Merrick's Rising Design Star

One of today's rising design stars can be found right here in Merrick.  Local resident and business owner, Marlaina Teich of Marlaina Teich Designs (MTD), is gaining visibility through regional and national TV, radio, magazines, and online. 

Teich's design projects, as well as her tips and tricks, have appeared in a variety of media. Additionally, Teich has been a featured designer in various high profile showcases, including the annual Mansions and Millionaires Designers Showhouse, and has previously served as an honorary co-chair for the philanthropic Lighthouse International POSH Interiors event. 

Teich recently welcomed Patch to MTD's design studio located on Babylon Turnpike just off Sunrise Highway.  The modest-sized store front has been transformed into a comfortable and stylish work space for Teich and her team at MTD. We sat down to chat about her life in Merrick and her work.  

Teich exudes warmth and passion as she speaks about her family and her career.  Teich grew up in Commack and about 20 years ago, she and her husband Gary settled near his sister in Merrick.  For the past 18 years, she has been a devoted mom.  She has three children, one each currently attending Levy Lakeside Elementary, Merrick Avenue Middle School, and JFK High School.

"When I decided to establish my own interior design studio I chose Merrick because it's centrally located to everything--including my home, the kids' school, and also my clients," Teich said. 

On any given day, Teich is often running to consult with her clients in town, throughout Long Island, Manhattan, and Westchester.  She also attends school functions and her kids' various sporting events.

Teich founded MTD in 2003.  She opened her Merrick office two and half years ago and just expanded with a new studio in Manhattan. Teich is MTD's principal designer. She and her company provide full service residential and commercial interior design, specializing in space planning, selection and specification of finishes and furniture, and project management.

Projects range in size from a single room makeover to designing the interior of an entire home.  No matter the size of the project, Teich's method involves the layering of materials, furnishings and finish treatments to bring about a custom designed space that realizes her client's dreams.  

"I work on a range of projects from single rooms, such as kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms, to total home and commercial space renovations," Teich said.  "I am often involved in the planning from the very beginnings of a construction project." 

Teich, a graduate of The Metropolitan Institute of Interior Design, understands planning and scale and can read architectural plans. Teich recounted a recent project for a Merokean building a new home. 

"I was involved from the beginning stages through completion," she said.  "I made recommendations on the plan and, helped to select finishes, flooring, appliances, furnishings and accessories.  Also, I was on hand to keep the project organized and act as an advocate for my client through the process." 

Teich treats each project as a new challenge, driven by the client's needs and desires.

"Our strength lies in understanding those needs and creating a space that blends both creativity and our client's personal style," she said.   "Also, my designs are approachable and livable.  They can be as high-end as the sky and beautiful but it's an interior you can still live in."  

Teich has been recognized for her modern, sophisticated mix of texture, color and personality. Teich's aesthetic approach draws from a range of sources and strongly incorporates her clients' individual styles. Her clients feel she delivers fresh designs that are both approachable and inspired.

In the recent Mansions and Millionaires Showcase event held in Upper Brookville, 30,000 visitors had the opportunity to view the bedroom and bath that Teich designed for the event. 

The bedroom was glamorous and dramatic featuring platinum and steel grey colors, balanced by deep henna-colored walls.   The grand architecture of the room was highlighted by bold, unique furniture including an intricate silver armoire which was the inspiration piece or the room.  The platinum and crystal chandelier with silk shades cast the perfect light.  The show-stopper was the fireplace with a shimmering floor to ceiling treatment created using single 12"x24" tiles of capiz shells.

It's clear why this designing woman is so in demand.

For more information about Marlaina Teich and MTD visit: www.mtdny.com.