Mark Zeff is an interior designer who is actually in the interior design hall of fame. He is based in Brooklyn, creating a wide range of interior design projects. This includes residential, as well as commercial and more. He also has designed high end real estate, as well as super yachts and luxury residential properties. Founded in 1985 he has had over 40 years of experience in the field creating a truly wide range of work. 

Mark Zeff Design

You may have heard a lot of mark Zeff works and designs in holiday resorts. I think this is brilliant to see because there is a certain link between that classic Hollywood /50s Vegas vibe that America is still obsessed with. The good old days of america. So it is interesting that Zeff has designed some of these classic hotels, because it shows a lot about him as a designer. 

mark zeff design
mark zeff design

In reality, keeping aspects of a place, and respecting the history and putting your own spin on something is the hardest part.  There is a fine line between creativity and then just putting too much of your own flare into something that you destroy the original spark. Some say that the mid century is overdone to the point that it does not look good, but as we will see it actually works great. 

Speaking of visionary designers , check out our article on Sir Terence Conran.

Mark zeff Black barn house

Now this is one that I love. If you have ever been to new york and are looking for a cafe, this is the place to go. The black barn is a cafe and bar in Chelsea market. Interestingly, because of rentals in these big cities, venues now have to be more and more versatile because it is much more lucrative to have a venue that is open longer to maximise profit. 

black barn shop[
black barn shop

This being said, venues have to be kind of not static. The fact the black barn is a cafe and a bar really just underlines this, which can produce a bit of a headache where interior design is concerned. 

Mark zeff Bar

This is where multipurpose design comes in. today, what is popular is versatile space and this place is no different. It has a range of funky seating for the cafe in the day, but also has a substantial bar area for those nights and functions where that is required. 

mark zeff interior living room
mark zeff interior living room

Zeff has gone for a kind of industrial, loft vibe for this premises. Very new york. There are even some examples of rattan chairs, as well as natural wood elements and more. From a reclaimed looking chair and a very industrial looking bar area.  It is the perfect multipurpose venue. 

Mark zeff Linkedin

You can find zeff on linkedin if you wish to enquire about projects. Mark zeff Glassdoor also shows what it is like to work for his company, as well as having ideas on Salary for this sort of interior design job.  

Mark zeff interior of apartments

You may also want to find the foster building apartments in NYC if you are looking for interior design inspo. See some amazing colour choices, as well of a fantastic use of grey scale and neutral colours. There is also much emphasis on art in Mark Zeff Architect’s work. Which i personally love. The level and the ingenuity of the art used in the spaces is just fantastic. It is so far reaching that you almost do not need a TV in the space because the art just absorbs your interest and imagination to a level that I find fascinating. 

Mark zeff Bond street

Another new york city project, this modern apartment building needed redesigning. And I can think of no one better than Mark zeff interior design to include a bit of flair to a Manhattan apartment. The bond street apartment is one of those that you are always kind of shocked to see someone lives in such a modern beautiful home. It just seems like a dream of modernism, and the perfect balances of old and new, colours and where to leave it blank.  You can see more New York city projects undergone by Yabu Pushelberg interior design.

A beautiful piece of decor, but what is a stumpery?

A stumpery is a garden feature made from dead tree stumps or other parts of a tree - logs, bark, or branches - to make a decorative and eco-friendly garden feature.

Stumperies caught on as part of garden design during the Victorian era in Britain, but have definitely withstood the test of time. Even Prince Charles created a grand modern stumpery at his home at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire.

Over the years, they have become popular all over the world, and vary widely in size and design.

a stumpery

Choosing a location

The first step in making a stumpery is to find a suitable location in the garden or landscape. The best spot is often a place that is already shaded to encourage the varieties of plants and animals that thrive in a stumpery.

Clear the land for its use, but avoid using herbicides to get rid of weeds or unwanted plants, as they can harm frogs and toads that may live in the area, as well as possibly stunting the growth of the plants that will later be encouraged to live there. 

A better way is just to clear the space manually and then lay down newspaper, landscape fabric, cardboard, or some other light-blocking material to finish killing off whatever weedy bits are left after the tools have done their work.

Choosing a tree stump

Stumperies can be made out of many different kinds of natural wood features. Traditionally, an entire tree stump is used with exposed roots sticking up for a wild, organic look, with any excess dirt removed to really feature the beauty of the root shapes.

Other more modest stumperies place sections of stumps or trunks partially in the ground and can almost look like a woodpile. Where large stumps or sections of trees are less available or impractical, a stumpery can be created from driftwood, railroad ties, or even reclaimed wood from the demolition of an old structure such as a house or a barn.

By re-using wood that has outlived its primary use, whether as a dead tree or part of an old shed, a stumpery can become an eco-friendly way to return those natural elements back to the earth, albeit in a useful and decorative way.

an old tree stump
taking out an old tree stump
Taking out an old tree stump
an old driftwood stump
an old driftwood stump

Arranging the tree stumps

Once the wood has been sourced, it can be arranged in any artistic manner that the gardener desires. A stumpery can be created in a way to look more natural, such as simply upending the roots of stumps or arranging a seemingly random scattering of wood, or it can be made in a more considered, artistic way.

For something more grandiose, the elements of a stumpery can be much more deliberately placed, even going so far as to turning stumps and branches into structural shapes like caves or archways.

Choosing which plants to add

Many people add shade-loving plants in and around the wood features of their stumpery. Traditionally, these include plants that like to live on the decomposing wood itself, such as moss, lichens, and ferns. These can be planted in some cases directly in the nooks and crannies of a stump. Any shade-loving woodland plant can be a welcome addition to the stumpery grounds, however.

Hostas, hellebores, or any woodland bulbs such as snowdrop or daffodils are a good start.  Good peat moss or compost added to the soil can make it more friendly to these types of woodland plants used to the humus of a forest floor.

As the stumps decompose over time, they also naturally attract other things such as mushrooms and other fungi around them. Just keep an sharp eye for pests.

plants around a stump
plants for stumperys

Attracting wild life to a stumpery

The dead wood in a stumpery can be a really attractive home for a wide range of wildlife as well. A whole variety of animals love making their homes in fallen trees, so with time and a good environment, small mammals, amphibians such as frogs or toads, and lizards may take up residence. As the stumps decompose, insects will enjoy living in the wood as well and help the deconstruction. Some stumperies are even built for the purpose of encouraging insects such as stag beetles, or pollinators like solitary bees, to thrive.

larvae on old wood
insect wood borer on tree stump

Whether it's just one carved-out stump with a few ferns inside, or a grand affair with arches and steel reinforcements, a stumpery can be an exciting and unique addition to a garden. With the proper planning and a little ingenuity, even a small space can become a little patch of magical woodland.

This spectacular example of 19th century home restoration, presented by The DMD Group, just goes to show that older structures don’t have to look dated. Multiple elements of this 19th century home were kept intact and perfectly preserved to maintain a decidedly sophisticated mood. An outdoor stone health placed on the other side of the indoor fireplace acts as a mirror. One can almost sense the warm heat emanating from inside. Black brass doorknobs and hardware almost jumps off of the light colored wood doors that they are affixed to. There are no railings on the staircase leading up to the second floor, but there is metal wiring that’s reminiscent of harp strings. The stairs themselves are bolted firmly into the wall, appearing to float in midair. Structured and simple, this renovation project is a complete success.

Meet an apartment that brings in the old with the new. The original light wood flooring has been restored and kept intact, going perfectly with the brick wall that lines the living room and kitchen. The wood chairs, desk and tables seem at ease in this laid back and effortlessly designed environment. Many light fixtures aren’t needed, mainly because of the amount of light that emanates from the windows. The apartment acts like a white canvas; colored, textured and patterns objects set against the white tones pop out with ease. At the same time, the layout itself makes for an inviting and comfortable space. Contrasting wood tones and white walls are seamlessly juxtaposed next to everyday items such as books and a pair of jeans.

Typically, dorm style living is seen as a last resort for students of all nations. A private home was gutted and completely renovated, giving one lucky student access to a place where private studying and small gathers are looked upon favorably. This dorm is very similar to studio apartments, in terms of structure. The living area also serves as the bedroom, and the open kitchen sits slightly off to the side. A separate holds a sink, toilet and glass shower stall. Although many of the areas are included in the same space, the apartment is actually quite roomy. This makes this dorm perfect for a new student looking to call it home.

In Zelenograd, designers Polina and Alexandra Fedorova embarked on an interior design project that is being showcased here. This example of apartment interior design leaves much to the imagination. The space is basked in shades of black, brown and grey. Accents and accessories are used at a bare minimum, but it is plain to see that this apartment has been carefully designed. Long, white matte countertops trace the kitchen in an L-shaped form. Chrome faucets are offset by the pewter colored sink. The wall behind the bed in the master suite is actually recessed. This design eliminated the need for a headboard, but the effect is very obvious. The colors in the master bathroom mimic those seen in the living room. Warm browns work to invite eager visitors inward.

Set in the French Alps, this quaint chalet is picture perfect. Surrounded by snow and trees, the living quarters a warmly lit and elegantly designed. On the second story, a carved wooden balcony wraps around the property. Exposed wood beams and wooden walls allow for plenty of light. At Les Gentians 1850, white fur covered ottomans have been strategically placed in the living space, more for decoration than practical use. A large sectional couch is snugly fit in front of a flat screen TV, with a rounded stone coffee table nearby for easy access. Elements of contemporary design playfully dance around rustic styles. Modern headboards are placed on exposed wood walls, and an indoor heated pool waits just beyond a set of rustic double French doors.

Tucked away in one of Australia’s premiere urban neighborhoods, style can’t help but to exude from this home. Starting with the front yard, a modern metal fence provides security and substance. The carefully planned pathway extends beyond the well manicured front lawn, into the breezeway, where the real fun begins. The living area, kitchen and dining room are fused together with a cohesive theme. Dark wood is found on the kitchen island as well as the dining room table. A huge walk-in closet is lined in the same coffee colored wood. Upstairs, a small home office and children’s room helps to lend credibility to this expertly crafted, modern Australian home. Swirled peach marble bathroom countertops are the finishing touch in this chic abode. Designed by Canny.

Building the perfect home for even the smallest of families in NYC requires patience and ingenuity. This collection of photos details the stunning details designer Guillaume Gentet was able to include in a Manhattan loft decorated for a family of four. The downstairs area has enough room to allow for a spacious kitchen, separate dining area, a sitting area and a home office, tucked away in a quaint corner. Above, the master bedroom suite holds a large set of double windows overlooking the city. Soft lighting, cool grays and warm earth tones make for a relaxing retreat. Mosaic tiling is used on the bathroom walls to transmit an earthy range of blues. The designer of this loft capitalized on the space available and made this home complete.

There won’t be any spaceships docking on this contemporary Mumbai apartment, but it is plain to see that some serious futuristic influences were hard at work during the design process. In the living room, recessed lights dot the ceiling. Between the recessed lighting appears dome shaped, chrome colored fixtures. A cut away ceiling design with rounded edges makes the room feel like it came from a different time and space. Neutral colored walls, carefully selected embellishments and bright, lively accents capture a futuristic feel without going overboard. A mature bedroom suitable for older teens and young adults houses a set of understated bunk beds. A small flight of stairs leads up to the top bunk, which sits atop a platform styled frame. There are just enough daring details in this Mumbai apartment to set it apart, but also varies key features that make it charming. Designed by ZZ Architects.

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