Real Housewives: Simon and Alex's Renovation Revealed!
[nggallery id=”31343″ template=galleryview] An hour before Simon & Alex’s house renovation was unveiled on last night’s new episode of The Real Housewives on New York, we stopped by their Cobble Hill house for a guided tour. The reality show couple livea in the lower duplex (plus renovated cellar) with their two kids and have two…
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An hour before Simon & Alex’s house renovation was unveiled on last night’s new episode of The Real Housewives on New York, we stopped by their Cobble Hill house for a guided tour. The reality show couple livea in the lower duplex (plus renovated cellar) with their two kids and have two rentals upstairs. Enjoy the pics! Update: As a commenter points out, how funny was that to see Marty in the background of their housewarming party on the show last night!
Why the switch on the appliances? I remember on the show it was said that you didn’t want stainless steel and now the kitchen is full of stainless. Just wondering.
bxgrl & Mrs Limestone
We’ve had 14 months of reading, & hearing of some really vile things written about us (and our children). Going through a process like this does wonders for one’s self esteem. Alex & I are both very happy in ourselves and there is naught that any one, who doesn’t know us, can say about us that gets us down.
We have met several people who, based on the show, absolutely hated us and without exception those who’ve talked to us with an open mind have left with a completely different, and better, impression of us.
Simon van Kempen
Since Simon is now reading this, I have to thank him personally. As much controversy as your show creates, its is highly entertaining. Few people could tolerate the scrutiny you are under everyday. (If this post were about my house, Id be an outright bitch rather than delivery something akin to you your very polite responses) Good for you for being able to take the heat in the kitchen of your own design!
You’re right, Simon. The pictures on your blog give a much different impression. Especially of the kitchen and dining room.
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“in support of fsrq, if you watch the show like I do you can completely understand why Alex and Simon bring out such strong feelings of disgust. You don’t have to go around “hurting people” to be considered class less tacky pathetic people. ”
And that quote is a perfect example- of course how perfectly lovely, kind, caring and intelligent (NOT!)boroughbred and fsrq themselves come off – as well evidenced by their rants. At least, that’s the impression I get from reading their posts.
I give you credit, Simon. You’ve been nothing but gracious and nice in the face of some extremely venal and nasty comments from people who are incredibly stuffy, self-righteous and living in glass houses.
Boroughbred,
Well I’ve got to say that the show has succeeded in bringing out these passionate responses in many viewers – and you’re one of them. If all that was shown was just bland people doing bland things there would be no audience and therefore no show. Thanks for watching and ensuring that our ratings are sufficiently high enough to warrant a 3rd season so we can come back & continue to annoy you! 😉
Heather,
Yes, the kitchen cabinets as well as all the cabinets & flooring in our bedroom are Bamboo.
All ceilings and moldings are original as far as know; we have no reason to believe they were added later.
All furniture in the living & dining rooms is from Maurice Villency and all the fabrics on the sofas & dining chairs is eco-suede, which is made from recycled plastic bottles.
All lighting; sconces, chandeliers and table lamps in the living & dining rooms were bought on the Bowery & were made by http://schonbek.com/
More before, during & after pictures are up on our own website http://www.McCordvanKempen.com
Simon van Kempen
I just backspaced and lost my entire post, which was mostly renovation questions. Ugh.
So, kitchen cabinets are bamboo?
Tin ceiling and molding original?
Where are couches and chandeliers from?
Like the choice in entryway with pale floors and rails.
My apartment looks a lot more like Jill’s.
There, that is it in nutshell.
Oh, I know what it’s like to live in a place while undergoing renovation! It’s been a way of life for me for 15 years.
Bxgrl, more fun that painting! If you disagree, please stop by this weekend. I’ve got a job for you.
in support of fsrq, if you watch the show like I do you can completely understand why Alex and Simon bring out such strong feelings of disgust. You don’t have to go around “hurting people” to be considered class less tacky pathetic people.
gkw nailed the problem on the head. Watchers of RHW-New York have to listen to the self important van Kempen family go on and on about St. Bart’s this, and literature that, and French and good taste and spend spend spend, and then the reveal is this tacky horrible mess of a place no flow. Even Smokey the Architect had to step in and make sure everyone knows he didn’t pick the color or furniture, or any of the horrible awfulness inside.
finally, iluvclintonhill and billy are right. A lot of d-list starf*cking going on here, because as a group I have seen you all rip apart less offensive renos than this one without batting a one snarky eye. Suddenly Brownstoner is a lovefest for gross bordello decor. I don’t think so. Pretty smart of S&A to rub elbow with the proletariats at the last Stoner gathering knowing they would win some support when this horror show of a house reveal aired.
Their living room looks like a 1980’s night club, and the only good thing that can be said about it is that it is a good reflection of the owners.
There I said it.
Simon, I just want to say that I know what living in a Brownstone undergoing renovation is like. Despite all the comments, I don’t think people realize how impressive it is to renovate a Brownstone (even 1 floor) in only 9 weeks, and live there while the work is going on! Congrats to you and Alex for getting it done so quickly! I only wish my mother would hire your contracters on her next renovation!