Carl Hansen & Son chairs surround the Knoll table where a L’Object bowl is placed.
Carl Hansen & Son chairs surround the Knoll table where a L’Object bowl is placed.

April 21, 2022

Words: Karine Monié

Photography: Sean Litchfield

This Upper West Side Apartment Reflects a Perfect Visual Balance

On the Upper West Side of Manhattan, this 2,400-square-foot apartment, with architecture recently modernized by StudioLAB Design, occupies a building built in 1925. For the interiors, the New York City couple who reside here with their two-year-old and dog trusted the team of Justin Charette Design for the third time. “We had to approach this home in a more kid-friendly way given the homeowners had a newborn when we started the project,” remembers Charette. 

The creative vision for the home centers around durability, functionality, style and budget. “The clients chose to spend in certain areas, such as some of the lighting and art, but wanted the high-touch items to be more reasonably priced,” says Charette. The entire perimeter of the apartment comprises built-in cabinetry, which not only conceals HVAC units but also provides abundant storage. As the owners needed multipurpose spaces, the living room hosts a sleeper sofa and the playroom features a queen sofa bed.

An artwork by Joelle Somero adorns the foyer where the pedestal is by Ferm Living, the bench is by Kylle Sebree and the mirror is by Crate and Barrel.
An artwork by Joelle Somero adorns the foyer where the pedestal is by Ferm Living, the bench is by Kylle Sebree and the mirror is by Crate and Barrel.

While the palette is mostly neutral, the homeowners wanted to be able to easily introduce color over time to mix things up. Some patterns and carefully selected hues were introduced throughout. “The interior reflects the clients’ taste, especially the wife/mother,” says Charette. “She has a mostly black wardrobe and likes to inject color in small doses.”

Counter stools by Design Within Reach and pendants by Lambert & Fils make the kitchen functional.
Counter stools by Design Within Reach and pendants by Lambert & Fils make the kitchen functional.

The overall atmosphere gives a feeling of calm but some unexpected elements, such as the star wallpaper on the kid’s room ceiling, offer moments of playfulness. To respect the couple’s brief, which called for a low-maintenance home with no sharp edges for their two-year-old son, the interior designer used leather furniture, high-performance fabrics, stain-proof surfaces, and performance material rugs. “It is a family friendly home that’s high on style and low on maintenance,” Charette concludes. 

Carl Hansen & Son chairs surround the Knoll table where a L’Object bowl is placed.
Carl Hansen & Son chairs surround the Knoll table where a L’Object bowl is placed.
The Lindsey Adelman chandelier and William Sonoma Home art complement the look.
The Lindsey Adelman chandelier and William Sonoma Home art complement the look.
Above the American Leather sectional, which sits on a Stark rug in the living room, the artwork is by Bradley Duncan. The coffee table is by Rove Concepts and the floor lamp is by Serge Mouille.
Above the American Leather sectional, which sits on a Stark rug in the living room, the artwork is by Bradley Duncan. The coffee table is by Rove Concepts and the floor lamp is by Serge Mouille.
The kid’s playroom is furnished with a Design Within Reach sleeper sofa complemented by a Pottery Barn Mickey pillow and a CB2 White pillow. The ceiling lamp is by Serge Mouille and the star wallpaper is by Cole and Sons. The Lalo play table and chairs sit on a Crate and Barrel rug while the art is from Minted.
The kid’s playroom is furnished with a Design Within Reach sleeper sofa complemented by a Pottery Barn Mickey pillow and a CB2 White pillow. The ceiling lamp is by Serge Mouille and the star wallpaper is by Cole and Sons. The Lalo play table and chairs sit on a Crate and Barrel rug while the art is from Minted.
The Design Within Reach bed features Signoria Firenze blue bedding.
The Design Within Reach bed features Signoria Firenze blue bedding.
In the main bedroom, the table lamps by Kelly Wearstler combine with the custom grey art.
In the main bedroom, the table lamps by Kelly Wearstler combine with the custom grey art.
The nursery includes a Room and Board crib.
The nursery includes a Room and Board crib.
In the nursery, the Room and Board crib, Wayfair rocker, West Elm rug and Cole and Sons Woods wallpaper create a cozy atmosphere.
In the nursery, the Room and Board crib, Wayfair rocker, West Elm rug and Cole and Sons Woods wallpaper create a cozy atmosphere.

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