Home tour: a serene apartment designed for a family in Manhattan, New York

An open-plan living room, dining room and kitchen present the New York apartment’s most notable strategy, to balance refinement and approachability. Natural light filters through the space, illuminating the soothing walls clad in cream throughout the day. Jewel-toned furniture provides playful contrast in the space, from a plum-hued B&B Italia dining table to French vintage dining chairs by Pierre Guariche. This mixture of eras and origins personalises the space, ensuring that the atmosphere maintains a sleek yet inviting aura. 

Meanwhile, the living room features a dynamic mix of materials, from the white oak coffee table paired with a travertine side table to silk and wool in the custom living room rug. The painted metal and polished brass of the Dimore Milano Razionalista side chair add unexpected contrast, creating a space that is a true visual delight for homeowners and guests alike. 

In case you missed it: Home tour: a family’s cosy chalet in Klosters, Switzerland built for all seasons

Another notable space within the New York apartment is the study, separated by a hallway to create what Harris calls “a fun respite within the apartment.” Altogether, this palette of earthy blues and greens, peppered with accents of purples, reds and oranges, creates a soothing atmosphere for this contemporary New York apartment to unfold. After all, Harris’s goal within the space was to balance soft, feminine brightness with bold pops of masculine colour, creating a space that inspires creativity and connection between the mother and daughter who call this New York space home. 

Moving into the apartment’s more private areas, the primary and secondary bedrooms face east to capture views of the city morning as it unfolds. The homeowner wanted a peaceful and contemplative space, which drew Harris to the Fornasetti Nuvolette wallpaper. This charming selection laid the groundwork for all other selections in the space. The cloud wallpaper’s dreamlike, blue tones were complemented by Colombian-made leather pieces, which added tactile richness to balance the wall treatment. To further ground the space, an olive bedspread is paired with an unexpected fur bedframe to celebrate Harris’s love of unexpected textures.   

The New York home is Harris’s exploration of nature brought into an urban context, as exemplified even in the apartment’s powder room. The wall coverings evoke images of a blazing sunset, paired with marble fixtures that echo its organic, ephemeral forms.  

Altogether, Harris has created a tranquil retreat that feels warm, welcoming and unique. The sweeping East River views and proximity to Central Park reinforce this sense of urban sanctuary, creating a family home where passing boats and glimpses of greenery prove that, despite Manhattan’s density, moments of calm connection remain possible for those who integrate them in their daily lives.

NOW READ

Tips for home entertaining from Philux’s managing director, Stephanie Kienle Gonzalez

Home tour: inside Villa Schiaparelli, the home where the surrealist legend once walked

How artist and curator Wynn Wynn Ong crafts a living archive through her tablescapes