Parlor Design - Exquisite Transitional NYC Townhouse

Founded in 2007, New York-based and internationally acclaimed design firm, Parlor Design strives to create designs that fuse "formal technicality and aesthetic sensitivity." Focused on exceeding expectations and staying within budget, the firm develops a thoughtful collaboration between the design team and client.

One of Parlor's recent projects was this pre-war six story NYC townhouse. It's truly a gem. The firm's husband and wife design team, Dylan and Nicolette Farrell focused on the history and aesthetic of the home. Even though most of the townhouse's guts were removed, the soul remained. The design team approached the project with exquisite ornamentation and panel and ceiling detail consistent with neo-classicism to assure the space did not feel unjustly manipulated and to allow the soul to shine through.

In addition to the home's history and architecture, the interior designers were influenced by two things; First was Austrian design legend Dagobert Peche (1887-1923) and the Weiner Werkstätte (est. 1903, Vienna Workshops for a community of visual artists) and the quirkier aspects of Viennese turn of the century design. Second was the of-the-day styles coming out of Belgium - specifically the clean lines and high contrast architectural finishes. Farrell says, "These design influences worked well with our clients, considering the husband's preference for adapted modernism and the wife's love of traditional ornamentation. So we set off to truly and honestly explore the term "transitional." We did not want to make the common mistake... jamming a Louis XV leg onto a case resembling a creation by Corbusier. Instead, we wanted to attempt to create a seamless melding of time - an interior that is just as fresh and comfortable while it reminisces on the days past as it is stepping into the days to come."

On the townhouse's parlour floor, the focus of the formal living room is the custom mantle by Chesney's. It's beautifully framed by original portraits by various artists from auction. The furnishings are exquisite. I particularly like the klismos inspired contoured legs supporting the mahogany coffee table by Troscan. The sweet nesting tables by Emile Galle are antique. The calming blue and white custom wall, ceiling and trim paint by Benjamin Moore contrasts beautifully with the masculine dark wood furniture and flooring. Adding feminine touches, the elegant multi-armed chandelier was purchased at Remains Lighting. The Farrells struck a perfect balance and created a room that both genders would feel comfortable in.

Rich custom millwork shelving with sliding doors in ebonized mahogany and antiqued mirrors set the perfect stage for an intimate sitting area just off the formal living room. The curves of the Emma Lounge Chairs by Madeline Stuart and walnut Osterly side tables by Dessin Fournir soften the space that is dominated by strong lines in the display unit, flooring and crown molding.

A flooring detail in a custom dark stained French-cut Peruvian walnut and a tufted navy blue chair by Baker welcomes guests into the formal the dining room.

A round mirrored table from Neirman Weeks surrounded by chairs from Baker take center stage in the dining atrium, which is also on the parlour floor. A gorgeous Murano glass chandelier in white from La Murrina is shear elegance.

The ceiling tracery details in the dining atrium are worth a closer look. The craftsmanship and attention to detail is extraordinary. Who would guess this is new construction!

Then the soft white and blue color palette continues in the home's kitchen. The custom millwork cabinetry is painted in Benjamin Moore. The professional grade range is by Viking and the stunning back-splash in hand-cast glass tiles is by Ann Sachs.

The breakfast alcove is the sweetest room and the natural light is inviting. The homeowners have several children and this is the perfect space to casually bring the family together for a meal. I particularly like the juxtaposition between the colorful large upholstered wing chairs and the smaller painted carved wooden chairs. The chandelier from Summer Hill and leaf and floral motif wallpaper from Osborne & Little give the room a more feminine feeling that balances the masculinity of the table and chairs.

The custom vanity topped with calacatta marble in the powder room is a standout and surrounds a gorgeous nickel undermounted sink and faucet from Waterworks. The fabulous mirror is by Baker.

The master bath is really a work of art. Here is a view of the vanity and shower. The mosaic floor with blue accent tiles is my favorite design detail.

The master bath is also a peaceful retreat with the sunken Jacuzzi tub surrounded by a calacatta marble slab and hand-cast white glass tiles from Ann Sachs. The three vertical marble insets add visual interest and mossy plants bring hints of the outside in.

Here's a closer view of the faucet by Kallista, hand-cast white glass tiles from Ann Sachs and calacatta marble.

For more beautiful pictures of this home and others in their portfolio, please visit Parlor Design.

Do you have a favorite room in this lovely NYC Townhouse?

*images from Parlor Design and Erik Goldstein Photography