The work of interior decorator Alex Papachristidis has been described as a dynamic fusion of the modern and eclectic with the luxurious and traditional. Editors, designers and clients alike use the word “fresh” to define his approach, his color palette, and the delightful details that make even a small room sizzle with style. Born and raised in New York City, Papachristidis got his first big commission—a large Manhattan apartment—while a student at Parsons School of Design. This quickly led to a second project, a townhouse, for a couple he met at a dinner party in the South of France. “Once I started,” says Alex, “I never looked back. I established my own firm in 1987. Even now, I find decorating the most amazing career. I can’t imagine doing anything else. Growing up, I traveled widely and saw many beautiful homes in Europe and America, which helped cultivate my eye. And I was born to shop!” Today, Papachristidis’ interiors can be found all over the world from Manhattan, the Hamptons, Connecticut, Florida, Texas and Colorado—to London and Saudi Arabia. Recent projects include a grand English style country house in the Hamptons, with a creative layering of patterns, embroidery and sisals; an Eaton Square apartment with an unexpected mix of modern and 18th century furniture; and a Westchester home with whimsical old world prints, silk velvets and chinoiserie. Other Papachristidis interiors include a hip “grand bohême” loft in Soho, and a classically elegant European style Park Avenue apartment. For a turn-of-the century apartment overlooking Central Park, the decorator created the mood of 1940’s Paris in sublimely subtle, neutral tones. For a Manhattan couple with an important collection of contemporary art, he refreshed the grand backdrop making a serene and elegant home for their young family. Papachristidis recently completed a top-ranking golf club in the Hamptons , working closely with the owners and architects to create functional, comfortable, and elegant interiors for the members to enjoy. The club includes a living room, dining room, bar, billiards room, library, pro-shop, locker rooms, wine cellar, and three four-bedroom cottages. One happy guest said, “This club is unique in being a commercial space which is as warm and welcoming as visiting someone’s beautiful home.” Unlike some designers, Papachristidis welcomes his clients’ ideas. “Often the most interesting projects are the ones in which a savvy client is intimately involved,” he says. A perfectionist, he likes to see a project through to its smallest details—from the finials on lamps to custom made linens and couture tissue holders. “The greatest pleasure for me,” says Papachristidis, “is when clients tell us we’ve turned their home into an ‘exquisite haven,’ a place to simply sit back, relax and enjoy.” Alex Papachristidis’ work has been featured in House & Garden, Elle Décor, House Beautiful, Southern Accents, Hampton Style, New York Home, and The New York Times. Papachristidis has been a guest several times on the “Today Show,” and has also appeared on “This Old House” and “Style with Elsa Klensch” on CNN. In 2003 and 2004, he served as Decorating Chair for the Southampton Hospital’s annual summer gala. In 1997, 2000 and 2005, he participated in the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club Decorator Show House, and in 2006, The Hampton Designer Showhouse. In December 2009, Papachristidis launched his first line of carpets and is currently developing furniture and fabric lines. In 2010, he was named to Elle Décor’s first “A-List of 25 Interior Designers” and for several years in a row has been on NY Spaces’ “Top 50 Designers List.”
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