The Layered Look – Making a Living Space Even More Livable

I want to share a few before and after images of a recent project to illustrate how even a newly renovated home benefits from an added layer of personalized, thoughtful design.

Located in the Flatiron neighborhood of Manhattan, the apartment is large - spreading from the front to back of the building. It has the best of both worlds – open plan living spaces plus dedicated private bedrooms, play, and work areas. When my clients - a family of four - first called me about this great space, they had somewhat recently finished renovating the architectural interior of their new home. In particular, the apartment was extensively fitted with millwork (or built-ins) throughout, a new mantle and stone fireplace surround had been added to the gas fireplace, the floors had been refinished, and there was extensive architectural lighting.

They had many quality pieces of furniture from their previous home. In some cases a few excess pieces and in other instances “bald spots” or missing elements. My project was to finish and unify the space, provide some design coherence between the furnishings and the architecture, and also, I felt, to add some warmth and make this impressive space a home for the family.

Taking cues from the family's interests and lifestyle, I used a layering technique to fill out the space. Building off of the architectural color palette and tailored quality of the living area millwork, I added depth and coherence with similar tonal fabrics, soft but tailored window treatments, an inviting seating area, floor coverings, and new furniture elements. I also layered the Master Bedroom with a cozy, elegant, sexy look complete with custom window shades and drapery, clean storage pieces, coordinated floor coverings and lighting. For the kitchen, I riffed off an existing red accessory and unified the space with red chair pads, a custom framed collection of vintage vinyl artwork, and simple textural roller blinds - all of which allowed the white marble kitchen to shine.

Before...

And After...

A seating area with a finished fireplace meets guests upon entry. A modern and inviting parlor.

The living area through to the dining Area. Upholstery, floor coverings and window treatments provide connection across the open plan space.

Functional and elegant entryway elements. Storage, texture, and beauty combined.

New dining area seating and window coverings complement the existing architectural elements.

Custom, double layered window treatments soften the master bedroom and new, clean-lined storage and lighting.

Red accents and very special rock vinyl art punctuate the kitchen. The inspiration for another blog post.

I hope you enjoy. Feel free to ask questions in the comments section below about how your space can be made even more livable.