NYC Interior Design: A Sneak Peek at Progress
Our holiday gift to you… updates on our Upper East Side apartment design (see our project introduction post here). Earlier this month, we stopped by the project to review the paint, wallpaper, and light fixture installation. The first deliveries of furniture arrived, featuring many custom pieces, mid-century modern elements, and items from our client’s home in Concord, Massachusetts (we also designed their historic New England home—linked here). Today, we’re giving you a sneak peek at the progress. While there’s plenty left to finish, we’re on track to photograph this custom NYC apartment this spring!
Custom Light Fixtures: 8 Weeks Worth the Wait
Our client loves color, and we were thrilled to source from Urban Electric for custom colored light fixtures. Starting with the corridor, a soft blue ceiling (coordinating blue wallpaper is coming soon) pairs perfectly with chartreuse and bronze fixtures. The shared guest bathroom boasts a deep turquoise fixture that compliments the white and brown Schumacher wallcovering. In the primary bathroom, we added a dusty pink light fixture to align with the painted pink ceiling. Ultra-femme, ultra-fun…. not basic.
Living Room Luxe: Custom Pieces That Wow
The living room is the heart of this apartment, and it’s coming to life with pieces from our favorite upholstery vendor, Verellen. We chose European fabrics that are anything but ordinary. A curvy striped sofa, upholstered in indoor/outdoor fabric (kid and dog-friendly, of course), anchors the room – fabric from C&C Milano. Two armless chairs, wrapped in a woven Pierre Frey textile, add texture and color, with a mix of burgundy, camel, and neutrals. The result…. a living room that feels layered, playful, and totally unique. We’re still working on the coffee and side tables.
Color, Pattern, and More Pattern: We Love Wallpaper
In the shared bathroom, Schumacher’s feathered wallpaper adds natural, organic vibes with a pop of aqua. The girls’ bedroom is a playful retreat, thanks to a geometric mural from Schumacher with pink and light blue accents. A chic lamp from Room & Board brings style without breaking the bank—proof that a high-low mix works wonders (but we do have full intentions of replacing the shade). Finally, in the primary bedroom, Zak+Fox striped wallpaper sets the stage. Larsen embroidered linen drapery panels—unlined to let in natural light—finish the look beautifully.
The Son’s Bedroom: Cool, Calm, and Collected
For the son’s bedroom, we paired a moody Zak+Fox geometric wallpaper with neutral Roman shades featuring a subtle pattern. A custom trundle bed maximizes functionality and sits nicely in the corner of the room. A contemporary desk from Design Within Reach and a patterned area rug from Room & Board complete this practical yet masculine space. Note – we use this area rug all the time, another Room & Board find! Affordable and chic.
More of the Primary Bedroom: High Ceilings, High Drama
The primary bedroom continues to shine with linear Zak+Fox wallpaper and more of the Larsen embroidered drapery panels. We couldn’t resist showing off the maroon chandelier from Blueprint Lighting. With 10-foot ceilings in this newly built Upper East Side apartment, we had the freedom to install sculptural, statement-making pieces. This chandelier is a showstopper – a deep burgundy metal paired with brass. Yes, please.
What’s Next for This NYC Interior Design Project
OK, we still have work to do. On the horizon: a custom dining table from Abner Henry, coffee tables, and a stunning custom armoire crafted in Germany. We’re also curating a collection of custom pillows, luxury bedding, and one-of-a-kind art pieces. With any luck, we’ll have more updates to share this winter—and professional photos ready by spring. Yay for progress!
Stay tuned for updates on this Upper East Side project and others in New York City. We love the opportunity to travel to NYC and bring unique designs to life in such an iconic setting.
