This one-bedroom condo was purchased as a second residence and a city retreat for a prominent media executive. “Our client wanted to be closer to her adult children who both live and work in New York City,” says Alexii Friedman of Studio Friedman. “It was meant to create a home base for visiting throughout the year without the burden of booking hotels or navigating travel arrangements.”
The homeowner desired a place that felt comfortably luxurious, and being in Chelsea, it was important that Studio Friedman focused on celebrating the locale through the design and art curation. “I adore the vibrancy of this neighborhood,” Alexii tells us. “It’s rich in history and coveted for its gallery scene. There is an energy in Chelsea that is fueled by creativity.”
Alexii and the Studio Friedman team had worked with the client on her primary residence in Philadelphia, so their shared “design language” was already established. “It made for a dream scenario and expedited design process,” Alexii explains. “The client wanted this home to be a departure from her main residence, but just as beautiful, and with the same emphasis on collaborating with makers and artisans as we had done before. We set out to create a little jewel box.”
The building and residences were newly constructed and beautifully designed by Robert AM Stern and Olson Kundig, and Alexii says their scope of work was to bring the 750-square-foot apartment to life with furnishings, wall finishes, integrated window treatments, and AV and lighting control.
“When entering through the front door there is a small entry with a direct sightline into the main living space,” the designer explains. “With an entryway being a landing and launch pad, we needed to figure out a way to still incorporate use of space. So, we designed a miniature console in bronze that ungulates like swaying fabric. The design incorporated a soft indentation at the top to recess smaller items such as keys which helped to maximize the usable surface space. It is just big enough to hold a handbag or place a stack of mail and creates a sculptural moment.” The console shelf and bronze mirror frame were fabricated in collaboration with Warren Holtzman of Iron Studio, and the space is finished with a Christian Berard pen-and-ink drawing.
The main living space was designed with the client’s lifestyle in mind. “She did not require a formal dining table but did need a dedicated space to accommodate the occasional drinks and hors d’oeuvres before dinner out, or a WFH scenario,” Alexii says. “We designed a floating banquette, inspired by the curves of the Vladimir Kagan mini sofa. The banquette is paired with a travertine pedestal table and a single armchair chair and ottoman, all which easily tuck to maximize circulation.”
Cleverly, the banquette does not impede on the limited floor space. “This smaller footprint allowed us to put more emphasis on the living area which needed to comfortably seat upwards of 6 people,” Alexii says. “Even though the space is compact, we were able to maintain a seating arrangement that doesn’t crowd. The curved Kagan sofa softens the division between lounge and dining and is complemented by custom leather and lucite coffee tables for a lightweight and open feel. We sourced smaller vintage club chairs by Karpen that offer the comfort level of a larger lounge chair. The living space is anchored by an Amuneal shelving unit and a Ladies and Gentlemen Shape Up pendant fixture. The artwork was sourced through local galleries and includes pieces from Andrew Zimmerman and Fran Shalom to compliment the modern aesthetic and celebrate the neighborhood artists.”
Finally, Studio Friedman set their sights on the bedroom, bathroom, and primary closet. “There is a small hall to define the transition from public to private space with a pocket door to close off the bedroom suite from the main living area,” Alexii shares. “The walls in the hall are treated with a richer paint to create an intimate feeling in coordination with the bedroom palette. We wanted the bedroom to feel luxurious, calming, and textural, with a warm monochromatic palette—it’s an intentional shift from the brighter vibrancy of the main living space.” The bedroom features an integrated Gio Ponti headboard, sourced from Rome but restored in New York. The walls are covered in silk Scalamandre wallpaper and matching silk drapery. A custom dresser in a dark lacquer finish is balanced by a large photograph by Rodney Smith, and the room is finished with a silk Fortuny pendant that adds to the textural warmth.
“The style is a bit mixed,” Alexii admits. “It’s modern with contemporary elements. Our design approach was to create a timeless and artful space. The feeling of a 5-star luxury hotel with the function and comforts of home.”
