Apartment 48 tells a story through design with this brownstone on New York’s Upper East Side
Unassuming in appearance on the outside and located in one of New York City’s most affluent neighbourhoods, this 4,000 sq ft historical brownstone feels like a kaleidoscopic dream, an array of textures and patterns that simultaneously manage both style and comfort.
The one responsible for this psychedelic haven is the founder and designer of Apartment 48, Rayman Boozer. “I like pretty rooms,” Boozer states. “But while having pretty rooms is important to me, they also have to be relaxing.”
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Upon entering, the full, single-pane windows provide plenty of natural light during the day and bring forth a sense of spaciousness. With walls kept relatively bare and simple, this is when the eyes start to wander, noticing the subtle details of patterns and colours that are scattered throughout the room that give hints to the rest of the house’s eclectic nature.
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Above Most of the artwork and photographs around the house come from the family’s personal collection

Above Playful patterns make even the simplest of details come alive
Utilising a townhouse’s space can be tricky, especially when certain corridors are built long and narrow as a result of its signature structure. However, these restrictions serve as a test of creativity, with Boozer creating a stylish and cosy entertainment room he dubs “the den”.
In a narrow corner, a custom-built banquette and its tie-dye-inspired upholstery make the perfect lavish lounging chair for days with a book in hand.
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Above This lush garden wall provides the perfect backdrop for any outdoor event
Long-term clients Boozer has previously worked on for two other projects, the owners of the Upper East Side Townhouse were eager to bring Boozer back onto this particular project, sharing in his love of colours and patterns.
Noting their favourite colours as blue and purple, Boozer incorporates the two colours in different hues across the house, focused prominently in the master bedroom and den.
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Meant for winding down and comfort, the walls of the master bedroom are painted a calming shade of lavender, allowing the eyes to rest with the subtler textures and patterns within the room. Each cushion cover is custom-made to fit the room’s aesthetic, all sourced from Creation Baumann.
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Above The windows overlooking the streets and garden allow for plenty of natural light, while the chevron flooring provides a sense of spaciousness
Similar to the front living room, the kitchen’s open layout utilises much of its natural lighting, maintaining a bright and open space during the day. Kept simple, the kitchen island in the middle helps to keep the area centralised while still providing plenty of space for movement.
Using the same marble surface as the island, the backsplash provides visual coherence and acts as an oil-proof surface that is easy to maintain.
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For the main bathroom, Boozer’s focus was on texture rather than colour, playing with tiles and surfaces to create patterns amidst the white and keep the space bright and expansive.
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Every room within the Upper East Side Townhouse exudes its own unique charm, showcasing an artful fusion of design elements woven together to create a stylish and cohesive living space.
This aligns with Boozer’s personal philosophy, likening his job to being a storyteller and telling the story of houses and rooms through his creative vision. “My job is to guide people by deciding what’s appropriate, to try and tell a story that’s both unique and nuanced.”
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Credits
Photography: Gieves Anderson
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