The Power of Personal Storytelling in Design
How one Midtown East renovation proves that the most meaningful interiors don’t come from Pinterest - they come from you.
In a world flooded with trending palettes and perfectly curated mood boards, it’s easy to forget that the most timeless homes begin with something far more personal. For this Midtown East apartment renovation, we stepped away from algorithms and leaned into what really matters: the client’s story.
A Family Heirloom as the Starting Point
At the heart of this home lies a vintage rug passed down through generations—rich with color, pattern, and sentiment. It didn’t just make it into the final space. It shaped the entire design. From the deep crimson undertones in the living room walls to the brass hardware that echoed the rug’s warm threads, every design decision traced back to this one heirloom piece.
How Art Guided the Design
Our client was a passionate art collector, and her existing pieces helped guide the design of each room.. One standout was a bold, vertical painting in deep purple that anchored the stairwell. Rather than pulling that color directly into the surrounding space, we let it lead the way—building a palette that complemented the piece without competing with it.
The second stairwell piece was a commissioned work, and this time, we took collaboration a step further. We sent the artist paint swatches from the space so the new piece would feel fully integrated. But the most meaningful touch? It features the molecular structure of cannabis—a quiet nod to the client’s career as one of the first analysts in the cannabis industry. These choices weren’t about following trends; they were about telling her story.
Made for Entertaining
Entertaining was a key priority for our client, so the layout was designed to comfortably host a crowd—up to 20 people at a time. We created multiple designated seating areas throughout the home, including both indoor and outdoor spaces, to make hosting feel effortless. A full dining area, separate living space, and spacious terrace give guests plenty of room to gather without feeling on top of each other.
Downstairs, we shifted gears to create a more private zone. The bedrooms and a secondary sitting area are tucked away from the main entertaining spaces, giving the homeowner a quiet place to unwind when the party’s over.
Final Thoughts: Make it Yours
We believe the most impactful spaces reflect the people who live in them. That means asking:
– What objects carry meaning for me?
– What stories do I want my home to tell?
– How do I really live—and how can my space support that?
This renovation was shaped by personal history, a love of art, and a passion for hosting. It’s proof that the most timeless designs don’t start with trends. They start with you.
