NEW YORK CITY, NY - March 26, 2024 - Interior designers Alfonsina Romero-Waters and Daria Demin have joined forces to unveil an actual prohibition-inspired room inside a 10’x12’ booth at Housing Work’s annual charity event: Design on a Dime. This event, dedicated to raising funds to end homelessness and AIDS, brings together designers to create unforgettable vignettes exhibited and sold at Opening Night.
The duo’s booth will be a modernist speakeasy lounge inspired by the 1920s Prohibition efforts, blending luxury with minimalism and simplicity. Drawing inspiration from a 1926 cover of Vogue Magazine, the room’s focal point is a red lacquer bar shelf donated by Vondom, radiating Art Deco freshness.
“We wanted to create an experience that seamlessly blends old nostalgia with modern trends,” says Alfonsina, whose creative background extends beyond designing spaces. With over a decade in NYC's hospitality scene, Alfonsina combines design, marketing, and PR to create truly immersive experiences.
As a nod to the prohibition era, the Timothy Oulton-donated bar will serve nonalcoholic cocktails directly inside the booth. Hosted by Gin and Tonic Queen, nonalcoholic cocktails will be exquisitely crafted with London Essence mixers, offering a unique and sober bar-lounge experience.
The duo’s booth's ambience is further enhanced by partnerships with luxury brands such as JAB Fabrics, Fromental, Metropolitan Lighting, Houles Paris, Tom Faulkner, Classic Sofa, Soy Creative, Pom Rugs and AD Tailored. These luxury sponsors have contributed to tailoring a space that displays a distinctive blend of history and innovation.
“We are thrilled to be part of this project and support Housing Works’ mission,” says Daria, founder of Circa 22 Design Studio. With 20 years of experience in interior design, Daria’s expertise has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life with incredible contributions, including a unique custom piece designed exclusively for their concept from Classic Sofa.
Upcoming Events:
Media Preview: April 25, 2024, 12:00–2:00 PM
Ground Breaker Awards Gala Reception: April 24, 2024
About Design on a Dime:
Design on a Dime is an annual event hosted by Housing Works, dedicated to raising funds to end homelessness and AIDS. Started by Interior Designer James Huniford, every year, designers come together to create unforgettable vignettes that are exhibited and later sold at the event. By raising over $22 million, Housing Works has designed homes and built communities for thousands of New Yorkers in need. James Hunniford says: “I’m proud to report that 60 dazzling designers comprise DOAD ’24. Accordingly, we’ll transform the Metropolitan Pavilion into a fantastic design arcade where the only quality on par with the philanthropic determination is festive design camaraderie and allied industry pride.”
About Alfonsina Romero, ARNY:
Alfonsina melds aesthetic and purpose in her designs, drawing from 12 years of hospitality and residential design experience. With a background in public relations and events, she crafts spaces that evoke specific emotions. Alfonsina graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology and has worked with NY firms like Joe Ginsberg Design, Helpern Architects and ICrave, showcasing a diverse portfolio. From restaurants to townhomes, ARNY projects reflect a commitment to experiential design. Alfonsina’s work can be seen in Eater, Restaurant Design and Development Magazine, Hospitality Design, and Boutique Design Magazine.
About Daria Demin, Circa 22:
Daria holds a BFA in Interior Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology, is an NCIDQ Certified interior designer, and a professional member of ASID. Before establishing Circa 22 Design Studio, Daria tenured at top NYC design firms. She worked on large-scale hospitality and commercial projects such as the Winn Hotel in Macau, the Paul Weiss law offices, the Sushi Samba restaurant chain, and numerous residential projects in NYC, Westchester, LI, and NJ. Daria’s participation in the 2023 Brooklyn Designer showhouse was featured in AD PRO, Aspire magazine, Brownstoner, and The Local Vault.
Media Contact
Company Name: ARNY
Contact Person: Alfonsina Romero
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: www.ar-ny.com
