If you are a fan of the Bravo show "Real Housewives of New York", you may remember Jill Zarin's traditional Upper East Side apartment. Last year, she decided it was time for a major update. "I hate it. It feels messy and closed. I like spacious and new," she revealed to me.

One of the many things that Zarin is famous for is her strong sense of fashion. This is because before she went on TV, she worked in the decoration industry for many years, helping her late husband Bobby run Zarin Fabrics. She expanded her business to include furniture and decorations and build their showrooms. Prior to this, Zarin was the President of Jockey Hosiery. Therefore, she has always had a vision of design.

Learn from her past mistakes

Like most people, Zarin admitted that she regretted some of the decisions she made while renovating the house. She said that one of the biggest problems is not trusting her instincts. "If your instinct tells you'I don't like something,' don't let others persuade you to do something you don't like anyway."

For example, one of the most important things she was talked about (literally) was choosing a very impractical coffee table. "In one of my houses in Hampton, I have a very cool coffee table with an elephant trunk in the corner. It is in front of an L-shaped sofa. But every time you walk to sit down, your The toes will touch the trunk of the elephant’s nose. It also weighs 450 pounds. It needs a forklift or four of the strongest people you know to lift it. How are you going to clean the bottom?"

Conflicting style brings drama

Zarin told me that she had been frustrated with her apartment for many years. This is because in retrospect, some important things did not work. The traditional decoration style is naturally not suitable for the architectural features of post-war New York City buildings, just like the building where she lived. Perhaps the most obvious example is the large windows throughout the space. Although they are a hallmark of modern or contemporary design-windows of this size don't look right in more traditional homes. Conversely, features like crown molding look inappropriate in your attempt to create a space that is more like an attic.

The decoration currently designed by Schoeller Darling looks more in line with the architectural features of the apartment and has the sense of openness and fluidity that Zarin really wants.

Third time charm

This is the third renovation of the apartment since Zarin moved into the building in 2001. During this go-around, it is important to complete the construction in a relatively short time. Her late husband Bobby is sick, and she really hopes he can enjoy this space. Recruiting the right team is absolutely relevant. Joanna Darling lives in the same building and renovated several apartments there. Zarin feels that Darling knows her space and personal needs very well, which is probably the most important thing anyone should consider when hiring a decorator.

If you have always wanted to decorate like the most authentic of all real housewives, but you can't hire Schoeller Darling — the next best thing is the skills they share to create a similar atmosphere and beauty in any space.

A neutral palette to create a happy home.

Keep a simple palette and neutral basic elements, such as shades of gray and taupe and white, such as this charcoal sofa and white marble table from RH Modern. This palette is consistent throughout the apartment. In creating a similar look, Michael Schoeller said that large items should be simple, "Don't buy a fuchsia sofa."

The floor also has a big impact. The old floor was demolished and a new light oak floor was installed.

Explain in detail how to add color

Missoni bedding makes the room brighter.

A modern space without color can be tedious, but the key to keeping it clean is to be very specific about where to use color and how to introduce it. A good example is Missoni bedding and bright artwork.

Another good way to incorporate colors is through carpets. Zarin has a series of carpets designed by her throughout her apartment. They are available online.

Art adds a personal touch to any space. Bobby is a long-time collector of Hirschfield comics. They were recomposed and arranged in a grid behind his desk to enhance the masculinity of his study.

Nothing can disrupt the flow of space more than a bunch of rope outdoors. Honey said to hide them as much as you can. Take time to do this. If you are renovating, she even recommends that you move.