Creative Signs and Awnings
55 Delancey St., nr. Eldridge St.; 212-625-1726
While there are certain elements of college-age decorating that should be abandoned with gusto (Bob Marley tapestries, Animal House posters), there are a select few that, with a proper update, can add some youthful spark to an otherwise sophisticated pad. Creative Signs and Awnings custom-manufactures one such element—neon signs, which have come a long way from being a frat-house stereotype, thanks in large part to artist Bruce Nauman. The Creative Signs staff takes customers’ sketches and transforms them into lighting both simple (stars and arrows) and intricate (neon-lit bicycles or Calder-like continuous-line portraits). In either case, the décor adds some contemporary quirk to standard mood lighting, and at a better rate than what some higher-end lighting companies charge. Basic designs and one line of lettering could come to around $250, transformer included.