 Ostrom is held in high regard as one of the nation’s masterful creators of classically elegant and architecturally sound interiors.
Barbara Ostrom founded her namesake interior design firm in 1977 in the metropolitan New York area after receiving a BFA from the New York School of Interior Design/New York University, a master’s in architectural design from Pratt Institute, and a graduate certificate in classic European interior design and interior architecture from the Sorbonne in Paris. Since then, she has gone on to become a regular lecturer at the top design programs throughout the state, design royal interiors for power couples like former President and Mrs. Richard Nixon, as well as Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons. Ostrom is requested right and left for noteworthy commercial exhibits like Kips Bay Show House and Hampton Designer Showcase, the New York-based charitable tour de force that displays innovative design ideas to the public from a selection of renowned diverse designers that are masters of their field.
Barbara Ostrom Associates now maintain an array of clients with varying discerning tastes and styles, but all of whom require and understand the luxury lifestyle. The firm’s range of creative talents extends towards a vast scope of eminent commissions, and Ostrom has added megayacht interiors to their already resplendent repertoire. Working unhampered by client’s budgets, Ostrom has developed a prominent reputation in the design industry among her peers and clientele alike, having the opportunity to create some of the most show-stopping homes all over the world. I can say from personal experience, the Simmons residence is nothing less than an opulent, palace-like abode that calls attention to the French aristocratic detailing that Ostrom is known for. Among Ostrom’s ongoing projects are interiors for clients in New York, London, St. Barts, and Newport Beach. Currently, you can find her executing fast track projects in Manhattan, including an exclusive Trump penthouse and a suite in the Tribeca area, as well as the metro property of a Saudi Sheik. Ostrom is now in every black book of society’s elite, and mostly finds herself composing intricately detailed homes of Fortune 500 executives and entrepreneurs.
It should be of no surprise that she was selected by House and Garden magazine for their prestigious list of the top 100 designers, and also serves on the board of the American Society of Interior Designers. However, it wasn’t until elected “Designer of the Year” by The Robb Report that the world really took notice of Ostrom’s superb customer service and exemplary showmanship. The coveted title was earned after designing an awe-inspiring kitchen in Shrewsbury, New Jersey. Though Barbara Ostrom Associates provide nothing but excellent design makeovers and add decadent appeal throughout the whole home or commercial space, Ostrom is esteemed for her extravagant and individualistic kitchens. One such example was a refreshing display of ingenious use of patterns, colors, and textures used to marry function with style for a Southampton, NY, show house kitchen she did in 2000. Instead of the conventional work island, snack counter, and separate dining table and chairs, Ostrom created a series of connecting elements cleverly placed to visually break up the room and at the same time personalize the space. She custom-built a unique banquette that also served as a room divider and storage. The overhead patterns of the flat beams along with the ceiling fan and light fixture add to the vibrant mix of geometric shapes that dominated the room. The kitchen’s focal point is the Viking professional-style oven range framed in an arched alcove with a custom hood and hand-painted tiles. Pale-hued walls and off-white custom cabinets offer a neutral background for this combination of classical architecture and laid-back Palm Beach ambiance, a perfect inspiration for the imperturbable Haute Living reader.
Ostrom is held in high regard as one of the nation’s masterful creators of classically elegant and architecturally sound interiors. The developers of high-end residential and commercial ventures are always seeking her treasured and invaluable expertise for their many projects in locales worldwide. In the blink of an eye, Ostrom transforms dull and ordinary rooms into diligently crafted works of art. Their distinguished design style lies in the art of statement-making architectural molding elements, unconventional pairings of couture accessories, and contrasting yet harmonious patterns, all culminating in a regal presentation that will be a definite conversation piece.
Ostrom is pleased to work with budgets and welcomes all personal styles, from gracious traditional to eclectic and stylish contemporary. This firm is not for the adherent, but rather those who set trends, are visionaries, and hold pioneering reputations among their personal and professional lives. For those simply looking for a prolific dedicated team that ensures high-end clients one of a kind interiors, stately presentations, and immaculate detailing for their next project, one thing is for sure, you will not be disappointed with Barbara Ostrom Associates.
Haute Design
October 31, 2007Expect the Unexpected with Interior Designer Kelly Wearstler
