How I design NYC homes that honor the past and embrace the future

Have you ever walked into an old New York apartment and felt like time had frozen? The original molding, the worn hardwood floors and the old brick walls all seem to whisper of the past. And yet, something is off, like the space is missing that modern edge that makes it throb with life.

As an interior designer, I've endeavored to achieve that ultimate balance of old and new, especially in New York City, where blending historic character and modern luxury is a unique challenge. I believe that you need to keep the soul of a space intact while giving it a new injection to meet the needs of the day and it's been one of the most exciting aspects of my job.

Reviving a West Village townhouse

For example, let's take one of my projects: a 19th-century townhouse in West Village. The house had the usual bones, exposed brick, gorgeous crown molding and original fireplaces. But when the owners approached me, they wanted to infuse it with new life. They did not want to lose the history that defined the townhouse, but they wanted it to also have a home of today aesthetic to it: an art gallery with luxury living.

I knew immediately how to emphasize vintage elements like the fireplace and exposed brick without overwhelming the room. We kept the architectural integrity intact by repairing the molding and refinishing the floors with caution, but then the magic of modern design really started to come into play.

Creating a harmonious focal point with contrasting styles

For the living room, I chose a lush emerald velvet sofa as a counterpoint to the neutral hue of the vintage architecture. The sofa, paired with custom-designed brass lighting and modern abstract art, served as the focal point. It was a contrasting but harmonious move. We did not want it to look like a museum, so each modern piece was thoughtfully chosen. Every artwork in the room had a story, as did the townhouse.

Integrating minimalism and opulence

In order to give the space a touch of that genuine modernity, we placed minimalist, elegant furniture that referred to the building's architecture without overwhelming it. A modern dining table, with accompanying leather chairs, introduced warmth and opulence. The integration of the old and new was not just with the physical entities but more so with the atmosphere that they created within the room, an elegant coexistence of the past and present.

Harmonizing eras to create timeless beauty

The transformation was stunning and my clients were thrilled. It wasn't a design exercise; it was about respecting the past while embracing the future.

You don't need to compromise vintage character for contemporary luxury; they can coexist. The key is thoughtful design and an intimate understanding of both eras. This balance is where the magic happens and it's where I shine.

Let’s create something truly enduring
If you're willing to transform your space into something eternal without wiping away its unique history, let's collaborate to create something truly enduring. Reach out to me today and let's see how I can help turn your visions into reality by merging the greatest of both worlds.

Written by Carole Vaudable, interior designer

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