This Manhattan apartment underwent a complete renovation, led by the Washington DC-based design firm Solis Betancourt & Sherrill. The goal of designers Paul Sherrill and Jose Solis Betancourt was to create a colorful pied-a-terre that could showcase the client’s collection of Latin American art. It was important to create interiors that reflected the client’s elegant lifestyle, but that could also serve as a comfortable place where the client can spend time with her grandchildren.
This is the fourth residence Solis Betancourt & Sherrill has designed for the client. The prewar apartment had great bones, but needed a dramatic update.
A native of Puerto Rico, the client is accustomed to the bright hues of the Caribbean and wanted to incorporate that vibrancy in her new apartment. The dining room painting by Puerto Rican artist Rafael Ferrer was important to the family, so the designers used its bright colors as inspiration for the home.
For the entry, the designers painted the walls an intense blue then covered them with a gilded wall covering by Weitzner with a textural net-like pattern that permitted the color of the walls to show through. The two entry hall paintings are by Puerto Rican artist Olga Albizu.
The living room melds vibrant colors and contemporary art while maintaining the elegance of a traditional salon. Above the fireplace is a sculptural canvas from the 1970’s by Cuban-born artist Zilia Sanchez and over the sofa is a circular work by Linling Lu.
The ottoman coffee table is by Edward Ferrell in a Lee Jofa Fabric with a Scalamandre trim. The sofa is designed by Solis Betancourt & Sherrill and the fabric is by Gretchen Bellinger. The wallcovering is by Weitzner. Wood armchairs are by Minton Spidell with a Cowtan & Tout fabric. Striped chair upholstery is by Osborne & Little. Stools under console tables are by Edward Ferrell with Christopher Hyland fabric and Scalamandre trim.
Brilliant de Gournay silk damask covers the dining room walls. Contrasting silk draperies (by Kravet with Lee Jofa trim) continue the vibrant color scheme, while sheers provide privacy. Four club chairs (on casters for easy maneuvering) are by Nancy Corzine with Scalamandre fabric and trim. The chairs surround a minimal 'ghost' table that brings a modern element to the room.
For the master bedroom, the designers created paneling to conceal storage. The room has a serene palette accented with blues and greens. Drapery fabric is by Kravet, swag fabric is by Cowtan & Tout and trim by Scalamandre. Sheer fabric is by Bergamo. Headboard and chair fabric is by Zimmer + Rohde. Draped table fabric is JAB Anstoetz.
In the guest room, a folding screen articulated with pewter nail heads unifies the headboards of the two beds and creates a luxurious perimeter to the room. This dado is crowned by two paintings by Puerto Rican artist Wilfredo Chiesa. Embroidered silk pillows give a feminine touch to this tailored and monochromatic envelope.
Area rug is by Stark. Wallcovering is by Romo and the draperies are by Kravet. Floral pillows are Cowtan & Tout with bolsters in Holly Hunt fabric. Headboard fabric by Brunschwig and Fils. Bedspread fabric is by Glant with tape trim by Houlès and tassel by Old World Weavers.
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