this light and bright apartment in a midtown east high rise is home to a pair of avid readers looking for the perfect place to curl up with a good book. as a full-service design firm with a reputation for providing a seamless experience, we often (and eagerly) take on total gut renovations. in this instance, the apartment was brand new, and we would be working with predetermined fixtures, finishes, and architecture.
read morewe began by creating a relaxing color palette focusing primarily on blues and grays. for an accent color, we pulled a rusty orange from a treasured rug in the client’s own collection. since the couple prefers novels to nightly gatherings, there was no need for a formal dining room. instead, we split the space into ‘his and hers’ seating areas. we started with a handsome chair for him and a cozy sofa for her and then added accent pieces; ottomans and side tables ensure that everything they could possibly need is within reach.
we always consider how our clients will move through the space as well as the different functions of each area from morning to night. for the adjacent gallery space we chose in a beautiful textured wallcovering in a durable — not to mention stylish — faux raw silk. this adds texture for a warmer, more intimate moment before entering the living room, which is essentially all windows.
during the day, a large, curved window in the living area lets in beautiful natural light. we enlisted a trusted workroom to create a custom motorized soft drapery window treatment that blends seamlessly into the space. all other windows received motorized roller shades to cut the glare, but when they’re up, the homeowners can take full advantage of the view. in the evenings, art lights above each section of the existing built-in highlight their personal library. since we were unable to make structural changes to the ceiling, this was an attractive way to emphasize their extensive collection.
the end result is a space that our clients can’t wait to come home to after a hard day or a long trip. their books are there to greet them and timeless furniture pieces, which are as comfortable as they are classic, offer a soft place to land. in the hustle and bustle of midtown, this apartment serves as a sophisticated sanctuary for this well-read pair.
