A Harmonious Blend of Styles in an Upper West Side Townhouse Renovation

This article explores the comprehensive renovation of an Upper West Side townhouse, a collaborative effort by three distinguished AD100 design firms. The project successfully melded diverse aesthetic visions into a cohesive and personalized living space for a French family, balancing historical restoration with modern functionality.

Where Historic Charm Meets Modern Sophistication

Collaborative Design: A Symphony of Styles and Personalities

Undertaking a substantial renovation project with multiple design professionals demands clear communication and adept negotiation, particularly evident in the recent transformation of an Upper West Side townhouse. A French couple, seeking to create a new family home, engaged three renowned AD100 firms: Elizabeth Roberts Architects, landscape designer Grace Fuller Marroquin, and decorator Leonora Hamill. The homeowners expressed their good fortune in working with this trio, each bringing a distinct creative approach to the endeavor.

The Art of Harmonizing Diverse Aesthetic Preferences

The design process was characterized by a dynamic exchange of ideas among the experienced team members. Leonora Hamill described the collaboration as a genuine dialogue. With the homeowners themselves being aesthetes from art-collecting backgrounds, numerous perspectives, often spanning different time zones, contributed to the project. A key challenge was to skillfully integrate Hamill's more opulent design preferences, shared by the wife, with the husband's inclination towards a cleaner, more understated style, which aligned well with ERA's architectural philosophy. Hamill noted that the goal was to assemble a design puzzle that the clients would deeply cherish.

Restoring Victorian Grandeur While Embracing Contemporary Living

The 1882 residence had previously been reconfigured into apartments, stripping it of its original historical details. Elizabeth Roberts and her team, including principal Josh Lekwa, focused on reinstating the building's Victorian essence. This involved brightening the interiors, adjusting proportions, and optimizing the flow of space to suit the family's contemporary needs. Simultaneously, the design had to accommodate Hamill's bolder decorative schemes, ensuring visual interest throughout the year, even extending to the intricately landscaped grounds.

Crafting Spaces for Family Life and Elegant Social Gatherings

The lower level of the home was meticulously designed as a dedicated family area, while the parlor floor was transformed into an elegant setting for formal entertainment. Guests are greeted by a striking foyer, adorned with a distinctive wall covering, leading into a spacious living room furnished with custom velvet sofas and a vintage 19th-century Japanese screen. Hamill acknowledged that, while she typically favors a blend of high-end and accessible pieces, this project underscored the importance of providing ample space for carefully selected, significant objects. She even embraced the client's desire for a wet bar, which she felt would create an inviting and sophisticated atmosphere for guests.

Intimate Retreats and Thoughtful Details: Library and Primary Suite

Adjacent to the formal living spaces, the library offers flexible functionality, with plush seating that can be reconfigured for dining during larger gatherings, turning it into an intimate dining area. In this space, Hamill was granted complete creative freedom, incorporating cork-lined walls, hand-embroidered curtains, a Louis XIV-style marble fireplace, and various luxurious decorative elements. She recounted the clients' trust, allowing her to fully express her vision. Similarly, the primary suite received a dramatic touch, featuring patterned fabric from Jennifer Shorto on the window treatments and headboard, complemented by a vintage Ettore Sottsass desk.

A Testament to Shared Vision and Client-Centric Design

Overlooking the sun-drenched rooftop garden, abundant with ivy, roses, and hydrangeas, landscape designer Grace Fuller Marroquin reflected on the project's success, attributing it to a unified objective. She emphasized that the core focus must always be on fulfilling the client's desires, viewing it as the fundamental assignment. The husband confirmed the success of this approach, stating that thanks to Elizabeth, Leonora, and Grace, their home achieved a unique character that perfectly reflects their lifestyl