Born in India and raised in Weymouth, home-decor star Taniya Nayak is the daughter of a prominent architect. Nayak, 37, earned a master’s degree in interior design from Boston Architectural College before landing her first TV gig on ABC Family’s Knock First. She moved to HGTV’s FreeStyle and Designed to Sell before debuting her own show, Destination Design. She’s also a regular on HGTV programs like Showdown and Bang for Your Buck. Her eponymous firm has created commercial spaces such as Felt, BarLola and the new Petit Robert Central, while residential clients include celebrities like Desperate Housewives’ Jesse Metcalfe and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry. (Nayak was also one of The Improper’s “Beloved Bartenders” in 2001.) She and her husband, Brian O’Donnell, live in the Boston area.
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People Magazine

People Magazine

photo by Essdras M. Suarez of the Boston Globe

Yesterday, I was honored to open my hometown newspaper, The Boston Globe, to see myself on the cover of their G Magazine.  Globe writer Christopher Muther interviewed me in my home about my work on television as well as my work around Boston, and thought I would share the article with you.  Happy reading!

Here’s the link http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/house/articles/2009/09/10/taniya_nayak_is_right_at_home_in_the_worlds_of_interior_design_and_tv/

XO,

Taniya Nayak

From left to right: Patricia Urquiola Canasta Circular Armchair for B&B Italia, Dondola Rocking Recliner from David Trubridge, Kingsley Ibiza Chaise Lounger from Morethanteak.com, Perth Lounge Chair from Patioproductions.com,  Monaco Ville Adjustable Chaise from Brown Jordan, Dune Daybed and Ottoman from Barlow Tyrie, Hampton Bay Amazon Teak Lounge from Home Depot, Iraya Outdoor Wicker Daybed from Locsin International for Neoteric Home, Gandia Blasco Modern Day Bed by Jose Gandia, Kitty Hawk Carlton Wicker Double Chaise from Overstock.com, Leaf Modern Outdoor Lounge Chair from Dedon, Antibes Chaise from Ballard, Loft Chaise Lounge from Chaiselounges.com

One of my favorite holidays of the year is coming up: Labor Day! In my opinion, there is no better way to enjoy the last days of summer than to spend a 3-day weekend taking it easy, laying around in a comfy lounge chair with a cold drink in your hand.  If you’re looking to spruce up your patio or poolside, a lot of beautiful outdoor lounge furniture is available right now. I have compiled images of some great lounge pieces for your viewing pleasure. Although outdoor furniture can be quite pricey because it needs to hold up to the elements, you can find wonderful bargains at the end of the summer from retailers looking to unload their wares in preparation of the next season. (Check out Overstock.com, Home Depot, etc). Once fall rolls around, don’t forget to cover and store your furniture properly so you can enjoy it just as much next summer. Happy lounging! Now all I need now is a frozen drink and a good book!

XO,

Taniya

Because the concrete wall finish is such a focal point in the living room, I wanted to keep the remaining walls relatively spare, so I hung only a few key art pieces in the remainder of the space.  I used a large wood frame to wrap a stunning Marimekko fabric and create a high-impact art piece for very little money.  It’s definitely a great trick for displaying your favorite textile.

In my guest bath, I decided to go a little more daring and got this idea to hang silver horseshoes in a grid pattern across the walls.  That’s right—horseshoes! Now, I’m not an equestrian by any means, but there’s something just so fun and quirky about those silver shoes that I couldn’t resist.  For about $3 a shoe from an online clearance sale, I was able to cover a lot of space and create such a unique little room!

Now, if horseshoes aren’t your thing, I found these amazing ceramic wall tiles from ceramic artist Heather Knight of Element Clay Studio.  They run a little on the pricey side, but each one is handmade and they really are just exquisite little pieces of art. They would look phenomenal hung in a grid pattern on a colorful wall.

For wall hangings that are even more daring than horseshoes, how about hands?! I found these hand hooks from Harry Allen Design while furniture-shopping for my TV show’s pilot, and can just picture an entire wall covered with hands! Creepy, fabulous, or a little of both?

I saw this image of architectural ceiling plaques used as wall art and thought it was such a wonderful idea.  I think the traditional, intricate moldings would be especially interesting in a modern space, for a unique twist.

I just wanted to post a few of these ideas to get your creative juices flowing. In regards to adorning your walls, think outside the box (or in this case, the picture frame)!

XO,

Taniya Nayak

Curb Appeal

A first impression is a lasting one. We always hear that kitchens and bathrooms sell houses, but if you can’t get the buyer in the front door, don’t bother spending the time or money on those renovations. Try giving your door a fresh coat of paint and grooming the lawn.

Tip #2

Paint

Tone down wall colors when you are ready to put the house on the market. Crayon colors and bright tones close in the space and may have potential buyers running out the door! If you have trouble picking a color palette, use an inspiration like a throw pillow or a piece of art.

Tip #3

De-Clutter

Make every space usable space. House hunters are looking for square footage. If you have a junk room in the house, it is time to clean

it up and turn it into an office or a spare bedroom. A great way to de-clutter before an open house is to rent a portable storage unit. Remove

over scaled furniture and open up the space.

Tip #4

Forgotten Fixer-Uppers

It is time to tackle those overlooked projects and minor mishaps in the home. Fix small repairs before putting the house on the market. A little elbow grease goes a long way!

Tip #5

Quick Fixes

Finesse your fixtures- lighting, cabinetry hardware, and other “seemingly” small accents in the home. I think of this as the jewelry that completes an outfit. Consider painting your old outdated wooden cabinets. Bring new life into an old space.

Meeting Oprah was one of those moments in life where everything just seemed so surreal. She possesses this amazing ability to make anyone she talks to feel completely at ease and comfortable, like you are chatting with your buddy. Surprisingly, all the nerves I felt leading up to that moment went away as soon as I got up on that stage next to her. It was quite an honor being selected to showcase my design as well as appear on the show.