves.<\/a> It has treated me right for 9 years.<\/p>\n

FAVORITE BAR:<\/h6>\n

Lake Street.<\/a> The least offensive sports bar.<\/p>\n

FAVORITE ROMANTIC DATE SPOT:<\/h6>\n

Chez Ma Tante.<\/a> It\u2019s trendy and delicious with non-fussy design.<\/p>\n

FAVORITE SUNDAY BRUNCH:<\/h6>\n

Enid\u2019s.<\/a> In 2009 I only came here for the dance parties\u2026 now I come for the kale.<\/p>\n

FAVORITE HOTEL:<\/h6>\n

Wythe Hotel.<\/a> Yes, it\u2019s technically Williamsburg, I know.<\/p>\n

FAVORITE STOREFRONT BOUTIQUE:<\/h6>\n

Home of The Brave.<\/a> Home stores in Brooklyn usually skew way too cute, this one skews just right.<\/p>\n

FAVORITE COFFEE SHOP:<\/h6>\n

Homecoming.<\/a> I always leave with a new plant.<\/p>\n

FAVORITE HANGOUT SPOT:<\/h6>\n

A\/D\/O.<\/a> The only co-working space that\u2019s free, chill, and two blocks from my house.<\/p>\n

LIVunLtd clients receive 10% off! Contact your concierge to work with Upstairs Design on your next design project.<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Meet Andrew McDonald, the man behind Upstairs Design, an NYC-based interior design studio focused on transforming un-inspired, mundane spaces into masculine homes of sophistication and taste. We sat down with him to talk design and neighborhood favorites. 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