Floating forty nine stories above Manhattan’s traffic and crowds, this apartment in MoMA’s Museum Tower overlooks Central Park and the Hudson River. The owners wanted to celebrate this island of peace high above the bustling city with open, contemporary spaces, serene colors and fabrics, natural woods, and the sparkle of gold and brass. The project goal was to combine two one-bedroom apartments into a single harmonious space with room enough for entertaining as well as family life. Located at the corner of the building, the large public spaces and the bedroom suites are separated by a generous entry gallery designed to showcase the owners’ diverse collection of South Asian art and antiquities. The paintings and sculptures float on a gold leafed wall, their bright colors and sensual forms enhanced by the glowing leafed surface. This wall sets the tone for seemingly surprising juxtapositions: the refined and the rustic, the shimmering and the subdued, the antique and the modern. This wall delineates the space and draws the visitor toward the north facing public spaces. The open plan of the living room, dining room, and kitchen takes advantage of the incredible views and creates one grand, loft-like space for entertaining. The furnishings combine comfortable upholstered pieces with mid-century Italian and French antiques. Mirrored surfaces are subtly deployed to create added reflections of the glorious view. The sofa, dining table and chandelier are all custom-designed. Each piece merges a strong profile with softer more feminine touches such as pleats and crystal bead swags. The dining table is constructed from a single piece of American Claro walnut with vintage English style brass legs. The sideboard is Piero Luigi Colli, found on a shopping trip to Miami’s design district. The rug is an unusually colored antique Tabriz. Its vivid lavender and apricot tones are echoed by the soft silk velvet throw pillows. All cabinetry is lacquered and embellished with playful baroque brass door pulls. The husband’s office is framed by sliding glass doors and a wood covered wall. Its masculinity is offset by a comfortable chaise, a crocodile skin wrapped parsons table and numerous drawings. Such unexpected combinations of styles create a fresh luxury, one unburdened by a strictly period sensibility. The same outlook is carried through to the private spaces. Within the master bedroom the northern view is framed by a custom designed vanity table and vintage Jeré accoutrements. The walnut bed floats within the space and offers both storage and retractable surfaces from built-in drawers and sliding panels. The closet is hidden behind a cashmere curtain to soften the space and avoid excess doors. A bench – a family heirloom – is hung within a window niche, a perfect perch for evening sunsets. The master bath is spa-like, covered in sand blasted glass tiles with glowing abalone insets. Like pale beach glass the colors and materials create a soothing setting for life’s daily rituals. The overall sense in this apartment is one of a youthful sumptuousness. Not bound by preconceptions or expectations, the final result is refined but eclectic, a reflection of a truly twenty first century global sensibility. Selected from different time periods and cultures, the interiors feel authentic and un-curated, and result in a truly cosmopolitan dwelling.
Designers: Berman Horn Studio
Photography: Michael Moran
