Jane’s Comfortably Luxurious Family Home

published Oct 5, 2011

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

Name: Jane
Location: Upper West Side, New York
Size: 3 bedroom, 3 bath
Years Lived In: 8 years

Jane and her husband have very different approaches to design. While they both have a vested interest, Jane leans heavily towards form and her husband is a big fan of function. Together, however, they have achieved greatness.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Entrance off to left next to mirror and landing strip. Staircase was added to link the two apartments. Kitchen to right beyond dining room. (Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Jane is a designer by profession, so she took the lead seven years ago to create one home out of two apartments — one above the other. Her husband was often by her side, however, selecting furniture and providing the inspiration for the consistent but subtle use of the color blue throughout their home.

Because the building is a product of the 80’s, Jane knew that she had her stylistic limits. She firmly believed in “decorating within the bones of the space.” So, no English Country theme for them! And with one child at the time and another on the way, Jane understood that she would be creating a child-friendly home. She knew that the solution would be design based on ‘soft’ and ’round’ and that she would not have to sacrifice appeal or design quality along the way.

Every room is sophisticated but at the same time oozes soft — both visually and when you take a seat. The furniture and walls are neutral but the accessories and the light are attention grabbing. It’s a huge apartment out of most people’s reach, but at every turn, there are accessible design solutions that universally motivate and inspire. This home is a success, for sure!

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Apartment Therapy Survey

Style: Contemporary, modern, clean, calming…

Inspiration: Mid-century modern, Gwathmey Siegal, Lee Mindel

Favorite Element: Cherry built-ins which include a built-in wine cooler and a built-in hamper in the bedroom! ☺

Biggest Challenge: Combining 2 apartments into one and making sure we had a gracious staircase between them!

What Friends Say: They love the fact that it is modern but warm. Very child friendly for our 2 growing boys…

Biggest Embarrassment: That we had to give up not one but TWO working fireplaces to get the layout we wanted!

Proudest DIY: I decorated the whole place myself .

Biggest Indulgence: B&B Italia couches.

Best Advice: Do everything at one time because once you’re done and you move in you really won’t get around to doing it later…

Dream Source: Anything made by George Nakashima

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Resources:

LIVING ROOM

OFFICE
• Poliform cabinets
• Eames chair
• Le Corbusier chair
• Rug from West Elm

FAMILY ROOM
• Desk from Sonrisa
• Couches from Kreiss
• Bookshelf from Blue Dot
• Media console from DDC

MASTER BEDROOM
• Bed from Desiron
• Dresser from Baker
• Chair from Le Corbusier

PLAYROOM/GUESTROOM
• Desk and chairs from Ikea
• Frames from Ikea
• convertible couch/bed from Ligne Roset

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Thanks, Jane!

Images: Jill Slater

• HOUSE TOUR ARCHIVE Check out past house tours here
• Interested in sharing your home with Apartment Therapy? Contact the editors through our House Tour Submission Form.
• Are you a designer/architect/decorator interested in sharing a residential project with Apartment Therapy readers? Contact the editors through our Professional Submission Form.

Filed in:

Apartment