In an elegant pre-war building, the raw shell of a 1,400 square foot apartment was transformed into a sumptuous yet cozy pied-à-terre for a classically inspired couple who loves to entertain. We infused this modest two-bedroom apartment with robust decorative elements that more closely correspond to the building’s stately architecture. We collaborated with architect Richard Cameron of Atelier & Co. to incorporate elements such as pilasters and acanthus leaf plaster moldings to complement the splendor of the architectural details. 

Several rooms are small and have multiple entries, making furniture composition and scale a challenge, so we took a gutsy approach. In the compact library that seats six people, we designed a deep, comfortable sofa that doubles as a bed when needed. In the living room, an elaborate treatment around the limestone mantel includes compound vertical pilasters to emphasize the ceiling height and create the impression of thick, enveloping walls. Adjacent to this, a former closet is now a stylish wet bar. We stripped all the original finishes in the enormous kitchen, using white oak cabinetry, an inlaid cork floor, and quartzite counters and backsplash. We added a deep, inviting window seat, building the banquette around the corner so the owners could nestle in with cookbooks to plan menus. In the master bedroom, the ceiling is painted a subdued pink that speaks to the shimmering lavender on the curtains as well as the lush green silk walls and painted millwork. Finally, as first impressions are crucial, the lyrical scenic wallpaper in the entry is crowned with reflective hammered gold paper on the ceiling, announcing that you are about to enter a truly magnificent home.