To be closer to their children and grandchildren, one Philadelphia couple decided to relocate to Manhattan’s Upper West Side. They found a great apartment in a newly renovated building, and while it had beautiful finishes, it was lacking the overall character and warmth they craved. They called on designer Sarah Tract for furnishings, lighting, and textiles.

“Their main goal was to create a contemporary home that felt warm and personal,” Sarah tells us. “They’ve traveled extensively and have an incredible collection of art and objects from around the world, so it was important to display those pieces throughout their home. It was our goal to blend their collection of global finds with clean, contemporary furniture, which resulted in a unique balance of art and design that feels personal to them.”

Stepping off the elevator, you enter the apartment through a private vestibule, which immediately sets the tone for the home. To add depth and softness, the walls were limewashed, while a custom bench serves as a drop zone. The space is anchored by an oversized flush mount from Allied Maker that infuses warmth and offers a sculptural presence. The adjacent foyer features a Muskoka console.

The living, dining, and kitchen areas form one open space, providing an easy, elegant flow for everyday living and entertaining. “The living room is layered in soft blue tones with a custom rug from Fayette Studio that anchors the space,” Sarah explains. “In the dining area, a fixture from Apparatus Studio offers another sculptural detail, which we paired with timeless Gubi dining chairs for a collected yet cohesive look.” Luckily, the kitchen came impeccably finished, so Sarah’s work there was minimal. “We added beautiful counter stools from Lawson-Fenning to complete the space,” she shares.

There are three bedrooms. The primary one features tonal layers—soft grays, silvers, and hints of blue. A reading chair from Holly Hunt is cozy and inviting. For the guest room, Sarah chose on a creamier beige palette to welcome guests. The third bedroom is used as an office. “We collaborated with New Day Wood Work on a custom built-in that anchors the space,” Sarah says. “It features a beautiful light burled wood finish and leather-wrapped handles from Ochre. It’s a striking combination that feels both cool and sophisticated.”

There’s also a bold powder room, which was treated like a jewel box. “It was limewashed by Heather Jozak Studios, adding rich texture and depth to a small but mighty space,” Sarah explains.

What unifies each space is the clients’ eclectic and extensive art collection, which Sarah relished in displaying throughout the home. “These pieces bring personality, history, and a sense of storytelling to every room, making the whole home feel deeply personal and uniquely theirs,” she shares. “We wanted the home to feel clean and modern, but still warm and layered — not like a gallery. It took thoughtful planning to ensure each piece of art had space to shine without overwhelming the design. In the end, we think that this balance is what gives the home soul.”