Let’s set the scene: a compact two-bedroom residence within the coronary heart of Greenwich Village, a style govt with a crystal-clear imaginative and prescient, and inside designer Maggie Burns of Maggie Richmond Design who immediately obtained it. The outcome? A Manhattan dwelling that feels heat, tailor-made, deeply private — and sure, somewhat bit like Elizabeth James determined London was overrated and moved to New York.
And actually? Similar.
From the very starting, this mission was much less “persuade the consumer” and extra design soulmate power. The house owner got here armed with inspiration photographs and large concepts, but additionally the form of openness designers dream about — the liberty to push issues additional, layer in character, and make the area quietly particular reasonably than loudly stylish.
The Large Thought: A London Townhouse… in Manhattan
Picture: Vogue Australia / Images by Kirsten Francis
The aesthetic anchor got here early: a picture of an oxblood kitchen. Wealthy, moody, and unapologetically daring. Maggie had been ready for the fitting second to make use of that shade, so as soon as it landed in her inbox, the path was clear. From there, the palette developed into a mixture of oxblood, chocolate brown, and gentle neutrals — a mixture that feels cozy, elegant, and timeless with out tipping into stuffy.
The general vibe? Assume traditional British townhouse, however interpreted by means of a contemporary New York lens. Comfy, calming, and extremely useful — as a result of that is nonetheless a metropolis residence, not a film set.
A Metropolis Escape the Second You Stroll In
Picture: Vogue Australia / Images by Kirsten Francis
Picture: Vogue Australia / Images by Kirsten Francis
One of the crucial charming particulars occurs instantly upon entry. As an alternative of a typical lobby second, you’re greeted by a mural of the English countryside — an instantaneous exhale from the chaos of town exterior. It’s whimsical with out being valuable and units the tone for the remainder of the residence: it is a dwelling that doesn’t take itself too severely, however is aware of precisely who it’s.
Picture: Vogue Australia / Images by Kirsten Francis
The constructing itself dates again to 1928 and, remarkably, hadn’t been renovated in many years. Whereas some very retro parts (metallic cabinetry, blue linoleum counters) had been gently proven the door, others had been lovingly preserved. The unique parquet flooring, for instance, stayed — simply re-stained in a deep espresso tone that grounds all the area and provides richness with out visible muddle.
Architectural Particulars That Really feel Like They’ve All the time Been There
Picture: Vogue Australia / Images by Kirsten Francis
To reinforce that old-world, townhouse really feel, Maggie launched crown molding and paneled wall particulars all through a lot of the residence. The objective wasn’t drama, however believability — making it really feel as if these particulars had all the time existed, reasonably than being a latest addition. And it really works. The residence feels layered and architectural with out screaming “renovation.”
When a Bed room Turns into a Wardrobe Dream
Picture: Vogue Australia / Images by Kirsten Francis
Right here’s the place issues get very New York (and really enviable). One of many two bedrooms was remodeled right into a walk-in closet and workplace hybrid, tailor-made completely to a consumer who works in style and truly wants area for garments. It’s half dressing room, half workspace, and fully aspirational.
As an alternative of forcing storage wherever it match, Maggie approached the residence virtually like a puzzle: stock first, design second. Each merchandise had a vacation spot earlier than something was constructed, leading to good, hidden options that preserve the residence feeling calm and uncluttered.
Small Area, Large Performance
Picture: Vogue Australia / Images by Kirsten Francis
Regardless of its modest footprint, this residence works extremely arduous. There’s a discreet equipment storage within the kitchen, a customized area of interest in the lounge for a file participant, and jewellery inserts constructed straight into the wardrobe island. Nothing feels extreme — simply considerate, intentional, and fantastically executed.
The kitchen continues the British-meets-New-York story with a hand-painted Delft tile backsplash, including a layer of expertise and quiet magnificence. And tying all the residence collectively is a customized art work by Canadian artist David Wilstermann, created utilizing material samples from the mission itself. There’s even a hidden nod to the enduring Waverly Diner tucked into the piece — somewhat inside joke that makes the house really feel much more private.
A Design Match Made in Heaven
Picture: Vogue Australia / Images by Kirsten Francis
Picture: Vogue Australia / Images by Kirsten Francis
For extra inspiration, take a look at:
Picture: Vogue Australia / Images by Kirsten Francis
Not like the cinematic drama of The Guardian Lure, this mission unfolded easily — a real collaboration constructed on belief, imaginative and prescient, and mutual pleasure. The tip result’s an residence that feels heat, traditional, and extremely livable. Not flashy. Not valuable. Simply proper.
And actually? That’s the form of design we’ll by no means cease loving.
Uncover extra from Decoholic
Subscribe to get the most recent posts despatched to your e mail.
