--- title: "Context — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/context-pfvwus-pf~403123811 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~403123811.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: Context category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/1f837bdd0164657a_7273-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Rhinebeck, New York 12572, United States" phone: "(917) 513-0727" website: http://contextid.com rating: 4.8 review_count: 19 best_of_houzz_awards: 4 followers: 96 last_updated: 2026-09-09 --- # Context Original Houzz profile: [Context](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/context-pfvwus-pf~403123811) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** Rhinebeck, NY - **Serves:** Buffalo, Carmel, Poughkeepsie, Kingston, Hyde Park, Putnam Valley, Red Hook, Esopus, Mahopac, Rhinebeck, Woodstock, Hurley, Hudson, Rosendale, Port Ewen, Brewster, Lake Katrine, Lincoln Park, Glasco, Saugerties South, Cold Spring, Tillson, Windham, Annandale On Hudson, Millbrook, Rosendale Village, Ruby, Millerton, Tivoli, Hillside, Zena, Rhinecliff, Tannersville, Rifton, Staatsburg, Accord, East Kingston, Salt Point, Barrytown, Clinton Corners, Garrison, Lake Peekskill, Mahopac Falls, Mount Marion, Narragansett, Stanfordville, Stoneridge, Ulster Park, West Hartford - **Houzz rating:** 4.8 out of 5 (19 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2015–2020), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Locally owned - 21 years in business CONTEXT is a high-end boutique interior architecture firm located in Rhinebeck, NY, that provides top to bottom services: from conceptual schematic design through remodeling, full renovations to sourcing materials, furniture, and fixtures. CONTEXT is founded on the idea that the interrelationships between a project's goals and constraints, an inspired design process, and the fostering of a strong client/designer relationship lead to a successful project. Established in 1999 by Melissa Cohen. The office works with architects and developers as well as directly with clients on commercial, residential, and healthcare projects. The practice is now certified to complete Aging-In-Place assessments and designs. Context can oversee the entire project including steering clients to the right team for their project. ### 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 - Custom Kitchen Cabinets - Home Office Design & Construction - Design Consultation - Entry Design - Floor Plans - Project Management - Playroom Design - Custom Furniture - Custom Bathroom Vanities - Laundry Room Design - Mudroom Design - Nursery Design - House Plans - Art Selection - Closet Design - Universal Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - 3D Rendering - Basement Design - Custom Walk-in Closets - Sustainable Design - Custom Pantries - Downsizing - Drafting - Handicap-Accessible Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Basement Remodeling - Aging In Place - Architectural Drawings ### Areas Served - Buffalo - Carmel - Poughkeepsie - Kingston - Hyde Park - Putnam Valley - Red Hook - Esopus - Mahopac - Rhinebeck - Woodstock - Hurley - Hudson - Rosendale - Port Ewen - Brewster - Lake Katrine - Lincoln Park - Glasco - Saugerties South - Cold Spring - Tillson - Windham - Annandale On Hudson - Millbrook - Rosendale Village - Ruby - Millerton - Tivoli - Hillside - Zena - Rhinecliff - Tannersville - Rifton - Staatsburg - Accord - East Kingston - Salt Point - Barrytown - Clinton Corners - Garrison - Lake Peekskill - Mahopac Falls - Mount Marion - Narragansett - Stanfordville - Stoneridge - Ulster Park - West Hartford ### Typical Job Cost $55,000 - 2 million Extends All Professional Discounts, Also provides DIY Design Bootcamp Services for 2 -3 hour consultations for a fixed fee. Please inquire about details. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Context | | Address | Rhinebeck, New York 12572, United States | | Phone | (917) 513-0727 | | Website | http://contextid.com | | Followers on Houzz | 96 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/contextid/ - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/pub/melissa-cohen/2a/302/108 - Blog — contextid.com ## Offers \*E-Design Services\* + _ONLINE CONSULTATIONS - NOW AVAILABLE_ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Context](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/context-pfvwus-pf~403123811) - **Website:** http://contextid.com - **Phone:** (917) 513-0727 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design - Fashion Institute Technology, NYCBachelor of Science Degree in Fine Arts - University of Wisconsin, Madison, WIGraduate Work in Interior Design - Pratt Institute, NYC - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2015–2020), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5 — 19 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Romber Works, Nov. 2019** > I worked with Melissa on a some recent projects. I found her very helpful with gathering the information I needed for my part of the work to be done. She was also helpful and friendly with the customers. We communicated well with design, logistics and finishes. I look forward to doing more projects together. **Comment from Context:** > Thanks Ross, > My own kitchen is in the works! Can't think of anyone I'd rather have work on it! **★★★★★ — Corrados Design Center, Oct. 2019** > Corrado's Design Center have developed a great relationship with Melissa over the past few years. She is easy to work with. She has her clients best interest at heart. Melissa has a creative "Out of the box" concept. Her spacial, textural, pattern and color aesthetic is unique and fun! When choosing tiles and counter tops it is evident that she listens to her clients and stays within their budget. **★★★★★ — S Nac, Oct. 2019** > I hired Melissa for "boot camp" and she transformed several rooms using things I already owned in her first visit! She helped me prioritize amongst all my ideas and, at my request, gently eased me into a new, more updated comfort zone. She is a very good, patient listener with a great eye! **Comment from Context:** > Thanks Sherrie, > I think we had a good time moving your furniture around. It is amazing how much can be accomplished in the bootcamp! I look forward to our continuing relationship moving forward. Can't wait to see the new pieces put in place. **★★★★ — Ginger M, Sept. 2019** > We began to work with Melissa on what was a complete decorating project for a new condo. Melissa brought great ideas to the table and was flexible in meeting our time challenges with our calendar. Although we ended up going on our own to decorate and make our major purchases, Melissa was a great sounding board, gave us her time and advice and had the utmost patience with us. She was a true professional in every way. **Comment from Context:** > Thank you, Ginger! It was a pleasure working with you. **★★★★★ — Mary H, March 2019** > My husband and I acquired my late parents’ home and found ourselves surrounded by three generations of family heirlooms, flea market finds and a mishmash of fine ornamentals and kitschy bric-a-brac. Now it was our turn to make the house our home. We were overwhelmed and underprepared for the task. > I contacted Melissa from Context. We arranged a site visit that was convenient for all of us. She arrived with a notepad in hand and a keen eye for all of the house’s potential. In 3 hours she provided us with fantastic direction and we are now very excited about the pending improvements she recommended. > Melissa proposed small and medium sized improvements that can be folded right into possible major improvements in the future as time and budget allow. She looked at the space and developed wonderful new ideas taking into consideration our preferences and physical needs. > Melissa offers a full range of services including architecture, furniture, and color tones. We are taking advantage of the industry contacts she has to provide us with associated professional services and meet our home improvement retail needs. > We absolutely recommend her for your interior design needs. **★★★★★ — Cynthia Randles, Dec. 2016** > We've been working with Melissa on a full-house renovation of an 80-s styled salt-box to bring it into the modern era. This is an expensive renovation since we are doing the full house, but Melissa has helped us tremendously by finding high-quality materials at value prices. We are very picky clients, and Melissa has worked with all of our sometimes crazy requests without complaint. She's brought innovative ideas that are helping to make our house a modern masterpiece! I cannot recommend her enough! **★★★★★ — Liz Roth, Nov. 2016** > Melissa and I are still working on pulling my living room together but so far things are going really well. We see eye to eye on design and her encouragement and professionalism has been crucial. She is committed to making a rather ho-hum room (architecturally) into a warm space which will also be enticing style-wise while staying within my budget. I'm really enjoying the changes we've already put in place and I only get compliments from guests. **★★★★★ — john franzino, Nov. 2016** > Melissa was very helpful at helping me decide the types of colors and look I wanted . She was highly attentive to details , listened well and offered several solutions to how I should paint the outside of my home and design my living room. **★★★★★ — Carole De Saram, Oct. 2016** > Very helpful and informed. I highly recommend her to one wishing to do a renovation. A nice person to work with. **★★★★ — cviega, Dec. 2015** > We hired Melissa for a color consultation and some general design advice. She was very patient with us (as we had no idea what we wanted!) and came out over a few visits to help us get a better idea of color palettes for our main living area, and ordered several large swatches for us to consider our choices before taking the final leap. **★★★★★ — melluc, Nov. 2015** > I love Context: Melissa Cohen has a great eye, and above all she is flexible. She worked \*for\* me, not \*at\* me, by listening to my needs and then providing lots of options within my parameters. She investigated many design solutions I had never thought of before. Some were very clever and unique; all were well researched. We discussed all the ins and outs of these options. Eye-opening work. **★★★★★ — Eric Fixler, Sept. 2015** > Melissa is a great design and project partner. She saw things we didn't see ourselves, and helped define our project in an excellent way, while deeply respecting and understanding our own tastes. I'm so glad we worked with Melissa. We're so happy with the results and would definitely do it again. ## Selected projects - [Tribeca Loft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tribeca-loft-pj-vj~6729867) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 14 - Description: To accommodate a growing family in this downtown loft, the kitchen and master bedroom had to be resized to make room for an additional bathroom. The project would be designed and built in stages. The first phase included a large floor to ceiling custom mahogany closet. Clothes and accessories were measured so that shelves and cubbies would hold the client's shoes, and handbags and not encroach on the other spouse's space. Phone and Tablet chargers have their own station behind the doors. A fold… - [Woodstock Mid-century Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/woodstock-mid-century-remodel-pj-vj~6469476) - Location: Woodstock, NY - Photos: 12 - Description: Early 20th c. bungalow converted into a mid-century treasure. Gut renovation of main floor including raising ceiling in kitchen, moving stairwell and reinforcing cantilevered sunroom that overlooks a canopied forest in the Catskills. Renovation included new heating, new windows and complete remodel of kitchen, hallway, bathroom and mudroom. Custom teak and Fenix faced cabinets and Viking appliances used in the kitchen. Popham cement tiles, Duravit plumbing fixtures and Delta shower fixtures in t… - [Rhinebeck Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rhinebeck-contemporary-pj-vj~6729863) - Location: Rhinebeck, NY - Photos: 13 - Description: Rural country house in Rhinebeck, NY. Exterior cladding was replaced and architectural details were added. Benjamin Moore Arborcoat used on pine vertical siding. A new pressure-treated deck and stairs were added, as well as new landscape plantings. New outdoor lounge and dining furniture. - [Publications](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/publications-pj-vj~5687024) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - Description: Featured Publications Inside + Out Magazine July 2023 https://insideandoutupstateny.com/upstate-style/we-are-upstate-ny-with-architectural-designer-melissa-cohen/ Publication 2019 - [Catskills Ski House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/catskills-ski-house-pj-vj~6729859) - Location: Andes, NY - Photos: 6 - Description: An 80's contemporary is coaxed into a sleek modern ski house. Natural materials of marble, granite, hardwood floors, and minimal trim transform this house. High-end custom plumbing fixtures were resourced as well as radiant heat coming from the towel warmers. MTI baths and vanities, A&F fixtures, cabled outside railings, state of the art heating system were all newly added to the project. - [Oth Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oth-bathroom-pj-vj~5839158) - Location: Cold Spring, NY - Photos: 1 - [Red Hook 60’s Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/red-hook-60s-remodel-pj-vj~5862995) - Location: Red Hook, New York - Photos: 3 - Description: Remodel of a 60’s ranch. Creative couple that needed a sanctuary. - [Hudson River Hamlet House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hudson-river-hamlet-house-pj-vj~675721) - Location: Rhinebeck, NY - Photos: 5 - Description: How do you move a New York loft loving family to the country? Make sure they find an old farmhouse to renovate and loft-like working spaces for both creative parents. A hundred year old farmhouse weathered a few additions and updates: some done in the fifties, some in the seventies and the final touches in the early nineties. Upstairs in one of the bedrooms, the key to the redesign was found. A window sill had the original trim, casings and apron on it. Old wide plank flooring was sanded, and ce… - [Farmhouse Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/farmhouse-addition-pj-vj~675725) - Location: Rhinebeck, NY - Photos: 2 - [Upstate Village House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/upstate-village-house-pj-vj~675705) - Location: Rhinebeck, NY - Photos: 6 - Description: Modern Couple with growing boys move into a historical home. Sleek sophistication can live kindly with traditional roots. - [Poughkeepsie Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/poughkeepsie-remodel-pj-vj~6198395) - Location: Poughkeepsie, NY - Photos: 7 - [Upper West Side Modern Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/upper-west-side-modern-residence-pj-vj~687062) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 2 - Description: This apartment is a third floor walk up but has high ceilings and french doors opening onto a newly built sunny deck. The apartment had two bedrooms, large living room, but a dark and cramped kitchen and bath. The walls and dropped ceiling need to be opened up to take full advantage of the natural light and create an enjoyable eating/kitchen area. The client also requested a master and a guest bath. An open kitchen, two bathrooms and a laundry closet were created where the kitchen, pantry and ol… - [Hudson River Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hudson-river-modern-pj-vj~6505106) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Accord Weekend Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/accord-weekend-home-pj-vj~924807) - Location: Rhinebeck, NY - Photos: 2 - Description: Diamond in the Rough is how this house was advertised. Post and Beam Contemporary nestled in the foothills of the Catskills. New windows were punched into the modular wall system, new state of the art radiant heated floors underneath engineered white oak plank flooring. The three-story stair was newly custom-built for the center of attention eye-appeal. A custom kitchen of only base cabinets helps make the view out of the windows the star of the show while a wall of pantry cabinets grace the opp… - [Century Office](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/century-office-pj-vj~6729869) - Location: Rhinebeck, NY - Photos: 7 - [Modern Ski House Catskills](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-ski-house-catskills-pj-vj~6349026) - Location: Rhinebeck, NY - Photos: 8 - Description: Diamond in the Rough Project - update kitchen, bathrooms, exterior, porch, deck, staircase to showcase the vaulted ceilings and modern character of the home. The compact kitchen functions well for serious cooks and easily serves 10 people in the dining area. The lower level is completed gutted and redone with trim-less doors and windows, hickory hardwood floors and vintage modern furniture. [See all 16 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/context-pfvwus-pf~403123811) ## Ideabooks - [Maverick Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/134834112/list/maverick-bungalow) — 2 ideas - [Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/126578433/list/bathrooms) — 4 ideas - [Poughkeepsie Bath Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/111331217/list/poughkeepsie-bath-remodel) — 13 ideas - [teenager bedroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32706419/list/teenager-bedroom) — 4 ideas - [Modern Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/66493113/list/modern-ranch) — 9 ideas - [Andes Home](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46470295/list/andes-home) — 62 ideas - [Munits](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/83601901/list/munits) — 8 ideas - [80 Manor](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/74995677/list/80-manor) — 8 ideas - [Beacon Condo](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/72671965/list/beacon-condo) — 19 ideas - [Bedroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/10024614/list/bedroom) — 2 ideas - [Rugs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/71975340/list/rugs) — 1 idea - [Rhinebeck Condo](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/71974905/list/rhinebeck-condo) — 4 ideas - [Architectural](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/63265199/list/architectural) — 4 ideas - [Church Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/60042889/list/church-residence) — 13 ideas - [Walk-in closet](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/63001973/list/walk-in-closet) — 1 idea - [Mahopac](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/62058509/list/mahopac) — 2 ideas - [Hallway Photos](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/10173814/list/hallway-photos) — 3 ideas - [kitchen renovation](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/13907359/list/kitchen-renovation) — 15 ideas - [Aging in Place](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/56326354/list/aging-in-place) — 6 ideas - [rhinecliff farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/48734288/list/rhinecliff-farmhouse) — 4 ideas [See all 31 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/melissa-cohen5864) ## Community Q&A **Q: je recherche ce carrelage vert et blanc ou puis je le trouver? merci d** *(in Photo Questions)* Je recherche ce carrelage, savez vous ou je peux le trouver? merci beaucoup A: Thank you for your interest. I post photos of my work so that potential clients, inspired by this work might reach out to me for possible collaborations. I don't give away my work for free. **Q: Where did you get the shower wall?** *(in Photo Questions)* Where did you purchase the shower wall green and white tile? A: It’s cement tile. **Q: Love this tile!** *(in Photo Questions)* I am in love with tile! Where can I purchase? Are there other colors? Thank you! A: Hi Kathy, thanks! I love tile, too! This is a cement tile and very tricky to work with. Make sure you work with someone familiar with cement tile challenges like working with how thick and heavy they are, the possibility of them hazing on the edges due to interaction with the grout and using the proper sealer. **Q: What company manufacturers this tile or where can I find this tile?** *(in Photo Questions)* I am building a custom house and am in love with this tile. Please help. A: Sure. Hire me and I will create a custom tile- pattern, color, etc. just for you and your new custom home. Where r u located? Contact me and we can come up with something. **Q: I have a question about the powder room** *(in Photo Questions)* What vanity is that? Its gorgeous and is like to see if it would fit in my space in CA A: Which powder room are you referring to? thanks! **Q: Wall tiles** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the brand of these tiles? Thanks! A: Hi Yanna, thanks for your interest! Context prides themselves in their ability to source unique and special products for their clients. What makes professionals stand out from DIYers is that we spend hours researching and seeking out unique offerings for our clients. Our clients are paying us to find items so that their bathrooms don't look like everybody else's. I would love to talk to you, if you would like to schedule a consultation! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-09.*