521 Atelier Interiors and Lighting Design

About twenty-five years ago we hired Claudia Librett to completely redecorate and refurnish our home and office. This was an extensive job involving a living and dining room,t wo bedrooms, kitchen, office and waiting area, computer room, etc. We were totally gratified and astonished with the result. This was not an ordinary decorator redo but a totally creative re-structuring of the space in ways we could not have imagined but done in close consultation and collaboration with us. There was a considerable amount of custom casework, custom wallpaper, a beautiful fireplace screen, special furniture, etc. We were a bit taken aback at the cost but realized it was fair for the exceptional quality of the work. Man years later it still remains intact, enduring and beautiful and still elicits admiring remarks from first-time viewers. It has proven in pleasure and endurance worth far more than it cost. Last year we needed some help with a room whose purpose had changed over the years. We again turned to Claudia and she again showed herself to be amazingly creative in adapting the space for new purposes. She had a desk custom built for us at a price far less than it would normally have cost. She also seems to have access to highly skilled, reliable carpenters, electricians, wallpaper hangers, etc. who have been a pleasure to deal with. Claudia’s work is very original and not like everyone else’s. But if you want someone to help you achieve your vision and perhaps even more than you could imagine, we have not found a more creative, helpful, practical and talented person than Claudia Librett.

Claudia was recommended by a friend for a renovation of my apartment on Riverside Drive. Little did I know that it would be possible to create tons of closet/storage space from what appeared to be nothing. French doors made a bedroom into a multi-purpose spare bedroom/office/dining room (which interchanges seemlessly). Enhanced lighting throughout was strategically placed so that we don't need any table/floor lamps. A renovated bathroom respected the historic nature of the space and fixtures while adding modern touches. All that plus Claudia's design for a new sofa and love seat and we couldn't be happier with her work.

We have worked with Claudia Librett for over 30 years on 3 different projects.because of budgetary constraints, our first project was limited in scope. Our most recent project had fewer financial limitations.She orchestrated a complete renovation of our apartment:new kitchen with cabinets and flooring, new bathrooms, study, master bedroom. living room all with extensive lighting and several items of custom designed furniture. Regardless of the project size, has always been able to convert an ordinary apartment layout into a gracious space.It would be tempting to say that Clsudias expertise all aspects of lighting is her real forte, but her skills go beyond this and are actually quite broad and deep.She has an ability to create a master plan and then design particular spaces that are different yet flow together to make a coherent whole. She also has a comprehensive knowledge of available materials, reliable venders, color paint .fabric.. tiling and window treatments. Our dialogue with Claudia was always animated and interactive.She was sensitive to our desire for feel that was both ethnic-primitive and sophisticated and as we got older specific types of ambient and focused lighting. We appreciated her definite ideas doe how to accomplish all of this.She knew where it was necessary to educate us and push us out of our comfort zone.She was patient with our need to go back and forth between the big picture and minute details.She helped us go beyond our discomfort with custom designed furniture : the result was a beautiful teak table. Lastly, Claudia was always tough 'hands on' supervisor to our GC and accepted responsibility for the few problems that arose,handled problems with venders and arranged for convenient deliveries.She kept this large project on track and had it completed in under one year. We are happy to recommend her without reservations. Doug and Madelon

While I have worked with Claudia on minor interior design projects and enjoyed her creative fun input, I have seen major transformations of several historic homes that she has undertaken. Claudia seems to see all the best ways of finding space that we could not see beforehand such as relocating kitchens or stairs, opening up views and making light everywhere. The finishes and materials are always wonderful. It is such a bonus to have an expert in interiors and lighting in one designer! As an experienced Realtor, I know when someone has magically added so much value to a home.

A new master bedroom and bathroom were reconfigured from existing space. The designer did an incredible job listening to my needs and desires and translating them into a magnificent and functional space. Claudia has a vast knowledge of lighting and what is available in the marketplace. She selected beautiful fixtures and furnishings while being very cognizant of my budget. I would highly recommend Atelier 521.

I have known & successfully worked with Claudia of 521 Atelier for over 20 years. In addition to being a brilliant & inventive interior decorator, she is also one of the most skilled & knowledgeable lighting designers in the business. She has a sharp attention to detail and cares for and works with her clients to give them the absolute best within their deadline and budget. I would strongly recommend Claudia to anyone who is interested in her exceptional services.

Atelier 521 did a complete renovation on our master bath from gut to finish and updated several rooms with custom furnishings and new lighting design. The results were far beyond our expectations. It's difficult to find this class of work in Philadelphia. The quality of the design is incomparable. Not only do they offer and understand current lighting technology and architectural space planning, they take a project from initial consultation through detailed finishes and furnishings. The owner, Claudia Librett, is New York born and trained. She is a perfectionist who leaves no stone unturned. We couldn't have been happier. -Homeowner on the Mainline of Philadelphia