Step Into Style At This Colorful East Harlem Townhouse

This article highlights the transformation of a Victorian terrace in south London, where designer Laura Stephens reconfigured its layout to inject light and modern living while preserving its historical character. The project addressed the common dilemma of modernizing classic townhouses by integrating contemporary elements without compromising original features like paneling, plasterwork, and traditional layouts. Instead of extensive structural changes, Stephens focused on a less interventionist approach, retaining the 19th-century architecture and skillfully adapting the floor plan to suit a modern family. Key changes included relocating the sitting room to the back, moving the kitchen to the middle, and positioning the dining room, which also functions as a small home office, at the front of the house. To enhance natural light, a glazed screen was installed between the hallway and dining room, creating an effect similar to an old-fashioned office partition, which significantly brightened the front of the home. The design incorporated fresh colors, and natural textures like jute and seagrass, along with subtle architectural details to create a living space that feels both contemporary and timeless. The kitchen features periwinkle blue cabinetry designed to complement the high ceilings, contrasted with 'utilitarian' white metro tiles and bronze hardware, which adds a touch of aged elegance. In the sitting room, a new fireplace was installed, and half-paneling was introduced to balance the striped wallpaper. The designer also focused on sustainability and cost-effectiveness by recovering existing furniture pieces such as sofas, armchairs, dining chairs, and an ottoman, demonstrating a commitment to preserving and repurposing items. The main bedroom underwent a significant transformation, with previously 'bleak' wardrobes being revitalized by glazed doors lined with gathered fabric. A gauzy pendant light was chosen for its sculptural quality, echoing the textured pink wallcovering that envelops the room. In the top-floor bathroom, an innovative solution was found when a shortage of mustard and white tiles led to the installation of a mirror panel. This not only extended the striped design but also visually expanded the cozy, eaves-tucked space. Laura Stephens also designed unique rugs in collaboration with Bombay Sprout, incorporating motifs based on antique passementerie and natural jute textures, reflecting the blend of past and present in the home's overall design. Laura Stephens shared her style inspiration, citing her satisfaction with the glazed wall, her preference for 'Spruce' by Paint & Paper Library as a go-to color, and drawing inspiration from interior design books, historical and contemporary, as well as her youngest daughter. She expressed admiration for architect Gil Schafer and the Chrysler Building in New York City. The project successfully created a bright, comfortable, and ageless living space that honors its Victorian roots while embracing modern functionality and aesthetics. #LondonTownhouse #VictorianRenovation #InteriorDesign #LauraStephens #HomeRedesign #ColorPalette #TextureMixing #NaturalLight #KitchenDesign #BedroomTransformation

Architect and designer Ili Hidalgo-Nilsson, owner of Terracotta Design/Build, undertook a comprehensive renovation of a 1990s Decatur townhouse to create a vibrant and personalized living space for herself and her daughter. The primary appeal of the property was its abundant natural light, facilitated by 12-foot ceilings and numerous windows in the corner unit. This feature allowed for light fixtures to be chosen more for their aesthetic contribution than their functional necessity, contributing to the home's luminous atmosphere. Hidalgo-Nilsson prioritized factors such as a charming neighborhood, good schools, proximity to work, and minimal landscaping maintenance, all of which the townhouse satisfied. The renovation involved several key transformations. A significant aspect was the application of high-gloss paint to all walls and trim throughout the house. This choice was deliberate to amplify natural light, creating a glowing effect that brightens the interiors. The design philosophy integrated classical modern aesthetics with personal touches inspired by Hidalgo-Nilsson’s Puerto Rican heritage. For example, the office features a woven rug that evokes Caribbean porch styles, and the kitchen’s concrete tile backsplash, with its geometric navy-and-white pattern, is reminiscent of coastal Caribbean design, providing a sense of home and a visual anchor when descending the stairs. Experimentation with a more exuberant color palette marked a departure from previous residences. Favorite shades of blue were prominently used in the kitchen and master bath, while raspberry and lavender accents complemented a base of light gray and white in other areas. The renovation adhered to an 'edit, edit, edit' mantra, which involved removing dated elements such as columns, archways, cherry kitchen cabinets, and ornate lighting. Hardwood floors were refinished from a honey tone to a refined gray. Furnishings were curated to a selection of beloved antiques and contemporary pieces, reflecting a balance between old and new. Specific room transformations included a kitchen remodel where original cabinetry was replaced with ceiling-height units, featuring a wall of high-gloss navy cabinets that ground the space against pale-gray island and perimeter cabinets, all equipped with Thermador appliances. The staircase was modernized with glossy white paint and a simplified railing, and museum trim was added to highlight artwork. The former dining room was converted into a stylish office, featuring a glossy gray ceiling, white lacquered furniture from West Elm, and raspberry accents through X-benches and Jonathan Adler lamps. A sunroom was repurposed into a dining area, furnished with a Saarinen dining table and ivory leather reupholstered chairs, alongside a gallery wall displaying personal items including a vintage Caribbean map and a drawing by her father. A bar area was updated with light lavender-gray cabinets, glass doors, and a mirrored backsplash, complemented by a bargain light fixture from Cost Plus World Market. The master bedroom, a spacious area, accommodates a tranquil sitting area with an Oushak rug and furry benches from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. The master bath’s design was inspired by ocean art, influencing the choice of striking blue, shiny cabinets, and includes a wooden ledge for convenience near the tub. Bird prints, acquired inexpensively, were elevated with gold frames in the master bedroom’s seating area, adding a sophisticated touch. The project served as a demonstration of the significant impact high-gloss paint can have on interior spaces, showcasing a blend of glamour and functionality. The design choices, from material selections to color schemes, collectively contribute to a sophisticated yet personally resonant home that maximizes its natural light and embodies the architect’s creative vision. #DecaturTownhouse #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #HighGlossPaint #ColorfulInteriors #TerracottaDesignBuild #IliHidalgoNilsson #ModernClassics #PuertoRicanInfluence

The article details the transformation of an English manor home in Westchester County into a colorful and cozy family space, a project undertaken by design professionals Carla Zinman of Round Hill Design and Anna Sarly of Anna Sarly Design. Zinman and Sarly, who shared similar backgrounds and design sensibilities, collaborated on this extensive renovation to create a warm and functional home suitable for a family of four while also accommodating formal entertaining. Their combined expertise, with Sarly’s talent for color and textiles complementing Zinman’s meticulous approach to millwork and construction, proved ideal for the project. The entry of the home serves as a preview of the rich color palette and attention to detail found throughout. It functions as both an elegant formal guest entrance and a practical mudroom. A new built-in closet provides ample storage, and colorful closet doors in Benjamin Moore’s Newburg Green draw inspiration from existing cerulean inlay floor tiles. A clever mix of matte and semi-gloss paint finishes mimics the brick arch, and lime-washed brick walls paired with leather accessories create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The designers reconfigured the more casual spaces by converting the former dining room into a family room, which was then connected to the kitchen via a new curved doorway, echoing the arched architecture of the entry. A custom shelving unit by Round Hill Design offers storage for family activities, and a Frame TV serves as both art and entertainment. Comfortable furnishings, including a deep-blue Restoration Hardware sofa and custom rug, encourage relaxation. The kitchen received a refresh with new paint, updated solid brass hardware, and a complete lighting overhaul featuring modern sconces and under-cabinet lighting. A custom-built island provides thoughtful storage solutions for cooking essentials, and a lowered ceiling modernizes the space by concealing exposed beams. A breakfast nook, nestled in a corner of the kitchen, was created by transforming an exterior door into a floor-to-ceiling window. Custom-designed bench seating with durable outdoor fabric cushions and a white-oak dining table with unique popsicle-shaped legs make this a functional and playful space for everyday meals. Throughout the house, lightened floors contribute to a brighter, more youthful ambiance. The formal dining room, visible from the home's entry through an arched window, features a generous dining table and chairs. Floor-to-ceiling linen drapes frame French doors, emphasizing the room’s height while adding softness. An antique cabinet, used as a bar, is adorned with a curated vignette featuring oxidized copper candlesticks in red, coral, and green, tying together the home's color scheme. Adjacent to the dining room, a formal living/sitting area offers a space for guests to relax after dinner. A curvy sofa and sculptural chairs provide a modern touch, and decorative side tables are ideal for drinks. French doors along the side of the home open onto a patio, extending the entertaining space outdoors. The homeowners’ daughter's bedroom was transformed from a dark, gray teenage boy’s room into a bright, whimsical space. A boho bed is centered against a mural wallpaper by Bien Fait, and the walls are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Whispering Peach. Fun bedding from Roller Rabbit and John Robshaw completes the look. The primary bedroom exudes an English feel with Farrow & Ball’s Cromarty Green walls and earthy, textured pieces such as a leather-and-walnut wood bench and tobacco-leather nightstands. The playroom, a compact 150-square-foot space with slanting ceilings, was designed to maximize depth with low, comfortable seating, custom built-in storage, and a twin-size bed. Large FLOR tiles in peach and red, along with an oversized geometric wallpaper, play with scale, and a carved-down door leads to a laundry room. Finally, the gentleman's office, previously a gym, was transformed into a light-filled workspace featuring a leather-topped desk by Croft House and a sideboard storage piece covered in bright teal leather. This comprehensive transformation successfully blended functionality, comfort, and sophisticated design throughout the entire home. #HomeTransformation #InteriorDesign #WestchesterHome #FamilyHome #ColorfulInteriors #CozyDesign #DesignCollaboration #RenovationProject #CustomMillwork

Textile designer Aelfie Oudghiri's Brooklyn townhouse, shared with her husband, Hicham, and daughter, Mirah, serves as a living showcase for her eponymous line of bedding, soft goods, rugs, and furniture. Housed in a former industrial pencil factory, the 1,800-square-foot space reflects an easy, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish aesthetic deeply rooted in Oudghiri’s upbringing. Her parents, both builders and developers, introduced her to the transformative power of design early on, and an oversized Kerman rug from her childhood ignited her passion for textiles, inspiring her eventual career. Many pieces in her home are samples from her company, allowing her to live with and test products before their official launch, ensuring they are practical and durable. Oudghiri's journey into design began with an e-commerce store in her teens, focusing on products made by other young women, which taught her the foundations of design. Her childhood dream, however, was to design bedding, driven by frustration with the gendered, corny, or poor-quality synthetic options available at the time. Her early sketchbooks are filled with bedding concepts, foreshadowing her future in textile design. When designing her home, the living room was the starting point, prioritized for its comfort, openness, and suitability for entertaining. Her Moroccan husband influenced the layout, seeking a space reminiscent of a Moroccan salon with ample seating for guests. This led to the inclusion of a mint green sofa from CB2, praised for its durability, and another from ABC Carpet & Home. Oudghiri approaches home design with a lack of inherent attachment to spaces, a common sentiment in New York, preferring to evolve the design slowly. Her access to her own home decor line means her apartment is filled with a complementary array of her designs, from bath mats and pillows to poufs and tables, all serving as practical testaments to their wear and tear resistance. A key design element for Oudghiri was baby-proofing and creating a kid-friendly environment for her daughter, Mirah. The massive, open layout allowed for a play-friendly space free from hard obstacles or fragile items. The open and industrial nature of the former factory presented challenges in making the space feel cozy and welcoming. Oudghiri overcame this by strategically using rugs and artwork to soften the industrial brick walls and warm up the cold aesthetic. Her favorite aspects of the home include the exposed beams, high ceilings, abundant wall space for art, and the intricate texture of the floors. A design element she recommends for readers is foregoing a traditional coffee table in favor of side tables and poufs. This decision, initially driven by an inability to find a beloved coffee table, later proved invaluable for creating a large, open play area for her daughter. Visitors often comment on the home's established feel, assuming Oudghiri has lived there for a long time, despite only a few years passing, indicating the successful integration of her personal style and products. #TextileDesign #BrooklynHome #HomeTour #InteriorDesign #ColorfulDecor #PatternMixing #KidFriendlyDesign #IndustrialConversion #DesignerHome

This Upper East Side apartment, designed by S.R. Gambrel, showcases luxurious interiors on 79th Street. Each room is designed to be distinctive while contributing to a cohesive aesthetic, featuring a vibrant color palette, unique wall decor, ornate light fixtures, and distinctive floor textiles. The formal living room, situated at the front of the home, is bathed in natural light from expansive windows. It employs neutral tones for its furnishings, carpet, and fireplace, with an emphasis on uncommon shapes, including an oblong chaise-sofa combination and a pair of Art Deco mirrors framing the fireplace. Adjacent to the formal living room, a sitting area presents a dramatic contrast with shiny deep purple walls and a bright red ceiling. This space is further enhanced by a brightly colored abstract painting positioned above the couch. A second, softer living room maintains a focus on surprising design details but with a more understated approach. This room incorporates marble-like patterns in both the carpet and window treatments. A cool blue sofa provides a focal point, set against elegant gold wallpaper. The dining room, located at the opposite end of the second sitting room, features a modern orange table paired with an Art Deco chandelier, maintaining the apartment's blend of contemporary and classic elements. The kitchen extends the orange color theme from the living room, contributing to a modern and graphic aesthetic. It features Tetris-like floor tiling, which is complemented by a light marble island and a modern light fixture. Additional rooms within the residence continue the theme of unique luxury, including a sitting room adorned with fur and a bathroom finished in marble. The overall design throughout the apartment emphasizes a rich interplay of colors, textures, and forms. #UpperEastSide #LuxuryApartment #InteriorDesign #SRGambrel #VividColors #ArtDeco #ModernDesign #HomeDecor #ManhattanRealEstate

Designer Meg Braff, known for her traditional Southern roots and fearless use of color, undertook a three-year renovation of a 1960s-era ranch in Locust Valley, Long Island. The goal was to transform it into a spacious two-story family home that felt like it had been built in the early 1930s, blending centuries of antiques with modern design. Braff, in collaboration with architect Laura Casale, intentionally crafted a home where colors engage in a lively dialogue from room to room, creating a cohesive and congenial atmosphere. The renovation journey began after Braff and her husband, Doug, decided they needed more space for their four sons. While the existing home lacked curb appeal compared to others in the neighborhood, its generous lot with mature trees and proximity to a golf course for their squash-playing sons made it an attractive prospect. The transformation did not significantly alter the footprint, though 15 feet were added to the front. Every room, except the library, underwent a complete overhaul. Braff emphasized replicating the library's original window and French door scale throughout the first floor and incorporating antique mantels from auctions. Raised ceilings were also used to enhance the home's sense of grandeur and age. A key design element is Braff's thoughtful use of color. The library's original panels were painted a vibrant chartreuse, a hue that also appears in the chinoiserie-inspired dining room, where apple green silk drapes complement grass cloth walls. Braff balances patterned wallpapers, such as her own French Blue damask in the corridor, with soft solids in adjacent rooms to provide visual breaks. Two rooms were combined to form a large formal living room, featuring multiple seating areas. Here, Braff prominently displays a monumental Coromandel screen and two chinoiserie panels, which she acquired a decade earlier. These panels dictated the entire house's color palette, incorporating beautiful blues, corals, ivories, and greens, resulting in a rich yet airy feel. Braff often opts for Venetian plaster finishes over white walls to enhance natural light and allow gold details to shine, incorporating her favorite elements like porcelain, Asian influences, and French and English furniture. Beyond her sophisticated blend of antiques and bespoke details, the home also reflects the preferences of her sons, who contributed ideas for their bedroom colors. An upstairs family room serves as a media and video game hub, but the family often gathers around one of the home's four fireplaces during colder months. Braff notes that her sons, having grown up accompanying her to auctions and helping with design projects, appreciate the effort and artistry involved in creating a beautiful home, recognizing it as a core part of her identity. The article then details specific areas, including the Main Hall with its French armchairs and Louis XVI-style gilt mirror, the Media Room with its performance velvet sofa and rattan chandelier, and the Living Room showcasing a vintage sofa with Houlès fringe and a Karl Springer cocktail table. The Kitchen features Danby marble counters, a BlueStar range, Waterworks fixtures, and an aqua ceiling, while the Dining Room combines a Lulu DK table fabric with diverse antiques. The Breakfast Room delights with a Bernard Thorp botanical-print linen and trellis wallpaper, and the Butler's Pantry is adorned in a peacock blue. Finally, the Primary Bedroom boasts a Schumacher peacock wallcovering, creating a colorful canopy effect. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #MegBraff #LongIslandHome #ColorPalette #AntiqueDecor #RenovationProject #TraditionalSouthernRoots #Chinoiserie

This article details the transformation of a newly constructed Brooklyn townhouse into a warm, personalized, and comfortable family home with a mid-century modern aesthetic. The homeowners, who are lovers of the outdoors, sought to create an urban oasis that felt like an escape from the city, particularly benefiting from the property's quiet, tree-lined street and enclosed backyard. Interior designer Lucy Harris led the project, focusing on seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, incorporating super durable pieces suitable for a young child, and maintaining a light and bright color scheme. The entryway, designed to function as both an entrance and a mudroom, immediately sets an eclectic and welcoming tone with custom millwork for storage and a colorful tiled floor from Heath Ceramics, featuring bright blues and golds. Accessories such as a natural-feeling leather mail/key holder from Lostine and a simple half-moon mirror from Bower contribute to the unique character. In the kitchen, which was recently installed in the new-build, minor but impactful changes were made to integrate it into the home's overall aesthetic. Rattan counter stools from Stahl and Band introduced natural materials, while green pendants from In Common With tied in with the dining area's color scheme. The dining nook is highlighted as one of the most dramatic alterations, featuring custom banquette seating upholstered in a deep green wool boucle fabric from Tibor, complementing the leafy street view. A brass fixture from Apparatus adds texture, and a custom-sized solid wood table from Yucca Stuff, along with vintage-inspired Tre 3 chairs by Angelo Mangiarotti, complete the inviting space. The living room was conceived as a casual, peaceful, and fresh area, utilizing a serene palette with vibrant earthy accents. It showcases a colorful area rug by Christopher Farr, an original Bauhaus design, and a soft sofa from Poiat, contrasting with an organic-shaped coffee table in the style of Paul Frankl. An adjacent reading area in the living room features a leather Ojai chair from Lawson Fenning, reflecting the mid-century modern influence throughout the house. A Miniforms Soda glass side table adds material contrast, and custom millwork displays the homeowner’s vintage objects, infusing personality into the new construction. The connection between indoor and outdoor living is emphasized through large houseplants and green color palettes inside, and an inviting balcony dining space leading to a landscaped backyard, designed by Michael Cafiero. The outdoor area includes Fermob Luxembourg chairs and a customized Croft House dining table, suitable for the terrace. The family room introduces a different palette with deep blues and rich rusty oranges, creating an inviting atmosphere with mixed patterns. A custom rug collaboration between Lucy Harris and Carini, a wool and leather ottoman, and a comfortable Albarese sofa by DePadova define the space. A home gym adjacent to an outdoor terrace benefits from a leafy view. The primary bedroom combines pastel colors with vibrant accents for a serene yet interesting backdrop, featuring a walnut nightstand by Hedge House, a scalloped sconce by Nickey Kehoe, and a colorful quilt by Thompson Street Studio. Subtle patterned wallpaper by Rebecca Atwood and Caroline Z Hurley drapes add texture and quirkiness. For the nursery, a playful desert theme was chosen, reflecting the owners' love for hiking. Geometric patterns, a neutral cactus wallpaper, and terracotta accents, including a Kartell Componibili, create a vibrant yet sophisticated space. The guest bedroom on the fourth floor extends the natural beige, orange, and brown palette, with a second walnut nightstand from Hedge House and a rug from Nordic Knots, complemented by green and blue accents in the Room & Board bed and Rebecca Atwood drapery. This comprehensive redesign transforms the builder's spec townhouse into a soulful city oasis with distinctive character and style. #InteriorDesign #MidCenturyModern #BrooklynTownhouse #HomeRenovation #FamilyHome #OutdoorLiving #CustomDesign #ColorPalette #SustainableDesign

AD100 designer Hadley Wiggins recently completed a significant project: the interior design of a stately limestone town house located on Manhattan's Upper East Side. The residence, home to a family with two young children, required a design approach that respected its historical architectural features while introducing softness, warmth, and individuality suitable for contemporary family living. When the house was acquired, it retained its original architectural details such as moldings, windows, and fireplace surrounds, but had undergone a previous renovation that resulted in a very stark, optic white aesthetic. The primary objective for Wiggins was to implement more nuanced design choices to create visual contrast and interest, thereby enhancing the inherent beauty of the existing architecture rather than overshadowing it. Wiggins's design philosophy is characterized by an intriguing interplay of subtle tones interspersed with strategically placed moments of saturated color. For example, richly hued spaces, such as the dining room—which Wiggins considers one of her favorite projects—were designed to "compress" the home's expansive layout. This technique allows for the creation of cozy and intimate areas within a large home, contrasting with the more airy, light-filled spaces. A unifying element across the diverse palette of the home is Wiggins’s meticulous curation of furnishings, art, and decorative objects, a process she undertook with the assistance of art advisor Kate Bellin. Each room is a blend of pieces from various eras, styles, and origins, reflecting Wiggins's signature approach of selecting items that resonate with her and then integrating them harmoniously into the space. This method results in a collected aesthetic, giving the impression that the homeowners have accumulated these cherished pieces over a long period. Notable elements in the design include an antique tapestry in the living room, which serves as a foundational piece for the space, complemented by an oil painting and a diverse array of lighting fixtures. Wiggins's proficiency with pattern and texture, honed during her tenure at Ralph Lauren, is evident throughout the home. She emphasizes that incorporating pattern is a complex process, involving numerous fabric choices that must meet criteria for design, durability, and client approval, ultimately leading to a rewarding outcome. This detailed attention extends even to functional areas, such as the powder room, which features a custom wood vanity and matching toilet seat, clad in a moody, cocoon-like wallpaper. Wiggins believes that a powder room's purpose transcends mere function, aiming instead to evoke a sense of the incredible. Despite the exquisite detailing and bespoke elements, Wiggins maintains that the house is fundamentally a family home. She asserts that her role is not to create a museum-like environment, but a living space capable of accommodating the realities of family life. The design is intended to evolve and age gracefully, improving over time. This distinctive blend of elegance and approachability, historical respect and modern sensibility, and deliberate specificity combined with serendipitous finds, defines Wiggins's work. She actively seeks out pieces that possess beauty due to their age and wear, striving to achieve an "imperfect perfection" in every space she designs. #HadleyWiggins #AD100Designer #NewYorkTownHouse #UnderstatedElegance #InteriorDesign #UpperEastSide #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalRenovation #FamilyHome

This blog post explores the transformation of a historic colonial revival home dating back to 1895 in Newton Center, Massachusetts. The owners sought to update their property with a glamorous, sexy, and elegant aesthetic, while simultaneously restoring and enhancing its original architectural features. The project aimed to integrate sympathetic interior décor with a contemporary flair from the 2020s. Before addressing the design details, the primary challenge involved removing uncomplimentary architectural additions from the 1940s, 80s, and 90s, particularly a deteriorating 1980s kitchen. Designer Cecilia Casagrande was commissioned to address these challenges, focusing on enhancing the home's original architecture while adapting it for modern living. Her approach successfully blended original period details with quirky and glamorous contemporary touches. The kitchen redesign, for instance, drew inspiration from the client’s Turkish Iznik pottery collection and antique rugs, transforming a drab 1980s space into a bright, open area. The design incorporated a mix of midcentury, antique, and modern elements, evident in pairings like a midcentury side table with a modern bed frame, or a curved sofa with modern lamps. The breakfast nook features an antique pedestal table and vintage dining chairs, harmonizing with the updated kitchen. The cabinet colors, specifically Farrow & Ball’s Paean Black and Benjamin Moore’s Yorktowne Green, were inspired by the blue hues of the Turkish plate collection. The kitchen also boasts vintage rugs from Afghanistan, brass taps by Barber Wilson, and handmade tiles from Winchester Tile in England, along with green stone accents, contributing to a worldly and earthy feel. The living room, characterized by intricate wood detailing and an impressive bay window, features walls, trim, and ceiling painted in Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue. This bold color choice maintains the modernity of the ornate trim while creating a cozy Victorian parlor ambiance. Natural walnut elements on doors and trim are highlighted with a clear poly finish. The room includes a midcentury vintage sofa upholstered in mohair blue velvet, complemented by a rounded Jonathan Adler Danner sofa and Kelly Wearstler lamps to create a “sexy vibe.” Midcentury furnishings, such as a reupholstered Thayer Coggin swivel chair and a new Thayer Coggin Roxy chair, along with a round midcentury pi-coffee table and Moroccan inlaid side tables, contribute to a global aesthetic through eclectic accessories sourced internationally. A vibrant artwork by Hunt Slonem in a gilt frame and a vintage carved sideboard add glamour to a corner of the living room. The dining room reflects the clients' vision with quirky contemporary elements like Cole & Son Leopard Walk wallpaper and a stag chandelier sourced from Germany. Iconic midcentury Saarinen chairs and a stunning Suzani tablecloth complete the eclectic and joyful space, which is described as Victorian modern. The upstairs landing serves as an inviting seating area, utilizing natural light from an original gothic-detailed 1895 window and featuring French-style armchairs and a chess set. The primary bedroom showcases pastel pinks, blending antique, vintage, and modern furnishings. Brass elements, such as Sarreid chests, an antique mirror, and an Alexa Hampton ceiling light, add character. Walls are painted in Farrow & Ball's Middleton Pink with trim in Dove Tail, while House of Hackney and Timorous Beasties pillows, a modern champagne velvet bed, and a faux sheepskin swivel chair balance the vintage pieces. The bathroom features a Penhaglion cast iron tub in unlacquered brass, a striking choice for the historic home, complemented by classic marble tiles, Timorous Beasties curtains, and brass accents, offering a modern twist on traditional design. The homeowners expressed satisfaction with the transformation, noting that each room was thoughtfully designed and inspired by their existing collections, making the renovation a collaborative effort from architectural restoration to fabric selection. The project successfully honored the home's original features while introducing contemporary humor and subtle updates. #HistoricHomeRenovation #ColonialRevival #InteriorDesign #BoldColorSchemes #VictorianModern #KitchenDesign #LivingRoomDecor #BedroomIdeas #BathroomDesign

This article details the transformation of a 1915 San Francisco home by designer Kevin Sawyers, who aimed to imbue it with the vibrant personal style of its owner. Although the house was in good structural condition, it lacked personality and cohesive color. Sawyers addressed this by developing a “lip-smacking and playful, but certainly sophisticated” color palette that directly reflects the homeowner's wardrobe choices. The design strategy involved a tight edit of recurring colors to create cohesion and whimsy. For instance, the deep red from the dining room wallpaper reappears on the kitchen backsplash, family room rug, and as the guest bathroom’s wall paint. Similarly, a peachy orange from the kitchen island is echoed in the primary suite. This intentional repetition of strong colors ensures a unified yet dynamic aesthetic throughout the home. Beyond color, the project emphasized custom woodworking, which serves as a grounding element for the bold palette. Built-in case goods and white oak murals cover many walls, providing functional storage and integrated furniture. These custom pieces also feature unique decorative elements, such as mountain range murals inspired by the family’s vacation to Switzerland, adding a personalized touch. Despite minimal structural changes, primarily limited to the children’s bathroom, the three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom home underwent a complete aesthetic overhaul. Virtually every surface was altered, updated, or replaced, making it unrecognizable from its initial state. The extensive design efforts ensured that the house not only became a reflection of its owner but also achieved a joyful, stylish, and clean atmosphere. Key areas of the home showcase this design philosophy. The entryway features a graphic 3D wall mural depicting Swiss mountains and practical storage solutions with circular wall knobs. The living room introduces the home’s ethos with a fireplace framed in Heath Ceramics tile, a nod to the client’s collection, and playful elements like an arch painted on the wall. The family room and playroom embody a flexible, family-friendly style, with wood slats providing subtle separation and a nocturnal Swiss mountain mural in the stairwell. The kitchen features updated cabinetry painted in bold colors like Snowy Shadow and Mysterious Blue, complemented by light fixtures and tiles that match the vibrant hues. A tucked-away pantry adds a playful touch with neon green floating shelves. The breakfast nook, designed for versatility, includes a custom banquette and fluted details that echo design elements found elsewhere in the house. The dining room offers a sleek space for entertaining, with Lee Jofa wallpaper over wainscoting and Benjamin Moore Magenta paint. The primary bedroom provides a tranquil retreat with softer tones like Daytona Peach, while the primary and guest bathrooms incorporate punchy hues, durable materials, and retro-inspired elements like terrazzo-style concrete countertops, maintaining the home's overall vibrant theme. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #CustomWoodwork #SanFranciscoHome #PersonalStyle #ResidentialDesign #VibrantInteriors #HomeRenovation

The selection of paint colors and finishes in brownstones and townhouses is a critical aspect of renovation, often presenting numerous options and varying opinions that can be overwhelming. Interior designers emphasize the use of classic and neutral colors as the most effective approach for these types of homes. Tamara Eaton, an interior designer, frequently employs soft whites for walls in townhouses, almost always opting for Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace for trim due to its crisp white quality. This crisp white then serves as a foundation for introducing subtle color on the walls. Eaton's preference leans towards creamy whites or off-whites for walls, generally avoiding bold colors and certain grays. Eaton expresses a reservation about the widespread use of trendy gray walls in townhouses, unless they are specifically a soft, warm gray. She notes that in the presence of warm wood floors and traditional architectural details, gray can often appear too cold and institutional. Complementing this perspective, interior designer Lauren Stern advocates for warm, earthy colors in townhouses. Her suggestions include Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace and Linen White, as well as Farrow & Ball's Hay or Elephant’s Breath. Stern stresses the importance of maintaining consistency between paint colors, interior finishes, and architectural elements with the historical period of the building. She believes that modern design elements are best introduced through movable items such as furnishings and accessories. Rich, warm colors are favored for their ability to emulate the effect of oil paint and plaster, materials traditionally found in brownstones. When it comes to paint finishes, Stern recommends a matte finish for walls to absorb light, a satin finish to create a luminous effect, and a high gloss finish specifically for moldings, millwork, and doors. She highlights the necessity of testing paint colors in several spots within a room, as colors can appear differently depending on the time of day, floor color, and both interior and exterior lighting conditions. This variability means that the same paint color can exhibit distinct appearances in different spaces. Jen Albano, another interior designer, suggests utilizing lighter and darker variations of a chosen color to establish continuity between rooms and connect various parts of the house. Alternatively, one can maintain a single color for walls, trim, and ceilings. Albano frequently adopts a cleaner, more modern palette in older homes, particularly vertical Brooklyn houses with intricate trims, by applying one color from floor to ceiling and varying only the sheen. This technique is particularly effective in hallways and for shelving, enhancing the perception of high ceilings. In a current townhouse project, Albano is painting long, dark hallways entirely in different sheen levels of Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl. She advises against using white on its own in darker, narrow halls unless it is a consistent color throughout the entire house. On occasion, Eaton deviates from a muted palette, opting for dramatic dark colors like charcoal or navy blue (such as Benjamin Moore’s Deep Space or Hale Navy) on both walls and trim. While she once had the opportunity to paint a powder room pink, she generally finds that classic and reserved colors are more suitable for brownstones and townhouses. #InteriorDesign #PaintColors #Brownstone #Townhouse #HomeRenovation #NeutralPalette #ClassicColors #ArchitecturalElements #DesignTips

Blair Harris Interior Design, a relatively new name in the New York design landscape, has completed a remarkable renovation of an Upper East Side townhouse. This project exemplifies sophisticated interior design, blending opulent textures, colors, and patterns to create an atmosphere of regal allure. The architectural elements of the townhouse, such as floor-to-ceiling windows, intricate ceiling medallions, detailed molding, and bespoke built-ins, provide a foundation for the luxurious aesthetic. The living room's design centers around a harmonious interplay of cool blue-purple tones and various shades of warm brown, which complement the dark hardwood floors. Large plantation shutters on the extensive front windows enhance the room's natural luminosity. Adjacent to the main living area is a secondary, less formal seating space, distinguished by a unique light fixture resembling a cactus or sea urchin. This fixture's angular design is softened by the plush textures of a wide sofa and chaise, while dark built-ins and an accent chair further enrich the space. The dining room echoes the color scheme of blue, purple, and warm browns. A substantial dark hardwood table, surrounded by opulent purple dining chairs, anchors the room. Light blue walls and glass chandeliers with an ice-like appearance contribute to a lighter, more inviting ambiance. The kitchen, in contrast, is characterized by its bright and airy feel, with white cabinets and a kitchen table that reflect the abundant natural sunlight. Light blue tiles provide a decorative accent on the kitchen walls. Throughout the townhouse, decorative elements such as low-relief designs on molding and ceilings, and intricately inlaid floor patterns, underscore the attention to detail. The stairwell, connecting the lower and upper levels, features a chic gold light fixture and a rich banister, adding to the home's overall elegance. The design team's approach has successfully integrated color, texture, and material into each room, crafting a cohesive and inviting narrative for the clients. #UpperEastSide #TownhouseDesign #BlairHarrisInteriorDesign #LuxuryInteriors #NewYorkDesign #InteriorDecoration #OpulentDetails

Elma Blint's Carroll Gardens townhouse, featured on Design Sponge, showcases a modern, textured, and unique decor that mirrors her jewelry designs. The three-bedroom duplex skillfully blends high-design furniture with vibrant textiles, creating an original and character-filled ambiance. The design approach emphasizes the use of patterned pillows, blankets, and rugs to introduce color and visual interest without causing clutter. For instance, a throw blanket on the couch cushions not only protects them from spills but also infuses a bohemian touch into the modern furniture piece. The living space exemplifies this aesthetic, contrasting the sleek simplicity of a clear acrylic coffee table with red-splashed textiles sourced from superfussy and Martine's Dream. A gold pouf from Collyer’s Mansion further contributes to the eclectic mix. This textile-centric style extends into the master bedroom, where patterned fabrics elevate the bed into a central focal point against slate blue walls. A rope-strung wall hanging above the bed offers a contemporary interpretation of macramé, adding another layer of texture and artistic flair. Additionally, a large vanity mirror is strategically placed to enhance the perception of a more expansive room, demonstrating an understanding of spatial dynamics in interior design. This home illustrates how textiles and textures can be employed to define distinct areas and moods within a residence, merging functional elements with artistic expression to achieve a cohesive yet individualistic living environment in a Brooklyn townhouse. #CarrollGardens #InteriorDesign #TextileDecor #BohemianStyle #TownhouseLiving #ElmaBlint #BrooklynHome

Australian designer Greg Natale's firm undertook the makeover of a narrow 19th-century town house in New York, drawing inspiration from the art deco era as seen through 1970s European cinema. The project, located on Manhattan's Upper East Side, was commissioned by repeat clients Leticia Francini and Stephen Ninnes, who sought to infuse their new American pied-à-terre with the color, pattern, and layering reminiscent of maximalist European restaurants. The four-story, mixed-use property includes a ground-floor retail space, which was converted into a white-box studio for their Art With Love Foundation, offering free workshops in Renaissance painting techniques. Natale's design approach for the 3,330-square-foot residence involved painting rooms—walls and ceilings—in a rich palette of blush, plum, terra-cotta, and various greens. Colorful shades of veined marble, such as Calacatta Viola, Rosso Levanto, and Verde Alpi, are extensively used on floors, walls, countertops, a fireplace, and to frame portals and doors. The intricate stonework was facilitated by the clients' relationship with an Italian quarrier, who cut the marble in Italy and sent masons to New York for installation. An exterior intervention included reinstating a historically appropriate double street entrance, with two doors defined by fluted limestone pilasters, leading separately to the art foundation and the residence. Engineered oak flooring in a herringbone pattern, designed by Natale, is used throughout much of the home, creating a vivid and welcoming interior within the narrow 12½-foot-wide brick building. The town house, previously renovated in the 1970s, retained its general layout but was stripped to the studs. The living spaces, including a sitting room, kitchen, and dining room, are situated on the middle level, flanked by two two-bedroom floors to accommodate the clients' five adult children. Mirror paneling, especially an art deco-inflected arrangement of bronze- and smoke-hued rectangles in the dining area, enhances the sense of space. The dining area also features a starburst molding centered on an 1980s Murano-glass chandelier, a modern interpretation of Italy's Liberty style. Murals play a significant role in setting the European tone, with an embroidered linen-and-silk mural based on Henri Matisse’s Jazz cutouts in the second-floor hallway and a wallpaper blowup of Wassily Kandinsky’s 1935 painting Deux points verts in the living room. The furniture selection combines vintage and contemporary Italian pieces. The living room features a Gianfranco Frattini 1970s Sesann sofa and Arnold Madsen 1944 Clam armchairs, complemented by a concrete-framed Iris mirror by Shawna and Matt Heide and a custom Anna Bonino paper pendant fixture. The dining area includes Dirk van der Kooij’s recycled-plastic Meltingpot table and Juliana Lima Vasconcellos’s Giraffe chairs. The main bathroom showcases Italian rationalism with a complex inlaid-marble shower pattern, while the adjacent bedroom features Mehmet and Dimonah Iksel’s hand-painted White Blossom wallpaper and Vincent Darré’s Neofutur headboard. A notable feature is the dressing room, connected to the main bedroom by marble-encrusted portals, designed to resemble a high-end boutique with sculptural marble-slab dividers forming open closets. #GregNatale #NewYorkTownHouse #ArtDeco #EuropeanCinemaInfluence #MaximalistDesign #MarbleInteriors #VintageFurniture #CustomMurals #InteriorRenovation

A circa 1824 brick townhouse in Brooklyn Heights, formerly owned by landscape designer Alice Ireys, underwent a decorative makeover by Brooklyn-based design studio White Arrow for a family with two school-age children. The homeowners desired a design that honored the home's history while incorporating a fresh, modern sensibility, with a particular appreciation for cozy, antique elements and the simplicity of modern design. Keren Richter, co-founder and principal designer of White Arrow, aimed to create interiors that felt rooted in tradition yet updated for a young family. This project was a decorative overhaul rather than a gut renovation, as the townhouse's historical integrity, including Federal-era details like the newel post, stair, and parlor moldings, had been well-preserved by the previous owner. The structure, mechanical systems, and the four-story layout were suitable for a family of four, described by Richter as not overly grand, allowing for an intimate living experience. The design approach was strategic, focusing on enhancing existing features and introducing new decorative elements. Inspired by British decorating aesthetics, characterized by pattern mixing, florals, and a sense of coziness, White Arrow removed old wallpaper, repainted walls, and introduced layered lighting. Most of the furnishings were new acquisitions. The front parlor, designated as an adult entertaining space, features a crescent-shaped green velvet sofa and a Kant coffee table by RW Guild, chosen for their curvilinear forms to promote gathering and a convivial atmosphere. The room's white paint was selected to highlight the patterning of the antique fireplace tiles, avoiding visual clutter that wallpaper might introduce. The entry hall includes a Sawkille Rabbit bench beneath a contemporary photograph by Dean West. The rear parlor houses the formal dining room, which is adorned with hand block-printed wallpaper by Marthe Armitage for Hamilton Weston. A custom O’lampia chandelier illuminates a Nickey Kehoe Harvest dining table and Svenskt Tenn dining chairs. A modernist console and various artworks were brought by the homeowners from their previous residence. The garden level hosts the kitchen in the center, with a dining/breakfast area at the rear and a children's play area at the front. The kitchen cabinets are painted a pale blue from Fine Paints of Europe, complemented by Gordon stools from Lostine and rattan cone lights from Soane. The family dining area, situated at the rear of the garden level, opens to the backyard through sliding glass doors and features a round Bobbin table by Alfred Newall. A boldly striped stair runner connects the four floors of the house, adding a consistent design element. The second floor includes a sitting/family room adjacent to the primary bedroom. This room, painted in a deep blue, is conceived as an evening space with ample seating, including a rolled-arm sectional and a Chinese Art Deco rug. The dark color scheme in this room is intended to create a cozy, English library-like atmosphere and discreetly camouflage the television. The primary bedroom is furnished with a Kyma headboard by Ensemblier and a Nickey Kehoe bench upholstered in striped fabric by Flora Soames. The main bathroom retained its existing claw-foot bathtub and blue painted floors, requiring minimal intervention. The children’s top-floor bedrooms feature dormer windows, with the daughter's room enveloped in Svensk Tenn botanical wallpaper and the son's room decorated with bold primary colors, both designed to create lasting memories. #BrooklynHeights #TownhouseRenovation #InteriorDesign #EnglishDesign #WhiteArrow #HistoricHome #DecorativeMakeover #FamilyHome #TraditionalModernBlend

Hudson Moore, a design editor, resides in a Harlem studio apartment that he secured quickly, only realizing its lack of closets after signing the lease. Despite the initial oversight, Moore was drawn to the apartment's good ceiling height, wood floors, and attractive paneling. His move from an Upper West Side apartment was prompted by a significant rent increase, but the Harlem studio offered an upgrade in living space, with the main living/sleeping area measuring approximately 17-by-17 feet, larger than his previous 9-by-18-foot studio, and a separate 30-square-foot kitchen. Moore, who frequently moves, approaches the process of boxing and unboxing his belongings with enthusiasm rather than stress. Having lived in eleven different homes before graduating high school, he has adopted his parents' habit of fixing up homes and shedding possessions before each move. This practice allows him to maintain a carefully curated collection of items, preventing his small space from becoming cluttered. He opted to keep his plush, deep-seated Blu Dot sofa from his previous studio, valuing its armless design for its minimal visual impact and its versatility. The sofa's ability to fit on various walls is crucial for Moore, who treats his space as a laboratory for constant re-arrangement. Similarly, he incorporated easy-to-lift slipper chairs, inspired by a design shoot, which are covered in a graphic Schumacher fabric that appears solid from a distance. A key feature that attracted Moore to the apartment was the natural wood wainscoting. However, the wainscoting did not fully encircle the room due to the building's conversion from a single-family home. To create a cohesive look, Moore extended the visual delineation by painting the missing sections black, effectively unifying the space. This dark paint also serves to create the illusion of a headboard behind his unique house-shaped canopy bed, a piece his uncle welded in the 1980s. Despite the bed frame being slightly mismatched for his mattress and held together by boat straps, Moore has devised solutions to ensure its stability. Moore's apartment also features several pieces acquired through the kindness of others. For instance, bookshelves found in a family member's barn were transported from Oklahoma to New York by his former roommate's stepfather as a gesture of gratitude for Moore's help in decorating her apartment. To compensate for the lack of closets, Moore found two black Italian dressers and a large vintage armoire on Facebook Marketplace. Another Facebook Marketplace discovery was a black wall sculpture for the dining area. During the purchase, Moore connected with Hugo Vicente, brand director at ASH NYC, who encouraged the acquisition. The lightweight sculpture is mounted with magnets. The IKEA dining table, initially painted vermilion, created an unwanted red glow in the apartment when hit by sunlight, leading Moore to repaint it a light pink shade that he has come to appreciate. These experiences have taught him that most spontaneous decisions turn out well, and any that don't are easily remedied, reflecting a flexible and adaptive approach to home decoration. #HarlemStudio #SmallSpaceLiving #ApartmentTour #DesignEditor #Wainscoting #FurnitureSourcing #DIYDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor