Beginning simply with a beautiful Persian rug, Rona Landman stretched her imagination at the American Hospital of Paris and created a vibrant, inviting, warm and hip spaces called, "suite dreams." "It was just that," Ms. Landman said. "With chocolate laqured walls and my usual incorporation of 1940s furniture and accessories – it was a hit."

Rona Landman in her room at the Hampton Designer Showhouse. Photo by PatrickMcMullan.com

Ms. Landman has had nothing but hits during the 12 years since she opened Rona Landman Design on East 85th Street in Manhattan. The firm specializes in residential and commercial design. Her company has completed a myriad of private residences as well as commercial spaces such as stores, showrooms and medical facilities up to 20,000 square feet in size.

Ms. Landman got her start in interior design as a youngster. "I was always interested in art in general," she said. "I was drawing at an early age. I was always rearranging the furniture in my home as a child." As a young adult, Ms. Landman earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Long Island University and went on to the New York School of Interior Design to secure an Associate of Applied Science degree and thus solidify her foothold in interior design.

Rona Landman Design was established in 1995 and has been featured in Manhattan Style magazine and the New York Style Book 2001 and 2002. Ms. Landman is a past co-chair of ASID House Tours and a designer referral service and is an Allied Member of ASID.

PHILOSOPHY

Rona Landman's design philosophy is simple: "Render the space for its ultimate purpose – beautifully." She draws much of her inspiration from 1940s Hollywood which she mixes with a clean, contemporary design sensibility. "Everything from fashion to traveling to books motivates me. New York in general motivates me," Ms. Landman said. "I love to get the job done and see my creations come to life."

Though she notes that she enjoys influences from master interior designers, she is adept at a wide variety of styles and puts her own touch on all of her work. "By incorporating each client's needs with the firm's expert vision and know-how, the firm enables rooms to come alive," says Rona Landman Design's mission statement.

THE HAMPTONS

Ms. Landman sees the Hamptons as a changing landscape. "The Hamptons of the past was all about weekend and summers," she said. "Today, I see a trend for more hearty and serious design here due to the fact that people now spend much more time in the Hamptons."

Although the firm's clients include high-profile types, Rona Landman Design prides itself in keeping clients' anonymity. And for those on a very stringent budget, Ms. Landman suggests accessories. "Candles, fresh flowers, new sheets, new pillows, and different colors are easy and inexpensive ways to liven it up."

THE HAMPTON DESIGNER SHOWHOUSE

To preview Rona's work stop by the Hampton Designer Showhouse in Bridgehampton through the end of the summer. Her room is exciting and started with a simple animal print rug. From there the rich colors and bold fabrics took over.