Discover the Enchanting Hidden Garden in This Legendary NYC Show House

The moment our client laid eyes on the space, she realized this would be her future abode," she states. Francis Nicdao , who serves as the lead designer and head of creativity at the high-end interior design company Pembrooke & Ives , detailing his client’s remarkable townhouse from the 1920s. The unusual double-width structure was, at that time, the location of the 47th Kips BayDecorator Show House Located on the Upper East Side of New York City, Nicdao’s clients went to the renowned design event where they purchased the whole building right away. This concluded their year-long quest for the ideal residence and prompted them to start a comprehensive refurbishment as the COVID-19 pandemic was beginning.

Nicdao worked closely with Stephanie Sarkies The managing director of decorating at Pembrooke & Ives was tasked with designing an area where their clients could showcase their extensive, museum-caliber collection of artwork and antique pieces without making it seem formal or out-of-reach. "This had to function as a family residence yet feature opulent communal areas suitable for hosting guests," explains Sarkies.

Although she refers to the experience as "rather frightening" due to the pandemic circumstances, the final outcome is modern and uncluttered, featuring elements of traditional details that honor the structure's history and preserve its essence.

FAST FACTS

DESIGNER: Francis Nicdao and Stephanie Sarkies from Pembrooke & Ives

LOCATION: New York City

THE SPACE: A townhouse from the 1920s that once functioned as the 47th Kips Bay Decorator Show House

ENTRYWAY

Checkerboard marble floors create a striking initial impact.

Although the clients had resided in apartment buildings for decades, adjusting to vertical living was an adjustment their household needed time to adapt to. "The impressive spiraling staircase links five out of the six floors within the house, establishing a striking centerpiece across every level," explains Nicdao. "It was crucial to consider how rooms related to one another and the movement between areas to guarantee comfort and suitability for this novel style of dwelling."

LIVING ROOM

Golden highlights bring a touch of glamour to the delicate color scheme.

Since the home is twice as wide as a typical Upper East Side townhouse, the designers wanted this space to feel grand and impactful. So they leaned into its extra-large size, filling it with “a beautiful collection of collectible design and art,” Nicdao says.

BREAKFAST & FAMILY ROOM

Also known as the hub of the home.

A custom back-to-back sofa divides the space into dining and lounge areas.

American painter Ralph Goings’s Tom’s Diner oversees the shared family and dining area—which is appropriate artwork For an area where dining takes place, this space also connects to the kitchen and "boasts a sophisticated mix of textures and shades of blue, making it both practical and opulent," according to Sarkies.

KITCHEN

This very practical area featured an excellent floor plan.

"It was crucial that the kitchen be extremely easy to clean and maintain because it’s located on the entrance level of the house and would probably be among the first areas people see," explains Nicdao. To achieve this, they selected low-maintenance materials and provided plenty of countertop area for both food preparation and eating. "The blue island along with the bar stools unifies this zone with the nearby breakfast room, resulting in a seamless flow," he notes additionally. Regarding the design, the kitchen required minimal changes from the team compared to other rooms.

WINERY AND LIQUOR ROOM

This wet bar is every host's fantasy.

"Just because a space is located on the basement level, it doesn't mean it has to look dull!" Sarkies comments about the wine cellar. The team employed specialized lighting to highlight this bespoke wine showcase.

The wet bar located in the dining room on the first floor "can transform into a complete entertainment zone," according to Nicdao. This bespoke feature, enhanced with blue high-gloss paint and a mirrored backsplash, upgrades the ambiance of the dining space.

PRIMARY SUITE

Soft pink elements bring a delicate femininity.

Among the seven bedrooms in this spacious townhome, the master suite undoubtedly stands out as the most enchanting. According to Sarkies, "This bedroom boasts an unusual design where the sleeping area links to both the walk-in wardrobe and en-suite bath via a passageway adorned with window panels running across the rear exterior wall." This arrangement allows ample sunlight into the space, adding to its ethereal ambiance.

GUEST BEDROOM

A calming retreat is achieved through the use of muted colors.

"This guest room boasts soft carpeting, intricately embroidered curtains, and a tailor-made padded headboard set against the sleek background of a high-gloss finished wall," according to Nicdao. The coordinating elements continue. chair and ottoman From Caste, this design helps create an ambiance reminiscent of a luxurious hotel suite.

BATHROOM

An impressive chandelier takes center stage.

Sarkies points out that they enjoy incorporating decorative lighting into all their projects, and this particular instance was no exception, particularly in the main bathroom. "For this house, the decorative lighting serves as the central feature of numerous rooms and defines the character of each area," she notes additionally. Sarkies emphasizes further, stating, "These light fittings aren’t merely about providing good illumination; they’re also meant to be striking works of art."

In addition to the lighting fixtures, this main bedroom suite employs symmetry and stonework details to create an atmosphere of luxury and contemporary style.

BACKYARD PATIO

A spot to relax and get away from the urban sounds.

Although the team received assistance from a contracting company All City Remodeling For the inside design, they sought inspiration from a landscape designer. Luciano Guibbilei For the backyard, Nicdao characterizes the patio space as "a serene retreat within the busy urban landscape," spanning around 1,500 square feet of gardenscape and adorned with a mural created by an artist. Annie Morris .

About the Designer

Francis Nicdao is the principal and chief creative officer of New York–based luxury design firm Pembrooke & Ives . Raised in the Philippines, Nicdao was surrounded by a community known for its production of handcrafted furniture and artisanal goods, which helped form his creative eye and his passion for design. Having been with the firm for over a decade, Nicdao continues to create high-end residences and is credited as the mastermind behind many of its most extraordinary projects.

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