Sarah Sargeant of Cochineal Design had worked with her client before—a 26-year-old who had just made the exciting leap from renter to homeowner. “Our client is a recent graduate with two cats, two dogs, and a close-knit family who visits often,” Sarah says. “This apartment is in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan and overlooks the Hudson River. It’s a quieter part of the city with expansive views of nature—a rare and desirable find in NYC.”

While their first collaboration leaned into trends—particularly creams and ivories—this space was all about discovering the client’s personal design identity. She wanted the apartment to feel cozy and lived-in, with textured walls and heavy drapery. “Her version of ‘cozy’ means autumnal, nature-inspired colors and layers of super-soft textures,” Sarah explains. Fortunately, the apartment offered a perfect blank canvas. “It was a fairly standard new-construction buildout by Robert A.M. Stern Architects—with white walls, safe fixtures, and minimal architectural detail,” she continues. “We were challenged with infusing layers and really life into the space.”

Cochineal Design’s brief was clear: expand the kitchen, update the lighting, and furnish the entire apartment.

“The living room features a statement sofa with a carved wood back by Pierre Yovanovitch, upholstered in alpaca bouclé from Zak + Fox,” Sarah shares. “Above it, shelves by Charlotte Perriand display the client’s curated collection of vintage ceramics and metalware.” Lacquer and oak coffee tables by Pierre Augustin Rose ground the space, while a pair of Arnold Madsen clam chairs, a vintage side table sourced from Amy Meier, and a custom autumnal-inspired rug by Holland & Sherry add texture and personality.

The dining area centers around a custom walnut table by Fort Standard, surrounded by vintage mahogany chairs upholstered in Rogers & Goffigon mohair, and anchored by a silk lantern by Ruemmler. A striking painting by Sean Scully serves as the space’s artistic focal point.

“In the primary bedroom, we designed a custom walnut and leather bed with floating nightstands inspired by early Hermès furniture,” says Sarah. A vintage Fritz Hansen chair, Swedish sconces, and a lacquer dresser by De La Espada lend the room a sense of lightness. Embroidered sheer Roman shades from Rose Tarlow offer privacy while still welcoming natural light.

“The overall aesthetic leans contemporary, but doesn’t fit neatly into any one style,” the designer reflects. “Our references ranged from early 20th-century Scandinavian to mid-century Swiss to current exhibitions. The result is a composed, collected, yet deeply livable home.”

By stepping away from trends and embracing craftsmanship, the result is a richly layered interior that redefines cozy.