Two West Coasters, born and raised in California, decided to move to New York to bring with them the warm atmosphere of a life that was close to the Pacific. They sought out Young Huh, a New York-based designer to bring California-inspired vibes to Central Park. The result? The Park Avenue home is a handsome example of California style with New York drama.
Huh says that they wanted formal areas as they entertain a lot, but they also wanted to retain the cheerful and bright elements of their home. Huh used a warm palette with creams and peaches to balance the two design requirements. Traditional elements like wainscoting or crown moulding were also included in the grand entryway. Huh was able to create the style they wanted with the apartment’s clean lines.It is located in a high-rise building, so it was necessary to add architectural interest.She adds.
The layout of the apartment is arranged in an enfilade between adjacent spaces. Huh notes that the original floor plan was also carried over. „The dining area leads to the study, which opens to the family room,” Huh says. When we planned how to design these rooms, the interior views were taken into consideration. We made sure each view was harmonious. You want to feel like you are always being called forward.
Huh cleverly combined these spaces with contrasting textures and motifs. The dining room, for instance, features softly patterned wallpaper that offsets a stunning chandelier crafted in amber and transparent blown glass resembling a Japanese lantern plant. The chandelier hangs above a dark oak eight-seat dining table that has plenty of space for guests. When viewed from the adjoining room, however, the adjacent office was entirely lined with pale wood panels, which give it a sense of structure. The perfectly crafted mise-en-scene is effectively framed by the gridded wall feature, which is separated by a wide doorway.
Also, the living room and kitchen have sweeping views of Manhattan’s skyline. Huh describes the view from the large windows that overlook Central Park as “the idea here was to maximise this amazing cityscape.” Huh chose sheer curtains for the open kitchen and breakfast nook. This room is arguably the most West Coast-inspired. It allows sunlight to soak the marble countertops and white lacquered cabinets. The curtains are a key part of a larger textile story in the living room. Huh customised the cushions and upholstery. He also added subtle floral motifs to the elegantly decorated room. It is both comfortable and sophisticated. Taking centre stage in the living room is the bold pomegranate rug, which sets the mood for the richly textured space.
Huh says that the furniture is a mixture of antique and new. Huh crafted an elegant blend of styles and eras for the entranceway. She used faceted glass lanterns from the turn-of-the century that she found in England, lavish baroque-style stools made of Italian claw feet, and gilded them with carved gryphons. A minimal console made of curved stone from the ’70s was also included. Huh also used hand-leafed eglomise sandstone panels that she had specially commissioned. She says that the apartment is brand new and she wanted to make it feel special.
Huh furnished the formal living room to be the place for owners’ frequent gatherings. Huh built up a lush yet cheerful palette of pale oranges, peaches, and soft pinks around the rug he designed specifically for the hotel. She mixed eras with matching pieces, such as the Art Deco Dedar-upholstered Bergere chair from Karl Kemp, a vintage Murano Murano chandelier, and an ancient Greek standing Aphrodite that looks over the custom sofa made with fabric by Brunschwig & Fils.
The office is located in the middle of several rooms. This allows the husband to stay in the heart of the home while still working. Huh explains that the organisation of the apartment was crucial. It was open to the public but could also be closed off. The walls were lined with custom light wood millwork, in a gridded design. This acts as a foil for the more intricately patterned wall coverings and textiles.
Huh describes how the wallpaper Huh used to create the room’s design. It is centred around a Fromental cloudy peach wallcovering. Huh used a custom modern specimen dining table by Keith Fritz, and a Murano glass chandelier by Adesso to contrast the dreamy pattern. We wanted it to be elegant, but with a touch of gravitas. So we chose furniture that has a lot of presence.”
When the house was bought, the custom white lacquered Christopher Peacock kitchen cabinets were already in place. They loved the West Coast style and decided to keep the whole set intact.
Huh wanted to preserve the natural light in her breakfast nook, and draw attention to the magnificent views of Manhattan from the window. She chose sheer curtains and a pale colour for the furniture. Huh designed the table and bench, while Manuel Canovas upholstered the latter in the Var Dragee material.
The primary bedroom was designed to be a tranquil haven with neutral colours. However, it features a Bungalow 5 cream leather desk, a two-tier Aerin chandelier, and a Bungalow 5 cream leather desk. Huh also custom-designed a bedside table and shelving unit, which she lined with Sister Parish wallpaper by John Rosselli.
