New York’s excitement and energy is undeniably enchanting, but it also drives city dwellers to seek a respite from the city’s noise and frenetic pace. That’s exactly what a Manhattan couple wanted when they contacted Décor Aid to transform their brownstone into a tranquil home for themselves and their two young children.
The five-level home was narrow and did not get an abundance of natural light, so our master designer focused on planning and brightening the space through the use of sophisticated neutrals and light wood floors. The clients wanted a clean, uncluttered look, so our master designer incorporated a lot of storage hidden behind custom floor-to-ceiling wall units. The couple loves to entertain, so our designer added a bar off the front parlor in the first floor pass-through. The kitchen is on the second floor, so this saves them from having to run up and down the stairs while entertaining. And when the bar is not in use, it can be closed up behind the walnut doors.
The homeowners had an affinity for mid-century modern furniture and lighting, and they wanted that style to juxtapose with the brownstone’s more traditional architectural details. It was important to the clients that they find original mid-century pieces, not reproductions, so the designer scoured furniture stores, showrooms, and flea markets nationwide and abroad, plus online, to find the right elements. They also wanted to incorporate their Persian heritage, which our designer referenced through rugs and other pieces throughout the home.
The clients wanted to make an impact in the entryway, which features a herringbone wood floor and is punctuated by the dramatic gilded mirror, which is original to the house. A glittering mid-century chandelier complements the piece.
Upstairs on the master suite level, our designer created a sanctuary for the homeowners with a luxurious bathroom that features floor-to-ceiling Carrara marble, a floating wooden vanity, a sculptural soaking tub, and a separate shower with rainfall shower head. The master bedroom incorporates elegant neutral textiles with warm wood accents and glamorous mid-century lighting.