Haus Rules: Zac Posen Joins Nina Freudenberger And Friends At Opening Of Haus Interiors

by SERENA MERRIMAN · June 23, 2009

[All photos by BILLY FARRELL for PMc]

Design-lovers, chicettes, and the beautiful people packed interior store Haus Interior on Elizabeth Street last night in celebration of its grand opening today. Owner Nina Freudenberger, stunning and chic in a navy and purple Zac Posen dress, welcomed her friends and fans, including Mr. Posen, at her new retail store in Nolita for cocktails, shopping and lots of good cheer. Freudenberger, who started her interior design firm, Haus Interior, in 2007, was inspired to open a retail shop when her friends kept asking her where to find things for their homes that were high quality, but didn't cost a fortune. "Almost everything in the store is under $300," she said. In addition to the goodies for sale in the front of the boutique, Haus is also offering new limited design services that make design accessible to all. "Designing your home can be overwhelming," Nina added. "So we came up with a range of mini-design services that allow customers to retain our design advise and expertise, without the commitment of a full-service consultation."

We especially liked the sound of the "Move-In" package, which gets you 3 hours with Nina herself - 1.5 at your old apartment and 1.5 at your new, where she gives you advice on what to bring with you, what to throw out and what pieces you may need to invest in for the future.

The soiree, hosted by Nina's friends Ashley Wick, Antony Todd, Kate Schelter and Luigi Tadini, soon turned into a mini- block party, when guests started to overflow into the street. Protected from the rainy drizzle by a canopy of leaves, party-goers downed summery pear-lemongrass cocktails provided by Double Cross vodka and posed for photos with their new Haus Interior canvas tote-bags, which were handed out to all as party-favors.

Luigi Tadini, everyone's favorite man-about-town, was particularly proud to be Haus' first paying customer, snapping up a beach towel, and a carpet from England. "I'm the first customer! Maybe it will bring you luck!" he beamed, kissing Nina on both cheeks before skipping off to supper. "I feel lucky already" she replied. Indeed, from the smiles on everyone's faces last night, Freudenberger will be in good company for some time to come.

Haus Interior is located at 250 Elizabeth Street, between Prince and Houston. Visit Haus online at www.hausinterior.com.

James Lowther, Bryan Johnson, Nina Freudenberger, Luigi Tadini