In the vibrant heart of Manhattan, an 850-square-foot apartment in the distinguished Sutton Place neighborhood underwent a remarkable transformation. Guided by the vision of interior designer Lauren Carlucci, this urban dwelling, once characterized by its late-1990s aesthetic, has been reimagined as a sophisticated "Parisian jewel box." The renovation prioritized a calm, clean, and restful atmosphere, effectively turning a bustling city pied-à-terre into a peaceful sanctuary. Carlucci's design approach skillfully blended historical architectural details with contemporary elegance, proving that even modest spaces can achieve grandeur and tranquility.
The journey began when a couple from Connecticut acquired this one-bedroom co-op, a 1938 Emery Roth creation, drawn by the serene ambiance of Sutton Place and its architectural heritage. The wife noted the comforting familiarity of the building's common areas, reminiscent of another Emery Roth property her family had cherished for decades. However, the apartment's interior presented a distinct challenge. Its original layout featured a unique sunken living room, but the overall decor suffered from heavy dark wood accents and an outdated marble bathroom, typical of late 20th-century design trends. Despite these anachronisms, the couple recognized the inherent potential within the generously proportioned rooms and subtle hints of Roth's initial design.
Lauren Carlucci, who established her design studio in 2022 after a career in the art world, was tasked with bringing this vision to life. The clients desired a departure from their traditional Connecticut home, seeking a space that offered a refreshing sense of calm and modernity. Carlucci embraced this directive wholeheartedly, aiming to create an "oasis in the busy city." Her initial steps involved meticulously stripping away all non-original elements and optimizing the floorplan. This included reconfiguring closet spaces in the entryway and primary bedroom to expand the galley kitchen and the compact bathroom. Ornate moldings and a cumbersome dark wood bannister that enclosed the sunken living room were also removed to open up the space.
During the design phase, Carlucci found inspiration in the few remaining original 1930s details, such as the gentle curves of the doorframes and ceiling moldings. She deliberately leaned into these modernist influences, incorporating elements of Art Deco, Streamline Moderne, and even a touch of Bauhaus into her scheme. This historical dialogue is evident from the moment one enters the apartment, greeted by a set of green lacquered storage closets and a hexagonal mirror. Closer inspection reveals stepped Art Deco motifs in the cabinet hardware and baseboards, while a playful Jazz Age-inspired squiggle adorns the custom rug and the railing leading to the living area.
The sunken living room, now liberated from its restrictive bannister, exudes a vibrant energy through cream-colored walls and furnishings in rich burgundy and chocolate brown. A surprising focal point is a chartreuse silk carpet, adding an unexpected splash of color. A new fireplace, framed by shelving displaying the clients' art collection, serves as a serene center point, its mantel echoing the profiles of the doors and moldings, creating a cohesive narrative throughout the space. Upstairs, the kitchen reflects a similar restful palette of off-white. A charming dining nook, designed for morning coffee and newspaper reading, introduces a playful element with red banquette seating and a tubular chair upholstered in a bold leopard print. Carlucci skillfully utilized the compact size of the bathroom to create a dramatic effect, incorporating dark millwork, polished nickel, and black marble for a timeless, sophisticated ambiance. A hidden delight awaits within the shower: an enclosure of handmade brown tiles from Balineum, mottled like tortoiseshell, demonstrating Carlucci's belief in packing a punch in small spaces.
The sole bedroom offers a tranquil sanctuary, featuring taupe walls and a plush turquoise carpet. Here, Carlucci again defied expectations with an unexpected color palette: a bed upholstered in deep rust velvet, complemented by a lime-colored cotton reading chair. The harmonious blend of rich tones, luxurious textures, and neutral walls ensures a serene yet engaging environment. Many pieces of furniture from the couple's existing collection were lovingly reupholstered and refinished, including a pair of Art Deco nightstands that held sentimental value and the living room sofa, now a comfortable spot for their Havanese dog, Ginger. The clients expressed immense satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting Carlucci's success in achieving a luxurious yet unpretentious aesthetic that perfectly suits their desire for a happy, tranquil home.