Samantha Tannehill Transforms West Chelsea Pied-à-Terre

Samantha Tannehill of Tannehill Interiors designed a sophisticated pied-à-terre in West Chelsea, New York City, demonstrating a contemporary approach to residential design. This project highlights how global craft languages can be authentically integrated without cultural appropriation, fostering a space that reflects the client’s international travel and service experiences. The design focuses on intentional material curation to create a cohesive connection between local and global aesthetics within the apartment. The living area is characterized by the anchoring presence of bouclé chairs, complemented by handwoven textures. Velvet cushions and linen wallpaper from Dedar contribute to a layered tactile experience. The entryway sets the initial tone with Farrow & Ball’s Dimity 2008 paint, chosen for its ability to subtly shift in appearance throughout the day due to its rich pigmentation and complex undertones, thereby enhancing the living quality of the color as a material. The renovation of the apartment began after a flood prompted the owners to consider updates. Having a prior neighborly relationship with Tannehill, the conversation evolved from initial inquiries about flooring and contractors to a comprehensive redesign aimed at personalizing the home to the owners' personalities and lifestyle. This collaborative process underscores the importance of a strong client-designer relationship. A central feature of the apartment is a gallery wall displaying African art pieces. These artworks are not merely decorative but are positioned as fundamental elements that inform the overall spatial narrative, acting as cultural bridges. This approach avoids superficial exoticism, instead integrating global influences as meaningful components of the design. The apartment also incorporates natural fibers through baskets and various decorative objects, contributing to an eclectic, bohemian aesthetic. Tannehill describes the space as having both deliberately curated elements and pieces that have been accumulated over time, reflecting a lived-in and personal quality. Key design elements and brands utilized in the project include bouclé for seating, velvet for soft furnishings, Dedar for linen wallpaper, and Farrow & Ball for paint, specifically Dimity 2008. The inclusion of African art and natural fiber objects further defines the apartment's unique character. The project successfully blends modern design principles with culturally rich elements, resulting in a residence that is both contemporary and deeply personal. Photography for the project was provided by Patrick Xiong. #InteriorDesign #WestChelsea #PiedATerre #SamanthaTannehill #TannehillInteriors #GlobalInfluence #CulturalCraft #ContemporaryDesign #NewYorkCity #InteriorDesign #WestChelsea #PiedATerre #SamanthaTannehill #TannehillInteriors #GlobalInfluence #CulturalCraft #ContemporaryDesign #NewYorkCity