--- title: "Pleasant Living, LLC — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/pleasant-living-llc-pfvwus-pf~1350588063 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1350588063.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Pleasant Living, LLC" category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/8a63cfa50f3faf28_5929-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "241 Central Park North #4, New York City, New York 10026, United States" latitude: 40.8019 longitude: -73.9531 phone: "(917) 608-2384" website: https://pleasantlivingllc.com rating: 5 review_count: 31 best_of_houzz_awards: 4 followers: 355 last_updated: 2026-08-28 --- # Pleasant Living, LLC Original Houzz profile: [Pleasant Living, LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/pleasant-living-llc-pfvwus-pf~1350588063) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** New York City, NY - **Serves:** New York City, Queens, Manhattan, Yonkers, New Rochelle, Harrison, Inwood, Newark, Hillside, Belleville, Bergenfield, Borough of Bronx, Cliffside Park, Clifton, Dumont, Edgewater, Elmhurst, Elmwood Park, Englewood, Fair Lawn, Fort Lee, Ft Lee, Guttenberg, Hackensack, Hasbrouck Heights, Hoboken, Jersey City, Kearny, Kew Gardens, Leonia, Maywood, New Milford, North Arlington, North Bergen, Nutley, Palisades Park, Paramus, Passaic, Paterson, Ridgefield, Ridgefield Park, River Edge, Rutherford, Saddle Brook, Secaucus, Teaneck, Tenafly, Union City, Wallington, Weehawken - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (31 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2016–2020), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - References available - 30 years in business Rick Shaver and Lee Melahn are the principal designers behind Pleasant Living, LLC, a design firm concentrating on interior design and custom furniture design for over a quarter of a century in the demanding world of New York City. Since inception, their experience has taken them beyond the city to include projects from coast to coast in the continental United States. Pleasant Living's services range from complete interior architectural installations to decorating projects under an overarching philosophy that completed designs must reflect the lifestyle and needs of their clients, going well beyond a formulaic approach. For Rick and Lee, it has always been their objective to design beautiful spaces, with the belief that the highest measure of good design is how well it works for the client. In addition to their interior design work, the design and production of Shaver/Melahn’s furniture is approached with the same spirit. Attention to detail and impeccable craftsmanship are the focus while using indigenous materials handcrafted in America serve as the hallmark of their collections and custom-made pieces. Rick and Lee's work has been seen in numerous international and national publications including House Beautiful, Veranda, Ellle Decor, and The New York Times! We have also been nominated and showcased inside the Kips Bay Decorator Show House, in addition to other charitable venues including: DIFFA, Dining by Design, and The Bailey Hart House Annual Fundraiser. Please send a message or call today to begin the process of reimagining your space! ### Services Provided - Interior Design - Kitchen Design - Bathroom Design - Living Room Design - Bedroom Design - Color Consulting - Space Planning - Furniture Selection - Kids Bedroom Design - Dining Room Design - Home Office Design & Construction - Design Consultation - Floor Plans - Entry Design - Project Management - Playroom Design - Custom Furniture - Laundry Room Design - Mudroom Design - Nursery Design - House Plans - Custom Home Bars - Art Selection - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Sunroom Design & Construction - Custom Fireplace Mantels - Home Theater Design - Wine Cellar Design - Sustainable Design - Downsizing - Custom Table - Attic Conversion - Custom Beds - Historic Building Conservation - Kitchen Remodeling - Home Office Design ### Areas Served - New York City - Queens - Manhattan - Yonkers - New Rochelle - Harrison - Inwood - Newark - Hillside - Belleville - Bergenfield - Borough of Bronx - Cliffside Park - Clifton - Dumont - Edgewater - Elmhurst - Elmwood Park - Englewood - Fair Lawn - Fort Lee - Ft Lee - Guttenberg - Hackensack - Hasbrouck Heights - Hoboken - Jersey City - Kearny - Kew Gardens - Leonia - Maywood - New Milford - North Arlington - North Bergen - Nutley - Palisades Park - Paramus - Passaic - Paterson - Ridgefield - Ridgefield Park - River Edge - Rutherford - Saddle Brook - Secaucus - Teaneck - Tenafly - Union City - Wallington - Weehawken ### Typical Job Cost $50,000 - 5,000,000 Fee Structure: Design fee based on dollar amount per sq. foot. Oversight fee- Product percentages apply. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Pleasant Living, LLC | | Address | 241 Central Park North \#4, New York City, New York 10026, United States | | Phone | (917) 608-2384 | | Website | https://pleasantlivingllc.com | | Followers on Houzz | 355 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pleasant-Living/169451153113591 - Blog — http://www.pleasantlivinghome.blogspot.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Pleasant Living, LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/pleasant-living-llc-pfvwus-pf~1350588063) - **Website:** https://pleasantlivingllc.com - **Phone:** (917) 608-2384 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Allied Member, ASID - New York's Top 100 Designers, Gotham Magazine - Kips Bay Show House Participant - Design MMoCA Designer - ASFD Pinnacle Award Nominee - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2016–2020), for Service, Design. **Affiliations** - [American Society of Interior Designers](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-interior-designers-pfvwus-pf~1510192642) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 31 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — HU-661823656, April 2022** > If you’re anything like myself, guidance and suggestions for creating a brand new space took a lot of professional help. Pleasant Living, LLC afforded me that guidance with thorough planning to create my perfect space. I was presented with a portfolio containing three different floor plans (with measurements) including photos of the plans, ideas and photos of furniture, tables, rugs, lamps, and pillows. Their suggestions for flooring were perfect and wouldn’t have even occurred to me. Rick and Lee made themselves available if I was stuck or needed additional help. They are professional, personable, with high end talents and will be amazing partners in your journey to make your new or current space exactly as you’re envisioning it or maybe a little something different. It was a joy to work with Pleasant Living, LLC and I give them my highest recommendation. > I genuinely love my new space! > Linda Jones **★★★★★ — Mary jo steffes, Jan. 2022** > Last year, my husband and I decided to turn our unused formal dining room into a “library”. Not knowing how to turn this into reality, we hired Pleasant Living, LLC. Lee and Rick did a phenomenal job listening to our ideas of what we were interested in and then coming up with a choice of ideas for rugs, lighting, chairs and bookcases. The final result is fantastic! From rarely spending any time in that room for 19 years, we can honestly say we are in the “library” every single morning drinking coffee, chatting and planning our day. It is such a comfortable, beautiful space, our favorite room in the house! **Comment from Pleasant Living, LLC:** > Mary Jo: Thank you for the salient remarks. You and your family were a pleasure to work with. Now go and have your coffee, plan your day and read a book **★★★★★ — Margaret Blakelock, Dec. 2021** > Lee Melahn is a terrific designer. He designed our pre war apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan with great skill and care. He listened carefully to our desires, concerns and lifestyle. He kept us involved in the process allowing us to make good choices in a timely manner. We had a clear budget and Lee worked within that budget. Not only is the space beautiful eliciting “ohhs”, “wows” from family and friends, it is very comfortable and practical. Lee was great at communicating with us and moving the project forward. Highly, highly recommend. **★★★★★ — W. Segal, May 2019** > Pleasant Living's Lee Melahn provided an absolutely excellent experience from beginning to end. The project involved complete outfitting of a 1,200 foot Manhattan two-bedroom rental, including floor coverings, drapes and lighting, all furniture and accessories. I am clueless about design, and Lee helped me explore possibilities and hone my own preferences in areas ranging from palette to arrangement. He designed and tailored a floor plan based on my input, populated it with furniture and accessory alternatives for my consideration, guided me to ensure appropriate coordination of the overall result and supervised installation and arrangement. I could not be happier with the outcome. I recommend Pleasant Living without hesitation and in the strongest possible terms. **★★★★★ — Mark Y., June 2018** > Lee and Rick did an excellent job on our full house renovation project – 3 floors total. We hired them for both design and project management. It was a great pleasure to have Lee assisted us to go through the whole process which lasted little over 1 year. > > Lee and Rick are both very open-minded, creative and their design is top notch. We have a traditional house that was built in 1950 and really wanted to transform it to a contemporary style. Lee recommended Transitional style, not only it fits our house’s existing structure but gives a very sharp and elegant look. > > Colors are always very tricky and tones/shade can change depends on the time of the day/year. Lee took the time and explained the science behind it. He knows exactly what the trendy colors are. Lee is available to talk even at very late of the night (just text him before calling) and willing to accommodate our schedule at last minute. > > They have various supply vendors throughout the NYC and we were given the best deal you can possibly get. Their high-low strategy helped us to achieve the look we want at a price we can afford. > > Overall, we are very satisfied with the design and services pleasant living has provided for us. > > Pleasant Living lives up to its name. **Comment from Pleasant Living, LLC:** > Mark: We wanted to thank you for your review. I know as a young couple starting out with your first home there was a lot of anxiety. I hope we were able to guide you through the path a home you can enjoy for many years **★★★★★ — Jaye Semrod, May 2018** > We first worked with Rick Shaver and Lee Melahn in 2001. We were renovating and expanding our Princeton, NJ home, a 1950's modern structure. Every aspect of the house was tired. Not only did Rick and Lee assist in the design of the new addition, they transformed all aspects of the existing structure. They listened to our desires, interpreted our sometimes confusing direction, and pushed us outside our comfort Zone. They worked seamlessly with our architect/builder team making the entire experience a pleasure. The result: stunning. We continue to enjoy the beauty, sophistication and comfort they created in our Princeton home. > > Next, we asked them to provide a facelift to my first, small, dark, one bedroom NYC apartment, now used as our pied a tier. It is located in a pre-war building on the upper west side of New York. I gave Shaver/Melahn complete free reign. They took down a wall, installed a new kitchen, repaired and painted walls and designed a fresh, new look in fabrics and furnishings. Literally, I saw the place before and then after. All completed on time, on a shoe-string budget, and with great style. > > Finally, in 2007, we asked this team to manage and execute the interior design of our new 10,000 sq. ft .Naples, Florida home. Once again, they were an important part of the architectural and building team, and oversaw every detail in the design. The project lasted over 2 years. Rick and Lee stood by us at every turn. Once again, they were able to capture our personality and lifestyle and create a comfortable, elegant space. The outcome is extraordinary. > > Bottom line, this design team knows how to create environments that work. They understand "on time and on budget". Their ability to find unique solutions when working on a tight budgets is remarkable. And yet, they took our larger home and budget and created a showstopper. I look forward to our next project together. **Comment from Pleasant Living, LLC:** > Jaye and Joe: > Every project we have worked on with you has been a challenge and a delight. You brought the best out in us. Thank you **★★★★★ — Gross & Daley Photography, April 2018** > We've photographed several design projects of Rick & Lee's over the years, ranging from high- end lofts to mid- century modern houses to rural farmhouses. They are always top notch, both in their style & taste which is elegant yet comfortable, and with an eye for the best quality of every detail and build. On the personal side they exemplify a warm & caring professionalism, putting all their talents into everything they do. We highly recommend working with this great team. **Comment from Pleasant Living, LLC:** > Steve and Sue: > Your work speaks for itself. Thanks for your gracious review and know that we will always look to you to photograph our projects **★★★★★ — Terry Sweeney, March 2018** > My company has been working with Rick Shaver and Lee Melahn since 2012. We have worked with them on numerous projects since that time and have had a positive experience all along. Both are talented designers and are professional in their approach to their projects. They have always treated our staff with kindness and respect which I know carry's over to their clients. > Much of the work we have done for them has been on a custom basis and their communication skills are superb. It is imperative that we have solid communication when working on large projects of custom pieces, and they did not disappoint. > We value our relationship with Rick and Lee and look forward to many years of continued collaboration. **Comment from Pleasant Living, LLC:** > Terry and all who work at Black Wolf Design: > Fate works in many ways. We're so glad it found a way to match us up. Thanks for the great review **★★★★★ — Lindsey Ruhe, March 2018** > It is always a true joy to work with the Pleasant Living team. The Vision Council has executed numerous successful events over the years with the help of Pleasant Living's design expertise - specifically, media-centered events at vision trade shows, as well as at South by Southwest conferences. The Pleasant Living team offers assistance from start to finish of all projects, keeping the clients' goals and budget top of mind throughout. They work extremely hard to understand the vision of the project, and without a doubt have always exceeded our expectations. Not only that, but they're just lovely to work with and be around, making each project they're on feel that much more seamless and enjoyable. The Vision Council would highly recommend Pleasant Living to absolutely anyone on the market for a top-notch design team! **Comment from Pleasant Living, LLC:** > Lindsey and all at the Vision Council: > Thank you for the glowing review. Your projects have continued to stretch our imagination and challenge our creativity **★★★★★ — Aronson's Floor Covering, July 2017** > We were lucky enough to have Lee and Rick as neighbors for many many years and have learned a lot from them. Other than being big fans of their work, they are a pleasure to work with! **Comment from Pleasant Living, LLC:** > To all at Aronson's: > Thank you for the wonderful review. Working with your team is always a pleasure knowing we'll get the best quality product and a smile to boot **★★★★★ — Alice Hope, Dec. 2016** > Pleasant Living's expertise changed the quality of my life 100%. Their outstanding sense of design, their thorough attention to detail, and their restrained sophisticated taste transformed my environment multidimensionally-- working with color, flow, function, lighting, pattern, composition, layout- all the while creating a unified whole. **Comment from Pleasant Living, LLC:** > Alice: > Thank you for the touching review. We may have changed your life but it was reciprocal. The best result of a design collaboration is when it turns from a job to a friendship **★★★★★ — Richard Scheiner, Dec. 2016** > Rick Shaver has been our designer of choice since my wife and I started working with design professionals 25 years ago. Rick brings together his understanding of space, light, color and texture to create livable homes in whatever style you want. He also works to balance the needs of all family members. I imagine once Rick stops working, we'll have to stop renovating. **Comment from Pleasant Living, LLC:** > Richard: > Thanks for the glowing review. Over 25 years of design service has translated into over 25 years of friendship and an amazing collection of memories ## Selected projects - [Kips Bay Designer Showhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kips-bay-designer-showhouse-pj-vj~36889) - Location: New York City, NY - Photos: 7 - Description: This was a project we designed for the prestigious Kips Bay Design Showhouse. From four blank walls and a raw concrete floor we created a calm and serene Reading Room complete with many pieces of furniture from our Shaver/Melahn Collection. The concept was to create a quiet, comfortable, meditative space with a garden atmosphere. Using calm watery shimmering walls, "weathered grey" cabinetry and reclaimed flooring from an Eighteenth Century French chateau we took a blank canvas and transformed i… - [Tribeca Loft NYC](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tribeca-loft-nyc-pj-vj~35712) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 9 - Description: The challenge of this 3500 square foot loft was how to divide the space into usable, comfortable living spaces. We did this by delineating two seating areas, one with a wood burning fireplace, a dining area, a reading/work nook and 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. - [Melville Manor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/melville-manor-pj-vj~2754087) - Location: Melville, NY - Photos: 18 - [Lower East Side 2 Bedroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lower-east-side-2-bedroom-pj-vj~5715224) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 13 - [New Jersey Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-jersey-estate-pj-vj~837276) - Location: Warren, NJ - Photos: 30 - Description: The challenge with this project was to transform a very traditional house into something more modern and suited to the lifestyle of a young couple just starting a new family. We achieved this by lightening the overall color palette with soft grays and neutrals. Then we replaced the traditional dark colored wood and tile flooring with lighter wide plank hardwood and stone floors. Next we redesigned the kitchen into a more workable open plan and used top of the line professional level appliances a… - [Suburban Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/suburban-ranch-pj-vj~5678403) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 18 - [Upper Eastside Condo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/upper-eastside-condo-pj-vj~2227027) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 14 - [College Point Starter Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/college-point-starter-home-pj-vj~2691153) - Location: Queens, NY - Photos: 12 - [Chelsea Townhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chelsea-townhouse-pj-vj~2983287) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 12 - [Arts & Crafts Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arts-and-crafts-kitchen-pj-vj~5692931) - Location: Lodi, NJ - Photos: 1 - [Gramercy House Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gramercy-house-kitchen-pj-vj~40657) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 4 - Description: Gramercy House is a beautiful Art Deco building in New York City's Gramercy Park area and designed by the famed architectural firm of Bing & Bing. When renovating the kitchen we wanted to honor the architecture of the building while creating a beautiful, updated, functional workspace. - [Cold Springs Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cold-springs-retreat-pj-vj~2227037) - Location: Cold Spring, NY - Photos: 14 - [Shaker/ Craftsman Kitchen Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/shaker-craftsman-kitchen-renovation-pj-vj~5692933) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 1 - [Naples compound](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/naples-compound-pj-vj~838174) - Location: Naples, FL - Photos: 14 - Description: Because the client opens their beautiful home to a large extended family and a multitude of friends the property is quite large comprising of several dwellings what we are showing here is in the main house. Though grand in scale the client of this gorgeous waterfront compound asked for a home that was approachable and easy to live in. Salt air, hot temperatures and an almost ever present humidity dictated durable materials and finishes but they also had to be stylish. We are very proud of the en… - [Milwaukee Condo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/milwaukee-condo-pj-vj~838208) - Location: Milwaukee, WI - Photos: 10 - [Upper Eastside Apartment](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/upper-eastside-apartment-pj-vj~102806) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 5 - Description: A classic New York City pre-war apartment renovated to reflect the style and standards of the era of the building in which it is housed. The project was a "total gut" renovation complete with new library, sunroom, kitchen and bathrooms. - [Artist's Manhattan pied-a-terre](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/artist-s-manhattan-pied-a-terre-pj-vj~838221) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 12 - Description: This fun frolic flat was designed for sometimes use by a successful talented NY artist. It was a transformation from a sterile "shabby chic" style apartment to a bright cheerful retreat for a creative mind. Color was key, vintage & flea market furnishings a must and comfort essential! To say this was a fun project is an understatement, we worked hand in hand with the client and chose each item and settled every detail together always with enjoyment and a sense of creative playfulness. - [New York Textile Showroom Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-york-textile-showroom-design-pj-vj~2800934) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 1 - [Gallery Magazine Feature Article](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gallery-magazine-feature-article-pj-vj~3900086) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - [Assisted Living Apartment](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/assisted-living-apartment-pj-vj~6991073) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 16 - Description: This is an apartment for a single elderly woman in an assisted living facility. The challenges where making sure her special needs of limited mobility and deteriorating sight were addressed. It was also a project that had to go from inception to complete in two months [See all 24 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/pleasant-living-llc-pfvwus-pf~1350588063) ## Ideabooks - [Mediterranean Style](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/58974335/list/mediterranean-style) — 9 ideas - [Beautiful Windows](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57643509/list/beautiful-windows) — 6 ideas - [Three Season Rooms, Sunrooms & Snugs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/42273959/list/three-season-rooms-sunrooms-snugs) — 7 ideas - [IF THESE WALLS COULD ...](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6109270/list/if-these-walls-could) — 8 ideas - [Redesign a 1960's Ranch Style House into a Timeless Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5290470/list/redesign-a-1960-s-ranch-style-house-into-a-timeless-cottage) — 8 ideas - [GARAGES - They're not just for parking anymore!](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2747189/list/garages-they-re-not-just-for-parking-anymore) — 14 ideas - [GOOD IDEA!](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6110732/list/good-idea) — 1 idea - [Meditation Room, Folly or Garden Shed](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5382264/list/meditation-room-folly-or-garden-shed) — 8 ideas - [ELEGANCE](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3871900/list/elegance) — 1 idea - [rickshaver's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1517634/list/rickshaver-s-ideas) — 3 ideas [See all 10 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/rickshaver) ## Community Q&A **Q: countertop material** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you share the name of the countertop material and color? A: Tina: The counter top is Silstone in Yukon Bianco. The walls are Calacatta Vision Marble done in book matched slabs **Q: countertop in kitchen** *(in Photo Questions)* Could you please share details about the countertop? A: Tina: the countertops are Corian in White Zues Extreme. Please let us know if we can be of any design help for you. **Q: where is the light fixture from? it is lovely** *(in Photo Questions)* A: We love the light fixture too but we tend to keep our sources private. We feel it would be a disservice to our clients who paid for the information to give it out for free to others. We would be more than happy to work as your agent to purchase the fixture if you should be interested acquiring one. We hope you liked the rest of the room design as well. **Q: What is the fabric on the sofa?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The fabric is from Donghia it is a Calvin fabric. If you would like more information we'd be more than happy to be your agent in pricing and then placing an order for the fabric. Although since this fabric was purchased over two years ago I'd have to check to see if the fabric is still available **Q: Sideboard table by fireplace** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you let me know the manufacturer of the sideboard/accent table on either side of the fireplace? Thank you! A: The sideboards are from our own Mendota collection. We offer it in custom sizes and wood finishes.The tops on these pictured are concrete, we offer the concrete versions in various alternate colors. We also do the tops as a painted finish or a natural wood finish. The interior drawers are painted or felt lined. **Q: I love the bar top, how/where did you get that finish?** *(in Photo Questions)* Building a home bar and LOVE this too A: The bar top is zinc and custom made --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-28.*