This 1930s West Village apartment gets a stylish update by NYC furniture guru

The article details the transformation of a 2,200-square-foot condominium in Chelsea, Manhattan, into a flexible and aesthetically cohesive living space, orchestrated by Lee Mindel and Peter Shelton of Shelton, Mindel & Associates. The client, a Minneapolis-based CEO of an international investment firm, sought a minimalist yet sophisticated pied-à-terre that could accommodate both his solitary living and visits from his two young sons. The apartment, originally a three-bedroom unit in a converted early 20th-century office building, presented several design challenges, including an intrusive architectural layout with aggressive walls and a lack of flow, failing to capitalize on its significant views of the Hudson and East rivers and the lower Manhattan skyline. Shelton and Mindel's approach focused on "undoing" architectural elements to create an expansive, unified space. They began by removing a wall between the living room and an adjacent narrow bedroom, allowing for a seamless flow between the living/dining area and the open-plan kitchen. To further enhance simplicity and openness, a uniform ceiling height was implemented, and closet doors were redesigned to appear more loft-like. Sliding wood panels were installed between the master bedroom and the guest room/children's room to provide flexibility. Radiator cabinets were integrated into the design under the windows, and large-scale custom rugs, along with raw-silk draperies, were used to define and refine the room's dimensions, giving it a sharp, clean finish. A key aspect of the design philosophy was to anchor the rooms with robust modernist furniture, selected for its quality and ability to impart a sense of order, structure, and strength without overwhelming the space. The furniture, sourced from various European countries and the United States, includes distinctive pieces such as a 1920s Fritz Henningsen leather armchair, a 1940s Fontana Arte coatrack, a 1950s Jean Prouvé console, and a 1950s Carlo Scarpa sconce in the entrance hall. The living room features a 1950s Poul Kjaerholm daybed, Børge Mogensen leather-and-birch chairs, and a Kjaerholm sofa upholstered in French postal cloth, alongside contemporary pieces designed by Shelton and Mindel. Art plays a significant role, with works like Richard Prince's cowboy photograph and Matthew Barney's 'Cremaster 3: Plumb Line' integrated into the living space. The dining area is furnished with a 1950s Prouvé Granito dining table and Børge Mogensen wicker dining chairs, illuminated by a 1970s Verner Panton acrylic sphere. The guest room/children's room features 1940s Prouvé compass desks and a trundle bed designed by the architects. The master bedroom includes a 1940s Jacques Adnet armchair, a 1950s Charlotte Perriand bedside table, and a custom headboard of natural hemp and black horsehair, complemented by a 1940s Josef Frank armoire and Richard Prince's photographic triptych. The design aimed to create a tranquil yet dynamic environment, where the volume, light, and carefully curated furnishings coalesce to give the condominium a strong sense of place, a rarity in condo conversions, achieving a harmonious balance that was met with universal approval. #InteriorDesign #ModernistFurniture #ManhattanApartment #ArchitecturalRenovation #SheltonMindelAssociates #LuxuryLiving #ContemporaryArt #SpacePlanning #CustomDesign

Interior designer Kate Lester embarked on a project to redefine the perception of traditional design within a Cape Cod-style home in Manhattan Beach, CA. The common understanding of traditional interiors often includes heavy floral patterns, antique timepieces, tasseled ottomans, and elaborate window treatments, which can deter individuals from incorporating these elements. Lester's approach demonstrates how traditional components can be integrated into a contemporary setting without creating an outdated aesthetic. The design philosophy centered on using traditional elements in a novel manner, aiming to transform a conventional space into one filled with playful details and personality. Lester's methodology involved introducing comfort and clean lines, often considered divergent from traditional design principles. This was achieved through the careful selection of softer paint colors and comfortable furniture pieces. These modern touches were then contrasted with distinctive wallpaper and unique artwork, creating a balanced and visually interesting environment. The designer's work underscores the idea that "Trad is rad," advocating for a refreshed perspective on traditional decor. The project successfully blends classic architectural styles with modern interior sensibilities, providing a blueprint for homeowners looking to update their traditional residences while maintaining their inherent character. The article highlights specific elements and products that contribute to this updated traditional style. For instance, it features a Campion hanging light fixture from The Urban Electric Co., a Julia Low Profile Three Hole Deck Mounted Lavatory Faucet from Waterworks, and a Stoneware Pitcher w/ Rattan Handle from Kate Lester's own collection. Other items include Fig Leaves I artwork from Juniper Print Shop and a Marigold Metal Candle Holder, also from Kate Lester Home. These selections collectively demonstrate how individual pieces can contribute to a cohesive design that feels both classic and contemporary. The integration of such items showcases a thoughtful curation process, where each object plays a role in enhancing the overall aesthetic and functional appeal of the home. Through this project, Lester illustrates how a traditional home can be transformed into a comfortable, stylish, and personal space. The emphasis is on reimagining traditional aesthetics rather than abandoning them, proving that classic styles can indeed evolve to meet modern tastes and preferences. The design effectively challenges conventional notions of traditional decor, offering a fresh and inviting interpretation that appeals to a contemporary audience while respecting the architectural heritage of the home. This blend of old and new creates an environment that is both familiar and surprising, inviting residents to experience traditional design in an entirely new light. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ManhattanBeach #KateLesterInteriors #TraditionalModern #CapeCodStyle #HomeRenovation #InteriorStyling

Jim and Jennifer Wissing, residents of a three-bedroom, 2 ½-bath ranch home in the North Shore area, have meticulously transformed their 1963 house into a Victorian-era abode, reflecting their shared passion for the period's aesthetics and history. The couple, who acquired the house in 1977, initially decorated it in a traditional style. However, about two decades ago, after their children moved out, they began collecting antiques, progressively upgrading their pieces over time. Their collection is not merely an assortment of old items; the Wissings specifically seek out pieces with a historical connection to Milwaukee. For instance, they own three documented artifacts from the Schandein mansion, which once stood at 24th Street and Wisconsin Avenue. These include a large wood carving of a court jester, a newel piece shaped like a lady, and two carved wood panels that extend their crown molding. These particular items were acquired from the Alpine Village restaurant when it was sold. Another notable acquisition is a wrought-iron lunette by Cyril Kolnik, originally an archway piece from the Blatz Hotel on North Water Street, also sourced from the Alpine Village sale. Their collection further includes a chandelier from the Josiah Noonan House and hand-carved wood statues from the Brumder mansion. Beyond purchasing antiques, Jim Wissing contributes significantly to the home's Victorian ambiance by crafting furniture that aligns with the era's style. He constructed the three-piece bedroom set in their master bedroom, designed by Jennifer, as well as bookcases in the office, a decorative block front chest in the living room, and wall paneling in the family room. When asked about their choice of a ranch house over a period home, Jennifer explained that while they considered Victorian homes in areas like Concordia, they ultimately prioritized their preferred neighborhood, close to their parents. They have adapted the ranch structure to better suit their Victorian decorating style by installing new six-panel oak doors with gold leaf corner blocks and adding thick molding and trim throughout the house. A primary challenge has been fitting large Victorian pieces into the ranch's smaller spaces, necessitating creative solutions such as using a smaller gaming table from the 1880s or 90s in the kitchen and shortening chandeliers to accommodate lower ceilings. The home’s interior colors are all Victorian-inspired, with Jennifer drawing inspiration for the living room from “Victorian America, Classic Romanticism Through Decorating” by Wendell Garrett. The kitchen underwent a significant transformation, with Jennifer designing custom cabinets with raised panels and a hutch, built by Jim. They also incorporated stained glass windows from a house on Brady and Prospect Avenue, black granite countertops with bronze flecks, and hardware chosen to match the bronze accents. The couple collects epergnes, decorative glass pieces for dining room tables. The family room features a French hunting cabinet from around 1850, two 1870s newel post figures, and a three-piece parlor set. The living room is furnished with mahogany pieces, reupholstered in teal sculpted velvet, and includes high-back chairs from an Atlanta courthouse. The guest bedroom showcases an R.J. Horner & Co. three-piece set from the 1880s, with a bedspread made from reproduction fabric from St. James Place castle in England. The dining room boasts an antique oval table that extends to 11 feet, with six chairs upholstered in sculptured velvet damask, and custom-made window treatments. Large gasoliers, typical of Victorian mansions, are present in most rooms, including a piece by Cornelius & Baker in the dining room. Their future plans include transforming the basement into an old beer hall. The exterior complements the interior with an English garden, chosen for Jennifer’s love of roses and its suitability for the light-colored brick exterior of their home. #VictorianDesign #HomeRenovation #AntiqueCollection #MilwaukeeHistory #InteriorDecorating #RanchHomeTransformation #CustomFurniture #ArchitecturalSalvage #PeriodStyle

This article highlights a selection of the best upholsterers in New York, catering to various needs from cost-effective solutions to specialized antique restoration and custom designs. Each upholsterer is recognized for distinct expertise and contributions to interior design and furniture preservation. Estilo Upholstery, a 25-year-old establishment, is lauded for its tight handiwork and competitive pricing. Owner Hector Diaz's high volume of work allows him to offer significant savings compared to other shops. His services range from firming up old pillows to grafting six-piece sectionals. Interior designers, such as Noah Turkus of Weiss Turkus Projects, recommend Diaz for his attention to detail, citing his work on projects like re-swathing velvet bucket chairs in lambswool. Recent examples of Estilo Upholstery's craftsmanship include Eero Saarinen armchairs in Knoll bouclé fabric, a slipcover for a Ligne Roset Togo love seat, and 1950s lounge chairs in Maharam pebble wool. For projects involving unusual shapes and tricky fabrics, Ecua Interior Upholstery, led by Carlos Asmal, is the go-to specialist. Asmal is known for his collaborative approach and ability to execute complex designs, such as a custom U-shaped banquette in mohair. Artist Sophie Parker and furniture designer Micah Rosenblatt frequently partner with Ecua for their custom pieces, including a curved, shimmering two-toned velvet sofa, which Asmal completed in under two weeks for $1,700. Rosenblatt notes that Asmal is not only affordable but also technically adept and willing to tackle unconventional requests. Ecua also boasts a quick turnaround time, typically completing more straightforward projects, like reupholstering an Ethan Allen chair, within a week. VH Upholstery, owned by Victor Hernandez, specializes in upholstering a wide array of items beyond traditional furniture, including antique lamps in leather, speakers, and even bedroom doors with custom designs. Hernandez's passion for unique projects is evident in his diverse portfolio, which recently included 300 silk-and-cotton throw pillows for a client's Southampton home. Chef and artist Laila Gohar, a client who had dining table legs upholstered by Hernandez, praises his perfectionism and dedication to his craft. Tania Kovalenko, Ltd., though primarily known for window treatments and custom drapery, is also recognized for excellent upholstery, particularly for actual antiques. Tania Kovalenko is sought after for her ability to restore vintage pieces while honoring their original construction and integrity. Artist and architect Leyden Lewis entrusted her with a worn vintage Vico Magistretti chair, which she transformed into a tailored, beautiful, and refined piece covered in mohair velvet. Her process involves addressing the original frame before reupholstering. Recent projects include green velvet slipper chairs and pink silk-blend drapery for fashion designer Adam Lippes, as well as furniture, drapery, and custom beds for Alex Reed-decorated homes. Prices for vintage club chair restoration start at $1,000, while a simple dining chair begins at $120. Redthreads, now located in Industry City, is distinguished for its high-end window treatments, bespoke bedding, and exceptional pattern-matching capabilities. The studio excels at meticulously aligning intricate designs across seams. George Venson, a textile and wallpaper designer for Voutsa, engaged sibling co-owners Yien and Leon Wong to upholster painterly floral Italian-linen slipper chairs for his showroom. For more common items, Redthreads offers services such as side chair upholstery (seat and back) for $275, Parsons chairs for $375, wing chairs for $750, headboards for $950, and loose-back sofas with three cushions for $1,650. Finally, Foam R Us in Astoria is highly recommended for restoring mid-century chairs and repairing high-end vintage furniture. Jack Wilson, who runs the Instagram account Angular Vintage, relies on Foam R Us for challenging repairs, such as reconstructing the crumbled foam and patching rips on a rare Jean Gillon leather chair. The company efficiently replaces missing straps with matching leather and adds new nylon backing, all while staying within budget and meeting deadlines. While they regularly service ordinary recliners, sofas, and window seats, Wilson particularly endorses them for vintage repairs on iconic pieces like Wassily and Pollock chairs. Couch cushion repairs start at $75, and dining room chair repairs begin at $45. #NewYorkUpholsterers #FurnitureRestoration #CustomUpholstery #InteriorDesign #AntiqueFurniture #MidCenturyModern #HomeDecor #TextileCraft #SmallBusinessNYC