This Incredibly Elegant Apartment Is Surprisingly Kid-Proof
Scuffs, dings and smudges just add to the ambiance.
Christopher Sturman
Designer Celerie Kemble finds the playful side of sophisticated colors in a Manhattan apartment that's refined enough for the urbane parents but rambunctious enough for high-energy kids. Interview by Kathleen Hackett | Produced by Senga Mortimer & Dayle Wood
1
Foyer
Christopher Sturman
In the entry hall, custom-colored Floribunda wallpaper by Kemble for Fromental incorporates some of the clients' favorite flowers. The ceiling pendant is a Morris Large lantern from Visual Comfort. A vintage pillow from Madeline Weinrib is a striking contrast to a tufted cushion in Fermoie's Poulton Stripe on the Emery & Cie Ecailles bench.
2
Living Room
Christopher Sturman
Kemble treats rugs as works of art and chooses them at the end as a finishing touch, as she did with the living room's antique Tabriz. The pair of Serpentine sofas, by Kemble for Henredon, is covered in Duke mohair velvet by Pierre Frey. A vintage rope mirror from John Rosselli Antiques bounces light into the room. The curtains are in Scalamandré's Savanna silk blend, and the plaster walls were custom tinted to resemble the inside of a seashell.
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3
Dining Room
Christopher Sturman
Kemble painted the dining room in a Fine Paints of Europe lacquer matched to a Pantone color. Kemble's Yves dining table and Cassandra chairs in a George Spencer Designs velvet are from Henredon.
4
Tablescape
Christopher Sturman
Red wine glasses echo the color of the walls.
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5
Study
Christopher Sturman
Kemble conjured a dapper men's suit for the study and executed it by covering the walls in County Tweed, a checked wool by Holland & Sherry. The Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams sofa is covered in Moore & Giles's Brompton leather and the custom armchairs are in a Verel de Belval silk velvet. The Ralph Lauren Home pendant light is from Visual Comfort.
6
Family Room
Christopher Sturman
Kemble wanted the den to have an inviting "feet-up" sensibility. The floor is covered in 10 different vintage Moroccan rugs that create an enveloping vibe. She chose all the fabrics in the room to be comfy and durable, so the family can relax together.
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7
Artwork
Christopher Sturman
The homeowner worked with an art consultant to select the African pieces on display in the den. The Barkskin wallpaper from Caba Company allows the midnight-blue paint on the walls to show through. A sculptural lamp adds to the curated feeling of the room.
8
Kitchen
Christopher Sturman
This urban take on a farmhouse kitchen features jewelry-like brass hardware, a painted floor and two Wolf ovens. The cabinetry, in Benjamin Moore's White Dove, along with white-tiled walls and a milk-glass chandelier, gives the small space a luminous, sun-drenched feeling.
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9
Breakfast Nook
Christopher Sturman
A pedestal table from Soane serves as a gathering place where the family of six can share breakfast or afternoon snacks. The custom leather banquette features storage underneath, and the designer had the Urban Electric Co. light fixtures painted a deep green to add warmth.
10
Master Bedroom
Christopher Sturman
A hand-painted tea-paper wallcovering by Kemble for Fromental gives the master bedroom a soft warmth. The exterior canopy and bed skirt are in Manuel Canovas's Solange fabric, and Leontine Linens' bedding has a curvaceous border that helps visually anchor the bed in the ethereal space.
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11
Seating Area
Christopher Sturman
In the master bedroom, tufted armchairs upholstered in Holland & Sherry's Kensington wool felt are oriented to watch the TV that slides out from under the bed.
12
Closet
Christopher Sturman
The Shelly chandelier by Currey & Company in the dressing room illuminates the gold marbling of Calico's Wabi wallcovering.
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13
Boy's Bedroom
Christopher Sturman
A rainbow-hued Italian Sputnik-style chandelier hangs in a boy's bedroom; a trellis-print Phillip Jeffries grass cloth covers the walls.