At first glance this could be an apartment in Paris in the manner of Jacques Grange. It has all the hallmarks of a luxe jewel box of a pied a terre.
It is jam packed with French and English furniture, an interesting collection of art and objet, with a soupcon of color and texture used just so.
It's all in the details. The apartment is located on the upper east side of Manhattan in New York. It has been occupied for nearly ten years by the couple, who have added things from their travels around the world, but especially with things found in Paris.
They added some architectural flourishes too, including columns, marble floors mixed in with hardwoods and fitted carpets, and just the right amount of mirrors to open up the space.
The effect is both homey and luxurious, a magical alchemy indeed.
Nothing was acquired because of pedigree, but purchased from the heart. This couple buys what it loves regardless. It can be high or low, old or new.
Focal points unite the mix. A beautiful rock crystal chandelier from Paris sets the tone in the living room.
The marble fireplace comes from Paris, as does the incredible mirror over the mantle.
The Chinese red accent wall echoes the antique Chinoiserie chest with the blue and white porcelain displayed on top.
The built in storage on either side of the fireplace houses many things, including a couple of sets of china and silver.
The details are what makes the place sing. Vignettes liberally feature Chinoiserie biblelots.
Draperies and pillows are layered and nuanced.
An old door from China was turned into a one-of-a-kind coffee table.
There is a small dining room you can get a peek of from the living room.
The beautiful antique table is from Paris.
The small window on the air shaft even gets silk drapes and a matching Roman shade. The sconces hung on top of mirror panels is space saving, and feels so much like Paris.
The dining room is used everyday.
In fact the couple entertains in the apartment a great deal. They have had forty for cocktails at holiday time. They put a huge Christmas tree up between the white columns. It must look spectacular!
The Chinoiserie console table acts as a serving table. The couple collects fine drawings, not only because they love them, but also because the scale is right for the apartment.
The kitchen is tiny of course. But that didn't deter them from decorating it with panache. The dark brown panelled walls reflect light, along with mirror and stainless steel.
I love the way the this photograph is hung on the mirror wall in the kitchen.
The master bedroom is due for an overhaul, so says the couple.
I love the black and white Chinoiserie toile mixed with the classic French checks mixed with the fitted leopard print carpet.
I think they want to modernize a bit, perhaps doing a more mid century inspired room.
There are two small bathrooms in the apartment. Of course they are grand in style. Both are mirror and marble covered, and have the best fixtures. They look like bathrooms in a fine hotel in Paris. The guest bathroom has an amusing wallpaper creating a book lined space.
So many vignettes draw you in. The top of the antique English dresser in the guest room is filled with charming photographs.
Striped wallpaper in the guest room makes you feel like you are on the inside of a pretty hat box!
Alberto and I had the great pleasure of visiting with our friends who live in this wonderful apartment, and staying here for part of our recent trip to New York. I hope you enjoy this private tour, a glimpse into New York style and grace.
Please click on images for larger views and more details.
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