Elyse Linowes

---

➤➤ Join the GlobeSt.APARTMENTS (formerly RealShare) conference October 29-30 in Los Angeles. The event will analyze the opportunity in the emerging trends and conditions of the multifamily market. Don't miss out on joining the 1000+ of the industry's top owners, investors, developers, brokers and financiers as they gather for THE MULTIFAMILY EVENT OF THE YEAR! Click here to register and view the agenda.

---

WASHINGTON, DC—Specializing in multifamily properties, Elyse Linowes, founder of Linowes Design Associates, a commercial and residential interior design firm, places just as much importance on designing living spaces for affordable housing properties as she does upscale apartments. "We are definitely seeing an increase in designing for affordable housing. Developers who are addressing this necessary niche aspire for their properties to be as attractive, warm and inviting as any market-rate building," says Linowes. In fact, she adds, the design details and amenities are so nice in these buildings, many tenants may not realize they are affordable. An expert in the industry, interior design was always Linowes's hobby and her passion from early on. "I frequently involved myself in pursuing all types of art, from painting to sculpture. While my career may have begun in advertising, I eventually went back to school at night to pursue my passion for design full-time. I got my real start in interior design by working for a few designers in order to understand the industry firsthand and adapt the skills needed to run a business. Those skills are not taught in school, but are learned out in the field," reflects Linowes. When it comes to luxury design, Linowes' sweet spot is in designing the common amenity areas. "I am proud of the intricacy of millwork, ceilings, and floor designs, along with lighting and furniture, which we are able to curate at many of our properties. These areas often make a statement and are the 'wow' feature of the buildings. The unit finishes are also extremely important to us," says Linowes. Linowes ensures that their designed units do not have the same finishes in cabinetry, counters, light and flooring that most of the competing properties have. "We enjoy the unique twists that we incorporate into our finishes, making each unit memorable to potential tenants," she explains. There are several 'non-negotiable' design requests from Linowes's clients that are currently trending in 2019. |

• Outdoor green space with areas to relax, cook/grill and gather.
• Co-working spaces that are available throughout the building. Tenants no longer want to be confined to a 'business center.'
• Complete fitness facility with a full gym to entice membership.

"We have had great success and fun focusing on some of our properties' gyms. We work to create spaces that allow tenants to feel that they do not have to leave their home in order to have an amazing, professional gym experience," says Linowes. "We have seen that the use of neutral tones with accents/pops of bright color are always desirable. Keeping the 'bones' of the project in neutral colors and adding in varied textures, materials and dimension adds longevity to the design."