Uptown Glamour at Manhattan House by Celerie Kemble

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Name: Celerie Kemble
Location: Upper East Side — New York, New York
Size: 1,861-square-feet — 2-bedroom condo

The recent renovation of the Manhattan House buffs an already treasured architectural gem. Giving Celerie Kemble the opportunity to design and create an extravagant two-bedroom residence brings to life the ultimate urban living experience.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Entryway with living space in the rear. (Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Celerie had access to an extensive design budget and about five months to put together this model apartment — the lap of luxury high above the upper east side. She juxtaposed 60’s era furniture in homage to the building’s vintage, with classic upholstery patterns. For a very personal touch, she brought in artists and illustrators to paint the walls as if they were canvases. These wall treatments are delicate patterns and murals that resemble but surpass wallpaper. A visitor can’t help but get very close to touch, look and debate whether it is wallpaper after all.

Textures, subtle coloring and beautiful vignettes work together to form a ‘done’ space. One feels instantly elegant upon crossing the threshold.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Apartment Therapy Survey

Style: Eclectic, moody, and glamorous with a touch of retro fashion fun.

Inspiration: Old black and white films, the idea of a Palm Beacher in New York.

Favorite Element: Horizontal striped walls in a high gloss lacquer done by Cheron Tomkins and a custom dyed dahlia-pink shagreen coffee table by Etched Design.

Biggest Challenge: A model apartment is a financial, not personal investment. This was an unusual challenge — to make a space feel like a distinct personality and shape it, when in fact every step taken was to cater to a very rational objective.

What Friends Say: They would love to entertain here.

Biggest Embarrassment: Eating my nine month pregnant body weight in beef lollypops at the opening night party. A ban on martini drinking makes for an even more gluttonous, grabby decorator. The wait staff were desperately against me…hoping to distribute at least a few hors d’oeuvres to the guests.

Proudest DIY: Using fabric glue to apply a tape trim to the skirted sofas, curtains, and lamp shades.

Biggest Indulgence: The Odegard dining table — a apricot and grey sandstone slab with carved pedestal bases.

Dream Source: Waylande Gregory — yheir gold ceramic plates and pottery capture exactly the old New York, retro, glam-meets-Palm Beach vibe we sought.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Resources:

MEDIA ROOM

ENTRYWAY

Cheron Tomkins

DINING ROOM

LIVING ROOM

MASTER BEDROOM

KIDS’ ROOM

Images: Jill Slater

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