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Novelist Adriana Trigiani, known for her best-selling books like “Big Stone Gap,” shares the story of acquiring and decorating her 1838 townhouse in the West Village. After years of renting two floors with her husband, Tim Stephenson, the couple realized their dream of owning the entire four-story property in 2002. The previous owners, a doctor and his wife, offered them a unique payment plan, allowing them time to save up for the purchase. Trigiani, who had a background in comedy, writing for sitcoms such as “A Different World” and “The Cosby Show,” transitioned to novel writing by the time they bought the house. She highlights the sentimentality of the acquisition, viewing it as a passing down from one family to another, and emphasizes their commitment to preserving the building's historical integrity. Trigiani and Stephenson reside on the bottom two floors, which span 2,100 square feet, and rent out the top two to a friend, Michael Patrick King. Their apartment features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a dining room, and a 500-square-foot private garden. The couple meticulously maintained the original architectural details, including hardwood floors, arched doorways, intricate woodwork, and marble fireplaces. They also made efforts to retain the original color palette during repainting. Notably, their lighting fixtures are period-appropriate, with the dining room chandelier even predating electricity, having been converted from gas-lit to electric. Despite the historical grandeur, Trigiani made practical adjustments, such as moving the kitchen from its original street-level location to a smaller space on the second floor. She candidly admits to not having a large kitchen or office, highlighting her portable imagination and tendency to write in her garden. A unique feature of her master bath is a door leading directly to the yard, allowing for fresh air while bathing. When it came to interior design, Trigiani’s long-held aspirations were realized. She explains her methodical approach to decoration, having conceptualized rooms on paper even before she could afford the furnishings. The living room is adorned with a custom Roubini rug, Louis XIV side chairs, a recently re-covered couch in Scalamandre silk, and 1930s club chairs with claw feet. The dining room features an Early American pedestal table and antique chairs, offering views of the garden. Black and white window treatments, inspired by Cecil Beaton’s designs in “My Fair Lady,” are lined with gingham for a touch of cheerfulness. Books are a prominent feature throughout the house, reflecting Trigiani’s passion for collecting signed editions, often found in second-hand stores. She also collects art, including a portrait of her daughter, Lucia, by Vivian Moody, and several pieces by Lucia herself. A significant and immovable piece in her entrance hall is a 13-foot-high by 5-foot-wide mirror from the Plaza Hotel’s Baroque Room, which she humorously notes cost more to move than to buy. Trigiani’s personal treasures also include her complete collection of Enrico Caruso records, a nod to her novel “The Shoemaker’s Wife,” which was inspired by her grandparents' love story. The article also mentions her extensive literary career, with 14 books to her name, and her ongoing projects, such as “Ciao, Valentine.” She also organizes walking and tasting tours related to her books and runs an online gift shop. Trigiani’s philosophy centers on the theme of home and family, expressing deep contentment with her life in the townhouse and the sense of belonging it provides. #AdrianaTrigiani #WestVillage #Townhouse #HomeOwnership #InteriorDesign #HistoricalPreservation #AuthorLife #RealEstate #LiteraryInspiration #AdrianaTrigiani #WestVillage #Townhouse #HomeOwnership #InteriorDesign #HistoricalPreservation #AuthorLife #RealEstate #LiteraryInspiration