--- title: "Idea Space Architecture + Design — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/idea-space-architecture-design-pfvwus-pf~1325612336 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1325612336.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Idea Space Architecture + Design" category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/59f367c003d16c3b_8903-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "106 West 32nd Street, 2nd floor, New York, New York 10001, United States" latitude: 40.7484 longitude: -73.9967 phone: "(201) 575-5180" website: http://www.ideaspacead.com rating: 5 review_count: 14 best_of_houzz_awards: 4 followers: 135 last_updated: 2026-09-23 --- # Idea Space Architecture + Design Original Houzz profile: [Idea Space Architecture + Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/idea-space-architecture-design-pfvwus-pf~1325612336) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** New York, NY - **Serves:** New York City, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Livingston, Summit, Maplewood, Millburn, Short Hills, South Orange - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (14 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2016–2020), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves We believe that great design matters, positively impacting our lives and work. Idea Space Architecture + Design helps to create inspiring architecture and interior environments. We work with innovative, bold and creative clients interested in a pleasurable and highly productive experience while designing and building their place of business, new home, investment property, country retreat or renovating their current co-op, condo or townhouse. Our clients are interested in exploring their design options to uncover the most comfortable environment in which to live and most profitable in which to work. Through a collaborative process with client, consultants, fabricators and builder, decisions that are artistic, highly functional and financially responsible are made to bring about successful solutions. As architects and interior designers we help our clients explore their creative ideas, the process of making a space and finally the experience of occupying that completed built environment. ### Services Provided - Interior Design - Kitchen Design - Bathroom Design - Color Consulting - Space Planning - Furniture Selection - Kids Bedroom Design - Playroom Design - Custom Furniture - Nursery Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Architecture ### Areas Served - New York City - Brooklyn - Manhattan - Livingston - Summit - Maplewood - Millburn - Short Hills - South Orange ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Idea Space Architecture + Design | | Address | 106 West 32nd Street, 2nd floor, New York, New York 10001, United States | | Phone | (201) 575-5180 | | Website | http://www.ideaspacead.com | | Followers on Houzz | 135 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/ideaspacead/ - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/IdeaSpace - Blog — https://www.instagram.com/ideaspacead/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Idea Space Architecture + Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/idea-space-architecture-design-pfvwus-pf~1325612336) - **Website:** http://www.ideaspacead.com - **Phone:** (201) 575-5180 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2016–2020), for Service, Design. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 14 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Katharine Larsen, May 2019** > We worked with Idea Space to renovate our sunroom and complete an > addition above it, a project that included a new master bathroom, > dressing room, laundry room and hall bathroom. > > The Idea Space team gave us the beautiful design we wanted. They took > the time to identify and incorporate our priorities. They did not pull out > an off-the-shelf design, but designed from scratch to fit our needs. > We have received many compliments about how well the addition fits in > with the style of our house overall. > > Working with them also made the project much more fun. Because they > were focused on the details and practicalities, and guided us through > key decisions, the project went smoothly, and we remained confident > throughout that we would get what we wanted. **Comment from Idea Space Architecture + Design:** > As always, it has been a pleasure working with you and Harsh. Having nice clients that we can collaborate with always makes for a successful outcome. We are so happy that you are enjoying your master suite and the addition that we created! **★★★★★ — Susan Gibson, Jan. 2017** > After combining two one bedroom apartments, I found myself with an over-sized “double” living room. Julie was able to confront this design challenge with ease and offered numerous schematic solutions, color directions and unique furniture options. The end result is a sophisticated, modern space that is at the same time warm and inviting. Julie is a very professional designer, has strong organizational skills and is reliable. I’m very pleased with her work and would not hesitate to recommend Idea Space Architecture & Design. **Comment from Idea Space Architecture + Design:** > Thanks Susan! It was a pleasure working with you on this project. We love the way the room turned out, so we are glad you are enjoying it. **★★★★★ — sallyunsworth, Jan. 2017** > Darren and Julie were the perfect partners for our first ever foray into home improvement, and we didn't start small! Through their meticulous design process and project management, we transformed over 500 square feet of kitchen and powder room drab into something stunning and perfectly functional for our family's needs. > > Our home was built in 1904, so we knew there would be all kinds of surprises in terms of opening walls and ensuring that the engineering was sound. Idea Space was on top of all of this. From their careful shepherding of the bidding process to our weekly construction meetings, we never had to worry that a detail was being overlooked. > > Julie's help in refining our aesthetic was critical to the outcome of the project. As we moved from a simple "white kitchen" idea into a space with much richer colors, patterns and textures, we became more and more excited about the unique space we were creating. > > We highly recommend Idea Space Architecture + Design! **Comment from Idea Space Architecture + Design:** > Thanks Sally! Darren and I enjoyed working with you and Michael throughout the design and construction process to realize your dream kitchen. We are in serious kitchen envy! **★★★★★ — Sydney Kramer, Jan. 2017** > We used Julie when we downsized to a small apartment. > Julie was able to use some of our existing furniture and added carpets and some more pieces. > She used our existing art work ro create a beautiful arraignment and we repainted a color wall. > She was always responsive, was on time for meetings. We would recommend her highly **Comment from Idea Space Architecture + Design:** > Thanks Sydney, it was a pleasure working with you and Larry to add the finishing touches to your new home! **★★★★★ — Ilissa Brownstein, Dec. 2016** > I have been working with Darren China since 2012 on two residential and one commercial projects. I am the owner of a Law firm in NYC and I have never worked with anyone law-related or outside the law that is more reliable and responsive than Darren. The first project we hired Darren for was to reconfigure a loft apartment in the financial district of Manhattan into a space usable for a family. Then, as our family grew, we hired Darren to combine apartment units. He successfully configured a plan to combine two adjacent units. He worked with our contractor and an expeditor at the Department of Buildings as well as our building's residential manager to quickly get us DOB approval for our unique construction plans. We now live in an incredible apartment in the financial district in Manhattan and are loving the layout that Darren created. Darren is meticulous. He oversaw our construction team to make sure every detail was taken care of. Darren suggested weekly meetings with the team to make sure we were all on the same page and to develop the apartment to our highest expectations. Darren also brought in his wife Julie China, an interior designer, to help us visualize our furniture layout and to add decorative details such as blinds for our kids rooms. The China's also assisted us with new light fixtures and hardware. They even thought of automatic toilet flushers which were instrumental in facilitating toilet training! Because they have a young family of their own they were very knowledgeable in making the apartment kid-friendly. Now as our third project, the China's are gut renovating my husband Craig Roberts' dental office in Manhattan's Washington Square Park. Their style choices have been right in line with what they learned to be our design aesthetic. We cannot more highly recommend Darren and Julie China. **Comment from Idea Space Architecture + Design:** > Wow Ilissa. Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words. You and Craig have been such a pleasure to work with as well. It must feel great to be back in your apartment and enjoying the new space as a family of four. **★★★★★ — J Descarfino, Dec. 2016** > Darren China designed a wall partition to create a second bedroom in our apartment and a custom wall unit with shelving and cabinets. We couldn’t have been happier with the results. His careful research of materials and period architecture, for both projects, creatively addressed functional and aesthetic concerns. He was extremely helpful with answering any questions we had throughout the planning process. Working with Darren was a complete pleasure and we recommend him without reservation. **★★★★★ — Elliot\` Greene, Dec. 2016** > Darren was the consummate professional, supervising every detail of the work with care and precision. We were very happy with the design, recommendations he made, and especially impressed with his attention to detail. I would not hesitate to recommend his services to others. **★★★★★ — Tile Design Inspirations, Sept. 2016** > It is always a pleasure to work with Darren and Julie, they are very professional and knowledgeable. Their attention to detail elevates all components of their design. Their creative design goes beyond the usual. I absolutely highly recommend Darren, July and their creativity. > Happy to work with them always! **Comment from Idea Space Architecture + Design:** > Thanks so much for the lovely review Lily. It is always a pleasure working with you as well! **★★★★★ — Mary Beth Zurat, July 2016** > We have been working with Darren and Julie for over five years. Our first project was the main bathroom in our previous home. Their redesign was arguably what sold the house. It was honestly the most beautiful room in the house. > > Our new home is a mid-century ranch, which is a departure from the typical colonials of Maplewood and South Orange. They have helped to update it in a way that is authentic to the time period without being kitschy. > > Julie and Darren truly embody every business superlative: skilled and experienced professionals; honest and transparent in their process and billing; responsive and reliable. Their respective talents complement each other. > > Above all though, they're just fun to work with. They're genuine, relatable, funny and kind. Once you begin a project with them you will feel an immediate connection. We have, which is why Studio China has remained and will continue to be our only architecture and design firm choice. **Comment from Idea Space Architecture + Design:** > Thank you for the lovely words! You and Bill were so enjoyable to work with, and I look forward to collaborating on more great projects together in the future. We make a good team! **★★★★★ — Cynthia Kern, July 2016** > My wife and I hired Darren and Julie China to design the complete renovation of our kitchen. They talked with us for weeks and drew multiple drafts of the architectural plans in order to understand what we wanted. They translated those discussions and drafts into a stunning design that also utilized the space efficiently. They also helped us choose tiles, lights, flooring, and even bar stools for the new island. It feels like our whole first floor has been transformed, and everyone that comes into our new kitchen never wants to leave (including us)! **Comment from Idea Space Architecture + Design:** > Thanks Cynthia! We are thrilled that you never want to leave your kitchen. Hearing words like that are what keeps us doing what we do. We love making a difference and improving our client's lives. I hope you and your family will enjoy your kitchen for years to come. **★★★★★ — HGS INTERIORS, Dec. 2015** > I have worked with Darren and Julie ,on several different projects. I have always found Darren and Julie to listening intently and deliver what the client is asking for, usually exceeding their expectations. They are extremely patient and works diligently on details to create a home that reflects each clients personality and style. He truly loves his work and it shows in his ability to deliver a beautiful home and have fun with his clients during the process! **★★★★★ — Lisa Moser, Oct. 2015** > We recently hired Studio China to assist us in a complete kitchen renovation of a very tiny, awkward space. Julie and Darren came up with a few smart layouts we had not seen yet from cabinet makers, and ultimately went with their design and are very pleased. Julie picked out floor, backsplash tile, countertop, cabinet hardware, paint and lighting samples for us and we chose based on her ideas. Darren helped deal with certain structural issues that arrived with our contractor that we think made a huge difference in the appearance of our kitchen, including recessed lighting/speaker layout, light switch location, and most importantly the suggestion to drop our ceiling six inches to eliminate the view of a structural beam. Julie has an amazing eye for design - the items she picked out for our kitchen are so perfect and things we may not have chosen on our own. I cannot imagine our kitchen without Julie & Darren...we are so grateful we hired them to design our kitchen. The end result is more than we could have ever hoped for. ## Selected projects - [Collinwood Tudor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/collinwood-tudor-pj-vj~5294035) - Location: Maplewood, NJ - Photos: 17 - Description: This 1920’s Tudor home in Maplewood, New Jersey has beautiful original details both inside and out. However, the interior layout in the center and rear of the house was inefficient and awkward. The existing small kitchen felt fragmented with very little counter and storage space. An earlier addition at the back of the house included a full bathroom and an underutilized room. It was important to our client to create a new kitchen with plenty of space for their young family to gather, entertain an… - [Upper West Side Transitional](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/upper-west-side-transitional-pj-vj~2180639) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 11 - Description: The interior design of our client’s Upper West Side apartment exudes a sense of modern, understated elegance. After combining two apartments the owner of this residence was faced with the challenge of planning their newly enlarged open living / dining room. They turned to Idea Space Architecture + Design to plan the furniture placement and select the decorative elements in the room. The custom window treatments were instrumental in softening the room’s overall aesthetic. The large-scale area rug… - [Church Street Apartment](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/church-street-apartment-pj-vj~5328629) - Location: South Orange, NJ - Photos: 15 - Description: When our clients originally purchased their Church Street apartment they turned to us to help reimagine the paint color palette for the home. The colors found in the apartment were originally very dark and created a cave like feeling. Idea Space introduced a soft gray toned palette for the living spaces that are modern and sophisticated. Over time we layered in new furnishings, accessories and lighting including the design of a walnut credenza custom tailored for the living room. A very awkward… - [Summit Avenue Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/summit-avenue-renovation-pj-vj~2590966) - Location: South Orange, NJ - Photos: 22 - Description: The first floor of this South Orange, New Jersey Victorian consists of an entry foyer, living room, dining room and a kitchen that had been expanded in an earlier addition to the home. The existing ‘L’ shaped kitchen footprint that wraps around the living room was a spatial challenge that called for a better sense of connectivity. Given the client’s interest in cooking it was important that the kitchen have proper flow between the food prep areas, appliances and the kitchen table. At the same ti… - [Plaza Street Divide](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/plaza-street-divide-pj-vj~626126) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 7 - Description: The client desired a way to partition a toddler’s play space from the current living room. The vision guided us to a clear solution - a translucent and open partition, achieving the division while maintaining the natural light and air circulation in the current living space. Acrylic panels were incorporated into sliding doors while open apertures were designed for future closed clerestories. A radius in the wall allowed for the existing fire escape gate to swing open while echoing the Art Deco c… - [Warren Road Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/warren-road-residence-pj-vj~1200486) - Location: Maplewood, NJ - Photos: 7 - Description: The owners of this 1920's Maplewood home created an attic master bedroom space to meet the needs of their growing family. In an effort to maximize on storage we took full advantage of the crawl space beneath the sloped ceiling and created built in cabinetry that not only serves as a bookshelf, but also accommodates our client's wardrobe. A stone ledge flanked by upholstered window seats sits behind a custom headboard. The warm color palette with red and rust accents contrasted by a more neutral… - [Franklin Avenue Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/franklin-avenue-kitchen-pj-vj~2037609) - Location: Maplewood, NJ - Photos: 12 - Description: With two young children and a modest floor plan this Maplewood, New Jersey home bustles with activity. Unrenovated since circa 1970s, the current owners sought out Idea Space to rethink the scale of the spaces on the first floor, most importantly that of the home’s kitchen. The clients driving desires behind the renovation was to create access to their backyard via the kitchen while introducing a space where the family of four could gather for meals. Idea Space quickly realized that the footprin… - [Plaza Street F2](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/plaza-street-f2-pj-vj~620366) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 7 - Description: The client envisioned refurbishing their newly purchased 1700 square foot apartment while also taking advantage of the natural light in the kitchen to liven up a dark, small existing dining room. By removing a wall between the kitchen and dining room an expansive space was created allowing light to flood through the living area and further define public from private space. The challenging confines of the master bathroom resulted in a design solution which utilized an oversized mirror and floatin… - [South Orange NJ Mid Century Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/south-orange-nj-mid-century-modern-pj-vj~2012947) - Location: South Orange, NJ - Photos: 4 - Description: When the owners of this South Orange, New Jersey ranch purchased their new home they sought to create an environment that was authentic to its mid-century roots. In the home’s entry, stone tile flooring was designed to mimic the random fieldstone tiles that exist at the exterior entrance. A neutral color palette was created for the interior rooms along with colorful surprises such as the 1950’s inspired patterned wallcovering in the dining room. Idea Space selected all of the decorative light fi… - [Douglass Street Townhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/douglass-street-townhouse-pj-vj~626077) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 5 - Description: This turn of the century townhouse presented unique challenges including an uneven settlement in the foundation and a dark, compartmentalized layout that did not accommodate modern day living needs. By completely removing the interior of the second floor, a new living environment was created that allowed movement between rooms without having to access adjoining spaces. Architectural elements of the time period such as tin ceilings were introduced into a new aesthetic. More modern elements, such… - [North Terrace Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/north-terrace-kitchen-pj-vj~1409311) - Location: Maplewood, NJ - Photos: 4 - Description: The owners of this Maplewood, New Jersey home turned to Idea Space Architecture + Design to design their kitchen when they realized they needed the expertise of a professional. They had their contractor in place, the walls were down to the studs, but they were not yet comfortable with the design and layout of the space. Once on board we provided the client with thoughtful solutions that met their needs. A soothing finish palette was developed to offset the active lifestyle of this family with tw… - [Bear Mountain Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bear-mountain-residence-pj-vj~1207895) - Location: Tomkins Cove, NY - Photos: 7 - Description: An existing home perched above the Hudson River with sweeping views of the Bear Mountain Bridge and Hudson Valley has undergone an addition in order to take advantage of this spectacular view. What was an enclosed porch has now been expanded upon and fit with floor to ceiling windows allowing the interior space to become one with the exterior. The house comes alive in a sequence of experiences as you move from the front door, through the kitchen and culminate in this new light filled space that… - [Maplewood House Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/maplewood-house-renovation-pj-vj~626172) - Location: Maplewood, NJ - Photos: 14 - Description: In the renovations to this 1920's home in Maplewood, New Jersey we maintained the details of the time period while strategically infusing modern design elements. The kitchen, bathroom and powder room were completely updated with modern fixtures and finishes bringing them to current day living standards. Years of paints and stains were stripped from the woodwork in the living room, dining room, main stair and hall way exposing ninety year old chestnut trim details and quarter sawn white oak floor… [See all 13 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/idea-space-architecture-design-pfvwus-pf~1325612336) ## Ideabooks - [Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/132767859/list/bathroom) — 3 ideas - [Kitchen organization](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/103455785/list/kitchen-organization) — 2 ideas - [Window treatments](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/93805196/list/window-treatments) — 3 ideas - [Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/74313267/list/kitchen) — 6 ideas - [Wallpaper](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/92531883/list/wallpaper) — 1 idea - [Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/90402366/list/lighting) — 1 idea - [Rugs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/74757079/list/rugs) — 8 ideas - [Accessories](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/85614142/list/accessories) — 1 idea - [Furniture](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/81427939/list/furniture) — 2 ideas - [Organization](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/78375109/list/organization) — 2 ideas - [Deck/railings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50255725/list/deck-railings) — 1 idea - [Fireplace](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/49166038/list/fireplace) — 1 idea - [Modern A Frames](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/30179328/list/modern-a-frames) — 6 ideas [See all 13 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/ideaspacead) ## Community Q&A **Q: Tell me, please, is it possible to find such a bed in blue?** *(in Photo Questions)* Tell me, please, is it possible to find such a bed in blue? A: I am glad you like the headboard! We designed it and it was custom made. Perhaps reach out to a local upholsterer and see if they can make something similar for you. **Q: Where is the table from?** *(in Photo Questions)* What are the dimensions A: It is a vintage table. Thanks for your interest. **Q: what is the tile info?** *(in Photo Questions)* I love it! A: Thank you! We worked with a 'trade only' vendor, but the tiles have a terracotta base and are a 2x10 module. We designed the layout. Good luck with your project! **Q: I love the farmhouse sink!** *(in Photo Questions)* What brand is this farmhouse sink? A: Blanco! **Q: Wow! What is the size of this room please?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: I am away from my desk at the moment, but I recall that the room was about 26 to 28 feet long x 15 to 16 feet wide. **Q: How is the blind corner handled?** *(in Photo Questions)* Do the doors open with a center hinge and hide a lazy Susan or?? Beautiful cabinets! A: The corner cabinet is hinged on the right and conceal a lazy susan. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-23.*