This Elegant Manhattan Apartment by CeCe Barfield Thompson Showcases an Abundance of Antiques and Contemporary Art
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Loading... - Olivia Taylor
- 13 Apr 2022
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CeCe Barfield Thompson’s latest project is proof that good things come to those who wait. The New York-based designer was hired to update a spacious Manhattan apartment in late 2019—and even started the demolition before the global pandemic touched down in the Big Apple. So, when the shelter-in-place finally order went into effect, she was tasked with the unique challenge of keeping the design momentum alive while adjusting to an indefinitely delayed timeline.
“During Covid-19, we really made it all about the beautiful schemes and furniture, and we were able to have extra time to find those special, one-of-a-kind pieces,” Barfield Thompson explains. “I really tried to focus on the joyful parts of the project to keep [the clients] engaged, excited, and organized so that the second we were able to get going again, we were ready.”
Once the time was right, Barfield Thompson wasted no time transforming this classic seven apartment. Nestled on Park Avenue, the three-and-a-half bed, two-and-a-half bath belongs to a family of four, so it was important to create a home that was both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Though much of the home’s original footprint remained the same—Barfield Thompson notes that traditional, sectioned-off rooms are a great pairing for young families—she combined the Butler’s pantry and kitchen to create a larger eat-in space and reimagined the staff’s room into a well-appointed study.
As for the design? It was all about mastering the balance. “They wanted a comfortable, family [space] based in traditional design, but had a modern, [pragmatic] spirit,” Barfield Thompson explains. “We introduced some patterns—but sparingly—and used a lot of really bright, happy colors.” Barfield Thompson made a statement while maximizing a relatively small footprint, complete with strategic storage, contemporary art, and an abundance of antiques.
“You really learn working on these family apartments in urban places because you’re demanding a lot of the space,” she shares. “It’s like putting together a puzzle; when executed well, it’s incredibly rewarding.”
Tour the entire apartment below.
Living Room
With two young children living under one roof, it was important that the clients’ living room was well-equipped for both playdates and adult parties. To master the balance, Barfield Thompson employed multipurpose decor—the ottoman pulls double duty with a discreet storage area—and indoor-outdoor fabrics whenever possible. Another must? An area that was chic, yet comfortable.
“All the upholstery is deep and comfortable to sit in. There are two sofas so the family can watch television,” she shares. “To dress up the space, we used beautiful antique side tables, lamps, and art, [which really] elevated it to make it feel more formal,” Barfield Thompson adds. “When all of these elements come together, it really made this a multipurpose room that has a lot of style, but is very practical at the end of the day.”
Wallpaper: Gracie Papier. Carpet: Manhattan Carpet. Curtains: Cowtan & Tout. Curtain Tape: Houles. Curtain Hardware: Morgik. Sofa: custom by Fine Arts Furniture in a C&C Milano Fabric with a Samuel & Sons fringe. Painting: Sarah Awad. Lamps: Objets Plus. Sofa Side Tables: antique. Chairs: custom by Fine Arts Furniture in a Lee Jofa fabric. Ottoman: custom by Fine Arts Furniture in George Spencer fabric. Ottoman tray: Land of Belle. Settee: custom settee in George Spencer fabric. Sconces: Urban Electric Co. Mirror and chairs by fireplace: antique. Mantle accessories: Frances Palmer Tulipieres. Bookcase lights: Visual Comfort Lighting. Deer Sculpture: Comer & Co.
Kitchen
“We really wanted to have a classic kitchen,” Barfield Thompson says of the newly renovated area. “There’s so much color in the other parts of the apartment, but this was sort of a palate cleanser.” But just because this kitchen boasts a crisp white, doesn’t mean it’s sterile. Woven stools from Serena & Lily and a ceiling light from Visual Comfort add warmth, while the Walton Ford etching that hangs over the sink brings some texture to the sleek backsplash.
Millwork: Bilota. Ceiling light: Visual Comfort. Stools: Serena & Lily. Curtain: Soane. Art: Walton Ford. Tile: Dal Tile.
Dining Room and Library
Though this apartment is large by Manhattan standards, it was still important to think strategically about every square foot. To make the most of this space, Barfield Thompson merged the dining room and library into one room. Unlike the rest of the home—which features a mélange of prints and smile-inducing pigments—she veered to the dark side of the color wheel.
“It’s more of a nighttime room,” the designer says. “This room had the least sun exposure in the apartment and by painting it a dark color, that contrast actually helps to make the space feel lighter.”
Opulent touches such as a tufted banquette, antique English Regency chairs, and an ancestral portrait of the client’s family round out the room, deftly bridging the gap between business and pleasure.
Table: antique. Banquette: custom by Fine Arts Furniture in Schumacher fabric. Dining chairs: antique. Sconces: Galerie des Lampes. Window shade: Horizons. Ceiling light: Soane. Library lights: Visual Comfort. Chair: custom by Fine Arts Furniture in Quadrille fabric. Rattan side table: vintage. Read More...
