Explore a Chic and Family-Friendly Townhouse in NYC: A Perfect Blend of Modern and Classic Design

A Designer’s Journey

That initial call confirmed that the vibes were good. “I felt like it would just be an all-around-good-feelings kind of project,” reflects designer Chiara de Rege. Growing up in New York City, she has a deep appreciation for townhouse living. The goal was to meld the thoughtfully maintained features from years past, like the gilt mantle in the primary bedroom, while making key upgrades such as introducing modern, minimalist bathrooms and a stainless-steel kitchen designed by the architects.

Balancing History and Modernity

“In this project, we were tasked with both restoring the legacy of a prominent architect who had previously renovated and lived in this home, and updating it for a whole new chapter belonging to a young family starting their life together there,” explains Charlap Hyman and Herrero. They aimed to develop an architectural language for their interventions that would respectfully distinguish between old and new, without the changes being too jarring.

Art-Driven Decoration

The blend of old and new extended to decoration, guided by the family’s art collection and cherished possessions. A bold, animal-print velvet settee became a highlight in the otherwise subdued primary suite, alongside a Gae Aulenti rocker reupholstered in Sandra Jordan Prima Alpaca’s sumptuous bouclé, fit for the nursery.

Family-Focused Functionality

Family-focused functionality was paramount in the project, especially at the entrance, designed to feel durable and chic. Metallic-finish Botteganove tiles on the walls and de Gournay’s soaring Caelus pattern on the ceiling create an optical illusion of extra space. In the living/family room, a trim sectional beckons for movie nights, designed to look less like a typical family room, featuring a custom sofa in Rose Tarlow’s Velours Monchalet II.

Versatile Spaces

The guest room is designed for guests and grandparents today but can convert into another children’s room when needed, showcasing Schumacher’s polished Edwin Stripe Wide on the walls and Stark’s Oswego sisal on the floor. This townhouse reflects a thoughtful balance between style and family needs, making it a standout in the Upper East Side.