Home Design with Kevin Sharkey

Today, I wanted to post even more behind-the-scenes photos from my column in the September issue of Living, which is out on newsstands now. This month, I'm sharing my favorite New York City design shops with you, including Ankasa, Wyeth, and L. Becker Flowers. Take a look at some of the photos that you won't see in the magazine from my shoot at Wyeth . . .

I love everything in the store, located in New York City's SoHo neighborhood.

I liked these nested bowls.

Wyeth is curated much like a museum. Every last detail is considered, right down to the vintage fondue sets, still in their original boxes.

Another chair—this one mid-century modern—that I think is quite attractive.

Have you seen the latest issue of Martha Stewart Living yet? Skip to page 86 (you can always go back and read the rest, of course) to my top picks when it comes to design shops in New York City. First on my list is Ankasa, owned by husband-and-wife team Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia. Today I wanted to give you a behind-the-scenes look at my visit to their store on the Upper East Side.

This pillow is actually studded. I love the attention to detail at Ankasa.

The chicest dog beds in New York City.

We photographed a similar wall of pillows for the magazine shoot. Isn't it impressive to see all of the colors and designs?

Here is a wall of tablecloths.

I love the color and embellishments on these bags.

Isn't the bedding collection beautiful?

1. Make sure you have lots of alcohol. I tend to focus on one drink. For me, the best party cocktail is anything champagne based. Steer clear of dark drinks—red wine being a major offender—to avoid scrubbing away stains post-party.

2. Set the mood with lighting. As you can see from the snapshot above, I like my parties dimly lit. The dimmers in my dining room are essential for the proper party lighting.

3. Crisp linen napkins are a must. I opted for pink recently, at my Easter cocktail party.

4. Chocolate. There's something special about nibbling on chocolate at a cocktail party—it's just so decadent!

5. A coat rack. I hate it when guests have to dig through a pile of coats in someone's bedroom. A coat rack is much more civilized.

6. A talented waitstaff (it doesn't hurt if they are good looking too). Who doesn't want to be offered a drink at the door by a hunky waiter?