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Name: Kris Fuchs
Location: Upper East Side, New York, New York
Size: 5,000 square feet
Years lived in: 8 years; Owned

When the elevator opens and you step into the Fuchs' family home, you are introduced to the space through a small room distinguished by dark walls, soothing light and such stylish details that it should prepare you for what is revealed when the sizable door is swung open, but a surprise is in store for you nonetheless.

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Stepping into the grand hallway, white walls gleam and their shine reflects a gorgeous George Nakashima bench which sits in direct contrast with the ultra modern white walls, yet creates a perfect balance in the space. Somehow the qualities of the bench, raw and organic yet refined, are made even stronger when witnessed in this environment.

Peer further into the distance, and a grand piano stands proudly behind a custom white goat fur bench. The organic texture of the fur next to the Steinway's sleek lines is another contrast, and is a reminder of our ability to at once be civilized and hold our place in the natural world.

Before my visit, I had heard of a room that held particular interest to me — one that is covered floor, ceiling and wall-to-wall in orange corduroy. My curiosity was piqued, and yet I couldn't imagine what such a room would feel like. I made a beeline for the den and was absolutely blown away by the warm sensation that being in this room created. It was a unique and brave choice that paid off and adds so much to the home.

Apartment Therapy Survey:

My Style: My style, for both home and fashion, is a mix of classic modern silhouettes paired with unexpected statement pieces either from (or inspired by) the 70s and 80s. Sometimes I throw in a little art deco for some shimmery glamour. Comfort is always a priority. Soft fabrics with give. My architect David Mann and interior designer Chris Kraig know me and my style so thoroughly. This house is really a reflection of who I am and the things I love.

Inspiration: Honestly, a lot of my home design inspiration comes from our clients at SUITE NY. We cater to the top modern interior designers in the country, and images of their latest work is always crossing my desk. I am constantly inspired by their designs and how they find fresh new ways to use items from our collection. Lately, I am not embarrassed to say how much I love Pinterest. I follow and share all categories of design, from residential and commercial interior design to fashion, art and architecture. I am also inspired by my teenage daughters, who each have a great natural style of their own and keep me abreast of what's "not cool anymore, mom."

Favorite Element: Funny you should ask… my favorite element is the use of natural materials, such as glass, wood, stone and fire, that we applied throughout the space to create an "elemental" feel that I find beautiful and comforting. Some wood objects that we used are a George Nakashima bench to warm the entry, BassamFellows Tractor Stools to ground the otherwise fully upholstered media den, and a vintage wooden mobile by Geoss Kazara in my office. I also love my art collection. I am fortunate to have some really amazing art that I've collected over the years.

Biggest Challenge: When I purchased the apartment, it was a 5,000 sq foot box with just a few walls, designed with the intention that it would be a modern loft. That just didn't feel homey to me. I wanted the space to feel like a family home, where my girls and their friends would love to hang out and feel comfortable. I also wanted it to be full of beautiful design, art and objects, without appearing pretentious or staged. David Mann, principal of MR Architecture, created the apartment of my dreams, and I am thankful for it every day.

What Friends Say: When they enter our media room, which has no windows and is upholstered floor to ceiling with cozy wide wale orange corduroy, everyone always says "I WOULD NEVER LEAVE THIS ROOM."

Biggest Embarrassment: I'd tell you, but then…

Proudest DIY: Five or six years ago, while in Milan for the furniture fair, I saw this vintage Azzedine Alaia jacket in raw untreated leather that had thin wired pliable cuffs. It was just the coolest thing. Immediately my business partner (and best friend for 30+years) Maria and I said "We've got to do something with this." We set about designing a home object that has become affectionately known as the "Leather Bowl." Available in three sizes, they are the perfect versatile catch-all for bathroom towels, a cozy throw in the living room or for keys and wallets at the front door. We designed and manufactured them all on our own and they have been part of my home and the SUITE NY collection ever since.

Biggest Indulgence: I have a few. First I have to say, my Grand Steinway piano, because… I don't play. I always dreamed of playing. A Steinway grand takes over a year to make and, to me, is one of the most amazing handcrafted objects. It may sound cheesy, but I feel that each piano has its own soul. I had a fluffy Angora goat skin pouf made for it instead of the traditional tufted leather stool. Together I think they are just the most beautiful pair of objects. My other indulgence was the custom carpets that we created for the living and dining room by V'Soske and custom carpet for the master bedroom by Edward Fields, accented in my favorite color, lavender. Lastly, and this one is a bit boring, are the industrial washer and dryers in our laundry room — because they just keep our whites whiter.

Best Advice: The best advice I ever heard from a design perspective was actually given to me before SUITE NY came along. Legendary interior designer Thomas Britt once said to me that lighting is the most important element in your home. It sets the stage for ambiance, mood and how people look and feel. He was right.

Dream Sources: I like to think I've created my own dream design source with SUITE NY. My business partner Maria Sepulveda and I have literally taken the things that we love, and curated a collection that we would want to shop from. For vintage, I would say I would love to raid the personal design archive of Michael Maharam of Maharam fabrics. Besides being the finest purveyor of design-oriented luxury textiles in the industry, Michael Maharam has a private collection of mid century designs and textiles that may be the best in the world.

Resources of Note:

PAINT & COLORS

    • Benjamin Moore / Simply White

ENTRY

    • Poul Kjaerholm PK91 Folding Stool - SUITE NY
    • Mirror- Wendall Castle -1971
    • Leather wall tiles - Edelman Leather
    • Door knob - Nanz
    • Flower Bronze - Joel Shapiro
    • Wood Bench - George Nakashima 1971

LIVING ROOM

    • Supai Limestone Slab - Walker Zanger
    • Custom Carpet designed by Chris Kraig - V'Soske

DINING ROOM

    • Supai Limestone slab - Walker Zanger
    • Cerused Oak paneling - AE Greyson
    • Hans Wegner China Chairs - SUITE NY
    • Door knob - Nanz
    • Sculpture - John Chamberlain
    • Custom Carpet designed by Chris Kraig - V'Soske

KITCHEN

    • Mouille suspension light fixture- JF Chen reproduction
    • Glas Italia "Vertigo" table - SUITE NY
    • kitchen chairs- set of six Friso Kramer Compass chairs 1950
    • Supai Limestone Slab - Walker Zanger
    • Lacquer and Stainless millwork - AE Greyson
    • Blackboard paint - Benjamin Moore / Chalkboard

MEDIA ROOM

    • BassamFellows Tractor Stools - SUITE NY

MASTER BEDROOM

    • Vanity - Gio Ponti
    • Wall sconces - NOLL
    • Circle bed - Cappelini
    • Face of fireplace - Neoclad Architectural Systems Inc.
    • Walnut Flooring by AE Greyson
    • Polished Venetian plaster by Fresco Decorative Painting
    • Custom Carpet designed by Chris Kraig - V'Soske

MASTER BATHROOM

    • Supai Limestone tile - Walker Zanger
    • Wall mount faucet - Lefroy Brooks
    • Custom vanity - AE Greyson
    • Custom towel bar - AE Greyson
    • Tub - Viceversa by Agape

DAUGHTER'S BEDROOMS

    • Catifa 46 task chairs - SUITE NY

Thanks, Kris!

(Images: Liana Walker)

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