My Houzz: Boutique Hotel Ambience in a Manhattan Bachelor Pad
Chanel, MoMa and nature all had a hand in influencing this city apartment's design, but the killer skyline views needed no help at all
Houzz contributor, freelance editor, stylist, blogger on living well in small spaces (http://www.400sqft.blogspot.com) and Houzz house tour contributor. Loves finding pretty homes.
Houzz contributor, freelance editor, stylist, blogger on living well in... More »
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Lawrence Herman bought this 700-square-foot Manhattan bachelor pad as an escape from his work life. Determined to create a hotel ambience, the budding art collector and design aficionado started out making small tweaks to the decor. But the tweaks quickly evolved into a three-year design overhaul, thanks to the help of friend and interior designer Richard Johnson. Because the apartment has limited square feet, they focused on smart, functional design — but comfort and style were always king.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Lawrence Herman
Location: New York City
Size: 700 square feet; 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Lawrence Herman
Location: New York City
Size: 700 square feet; 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
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by Frances Bailey
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| The L-shaped sofa, dramatic media unit and killer city view make this room a crowd pleaser. "It's like a solarium with light pouring in in the afternoon," says Herman. Custom built-ins cover the air conditioning unit under the windows, creating coveted storage and a surface for pictures of family and friends. Storage above the TV also helps keep clutter at bay. Storage unit: BoConcept; vases: custom, Justin Teilhet Porcelain; coffe table: Pico, Oly Studio |
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by Frances Bailey
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| Inspired by the full-wall photo installation in the Museum of Modern Art's restaurant, Herman decided to create a similar feel in his living room. Designer and friend Richard Johnson found this tree wallpaper at Rock My Wall. A framed landscape above the sofa adds dimension. |
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by Frances Bailey
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| An open floor plan allows Herman to cook dinner for guests without leaving the party. White chair: Schelly, BoConcept; wall paint: Aspen Skies, Benjamin Moore |
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by Frances Bailey
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| Sofa, pillows: Room & Board, floor lamp: Arco, Design Within Reach; coffee table: Oly Studio; table lamp: Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams |
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by Frances Bailey
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| A functional kitchen was important to Herman, who loves to cook and entertain. A simple layout provides plenty of workspace; a new Turkish striped backsplash tile adds texture. Wall paint: Aspen Skies, Benjamin Moore; backsplash: Equator Marmara, Artistic Tile; refrigerator: Sub-Zero; countertop: Caesarstone |
by Frances Bailey
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Open shelves double as a beverage station — another entertainment-friendly element.
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by Frances Bailey
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| Herman replaced the foyer's closet; now it also serves as the kitchen pantry. The black lacquer doors were inspired by a Coco Chanel documentary. This tall bar table with custom leather bar stools doubles as a place where Herman can work in addition to having dinner. Custom table and bar stools: Room & Board |
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A custom agate light box between the living room and bedroom catches the eye right away. Herman received pictures of the huge slab before the light box was made so he could pick which section he wanted to use for this piece.
Light box: custom, Artistic Tile
Light box: custom, Artistic Tile
by Frances Bailey
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Herman thoughtfully curated the art pieces around his home. This oil painting, "Without/Within," is by Lynn McCarty and from the Nancy Hoffman Gallery.
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The living room provides a peek of the Empire State Building between skyscrapers.
by Frances Bailey
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Herman installed a new toilet, tile and a glass shower door in the bathroom. Painted green striped walls help make the space feel bigger and continue the home's nature-inspired palette.
Wall paint: Pale Vista and Potpourri Green, Benjamin Moore; toilet: Washlet S300, Toto; tile: Artistic Tile
Wall paint: Pale Vista and Potpourri Green, Benjamin Moore; toilet: Washlet S300, Toto; tile: Artistic Tile
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by Frances Bailey
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| Art is everywhere, including in the bathroom. Artist John Duckworth of Charleston, South Carolina, makes photographs that look like paintings; this piece is titled "Hollywood Beach." The artist visited the apartment to show his work to Herman, who has since become a collector. |
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by Frances Bailey
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| Herman wanted his bedroom to feel like a mix between a museum and library, so Johnson added lots of texture and masculine color via grass cloth wallpaper, a cowhide rug and dark woods. A prized painting by Michael Gregory hangs above the bed as the room's main focal point. Wallpaper: Designtex; bed: Duxiana; bedding: Room & Board's Sateen and Frette; lamps: vintage, Frame Atelier |
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by Frances Bailey
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| A custom storage unit opposite the bed combines a bookshelf, desk and dresser. Herman became obsessed with finding these textured drawer pulls, which he eventually acquired in London. Chair: Beverly Side Chair, Oly Studio |
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A hide rug adds extra visual texture to the space.
Although he loves his home, Herman is already dreaming about his next — preferably bigger — apartment. "It's got to have two bedrooms and lots of wall space," he says.
Your turn: Share your city apartment with us!
Although he loves his home, Herman is already dreaming about his next — preferably bigger — apartment. "It's got to have two bedrooms and lots of wall space," he says.
Your turn: Share your city apartment with us!
Ideabook published on Feb. 12, 2013.
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This is a contemporary version of my Nana's house.
Also I designed a very similar paint design for my master bedroom as this hall closet, but again I was too timid to execute it so thanks for this article.
:)