An Actor’s Modern New York Apartment Gets Warmed Up

Written by

Allie M. Harper
Allie M. Harper
Allie M. Harper is a writer living in Philadelphia. She has an unhealthy obsession with antique Persian rugs and anything that even resembles the color mint.
published Nov 9, 2016
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Project by: Carrie McCall of CKM Home Design
Location: New York, New York

Springtime in Central Park year-round? Yes, please! Good thing Carrie McCall of CKM Home Design figured out how to give one homeowner just that with a large-scale cherry blossom mural right next to a floor-to-ceiling window. Faced with turning an ultra-modern one-bedroom Manhattan condo into a warm and fabulous—and spacious—residence for a young aspiring actor, the designer came up with the perfect material mix and made use of every nook and cranny in a way that gives each piece its due time in the limelight.

We can picture McCall’s client sitting right there at that desk, studying her lines. New York is, after all, a concrete jungle where dreams are made of.

From Carrie:

This project began as a brand-new sleek and bare one-bedroom apartment in an ultra-modern luxury condominium at 50 United Nations Plaza, which was designed by the esteemed architecture firm Foster + Partners. The client—a fashionable and sophisticated 22-year-old aspiring actress—was looking for a warm, glamorous aesthetic that melded with the building’s contemporary vibe and architecture. The space included many typical New York City apartment nuances requiring some creative design strategies and elements: for example, there was one large open-space living and dining area, and an awkward narrow nook that needed a purpose and some personality but also had some impressive design elements worth maximizing like oversized windows and high ceilings.

CKM Home Design took the stark space from a blank canvas to a warm, mixed-media masterpiece by adding layers of texture, color and light. We used strategic furniture placement to help define and separate the living area and the designated dining area. A low, sizable sectional sofa from Ligne Roset takes the stage in the living area with the dining space tucked behind it in its own nook adjacent to floor-to-ceiling windows that allow city lights to add to the dinnertime ambience. We hung an extra-large smoked-glass chandelier from the ceiling to define the living space, emphasize the room’s height and reflect light off the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. A mix of textures and finishes balance the desired cozy but stylish vibe: a carved wood dining tabletop, leather dining chairs, an acrylic coffee table, walnut-wood floating bookcases from HomeGoods, the linen-and-suede sofa, a velvet accent chair from Room & Board, a soft throw, and more.

The awkward narrow nook was transformed into an inspiring, peaceful and glamorous workspace. We created an illusion of increased space and dimension by applying a custom mural of the Central Park cherry blossom trees. Even in the dead of winter, this space is reminiscent of warm spring days. A delicate brass-and-glass writing desk from West Elm and a streamlined but soft linen chair add that touch of glamour.

We warmed up the previously cold master bedroom with a deep but soothing plum paint color and lots of soft, textured elements to create an inviting space, including an ivory shag rug, a luxurious fur throw, a velvet headboard and frame, and a walnut dresser and nightstands from ABC Carpet & Home. These warm elements were melded with a glass chandelier, which reflects off the beaded, framed wall mirrors mounted behind the nightstands that give further depth and dimension to the room.

This is a timeless and stylish space that the young client can relish in now and easily grow into for years to come.

Thank you for sharing, Carrie McCall of CKM Home Design!

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