Steeped in historical allure, architectural grandeur, and a laid-back design approach reflective of its locale – this classic New York brownstone home built in 1867 navigates a delicate balance of natural materiality along with the harmonic moodiness of modern Belgian design. Situated in the heart of Manhattan's West Village, a beautiful neighbourhood where old-world charm meets new-world luxury, this three-story home owned by a young family of four epitomises the sophisticated interplay between timeless aesthetics and modern comfort.
‘The focus was to have a neutral colour palette juxtaposed with a lot of raw unfinished and antiqued woods, linens and natural textures,’ says Arianna De Gasperis, founder of And Studio.
‘The client is enamoured by Belgian interiors, so the space was heavily inspired by modern Belgian design, making use of warm-toned woods, plaster and marble – which all age beautifully over time and feel rich with character.’
The brief centred on creating a comfortable yet beautiful space for the family with an emphasis on the space to feel a bit moody and neutral with dark tones of natural wood.
Drawing inspiration from Dutch still life paintings, in particular Johannes Vermeer and his dramatic use of light and dark tones, De Gasperis opted for dimmable lights and heavy linen drapery to emulate the drama and depth synonymous with the chiaroscuro lighting techniques that Vermeer is renowned for. Other inspirations for the home include Axel Vervoordt, a designer who is deeply rooted in modern Belgian style.
Axel Vervoodt’s interior design philosophy is inspired by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, the acceptance of transience and imperfection, which translates to interiors that are minimal, warm, and soulful – highlighted by the use of muted colours, natural materials and the interplay of wood, light, and metal. The material palette of the home pays homage to this, with a blend of raw woods and linens along with antique brass and bronzes, allowing the home to feel lived-in.
One-of-a-kind pieces, including antique stone fireplaces, were also sourced from Europe to add further dimension to the materiality of the home.
‘Everyone who enters the space mentions how calm and comfortable they feel,’ says De Gasperis. ‘Each piece of furniture was chosen with a lot of intent. We wanted the space to be comfortable but also feel clean and simple. A lot of pieces are antique, and the ones that aren’t, have antique-inspired frames.’
Ready for more? See more homes like this one and so much more in our beautiful print publication. Get your copy here.
