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Built In Chic

by habituallychic

09 . 14 . 08

I’m not usually a fan of built-ins or cerused oak but for some reason, I really love this apartment. Built-ins are perfect in smaller spaces such as this one where every square foot has to work. It’s also another great example of the more masculine designs that I’m drawn to.

The apartment was designed by Andrew Halliday and David Greer who are known for their “bespoke” millwork. The owner wanted cerused oak after seeing it used in libraries in France. It also warms up what could have been a cold glass box in a brand new building.

Of course, I love the wall of art which includes works by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Cy Twombly among others. The art is separate but hung so it makes an even bigger piece of art.

The living and dining rooms are combined in one space and looks out on the new Hearst Tower and was published in House Beautiful.

I wish my bachelor could afford Hermes china! Maybe someday! The pattern here is Chain d’Ancre.

The oak in the study/guestroom is ebonized cerused oak and has a desk that lifts off to make room when the sofa bed is pulled out.

I love shagreen and the color orange so I especially love this desk that also has a lacquered interior. The orange was actually based on the orange of an Hermes box. Tres chic!

The vintage planes are from Bizarre Bazaar, this cool store near my apartment on East 65th Street. They always have interesting vintage items.

The built-ins continue into the bedroom where the other side are closets and the bed and side tables are also cerused oak.

The walls are all seagrass which I always love. It’s great for adding color and texture if someone doesn’t like pattern per se. The photo of The Beatles adds a fun touch of whimsy while the fur adds some serious luxury. Overall the space is simple but with really fabulous details that make it a stand out. I’m sure there will be some who don’t like it but I hope they will appreciate the amount of design and work that went into it. The only problem with built-ins is that when the guy moves, he’ll have no furniture!

10 Comments
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  1. vicki archer September 15, 2008 | 7:16 am

    The other problem will be if he has a very messy girlfriend!

    It does look like the dream apartment with all that bespoke woodwork and attention to detail -what luxury to have a designated place for everything.

  2. hello gorgeous September 15, 2008 | 12:09 pm

    I love that bedroom including the Beatles photo. It is in my file of faves. Although I’d need faux fur. 🙂

    Thanks for providing this beautiful post – I came straight here after reading the terrible market news today.

  3. Be the change..... September 15, 2008 | 1:38 pm

    Yes, he won’t have furniture to move but who would ever move from such a fabulous apartment!

  4. CB September 15, 2008 | 7:32 pm

    I am not generally a fan of built-ins, but this apartment is so handsome and calming, I might just change my mind! I guess my only small beef is this trend of putting up so much art so close together. It can create a nice effect, but I do feel that it sometimes makes it harder to have a personal experience with each work on its own. (But maybe that’s just an art geek taking!) Still, another drool-worthy space. Thanks, Ms. Chic!

  5. CB September 15, 2008 | 7:32 pm

    I am not generally a fan of built-ins, but this apartment is so handsome and calming, I might just change my mind! I guess my only small beef is this trend of putting up so much art so close together. It can create a nice effect, but I do feel that it sometimes makes it harder to have a personal experience with each work on its own. (But maybe that’s just an art geek taking!) Still, another drool-worthy space. Thanks, Ms. Chic!

  6. Ivy Lane September 15, 2008 | 8:58 pm

    I never pegged you for someone who didn’t prefer built ins…

    I like the fact that one can keep everything neat and tidy..

  7. Easy and Elegant Life September 16, 2008 | 4:25 pm

    I remember this article and remember thinking that the apartment left me with the feeling of living on a sailboat. I think the built-ins were a great idea here and handsomely executed. But that shagreen desk! (Mine, mine all mine I tell you!)

  8. Roderick Mallia September 20, 2008 | 3:35 pm

    Lovely apartment here! And I’m loving that Beatles photo over the bed. Which brings me to my question: I’ve been trying to find that same photo for my pad for ages now, but with no luck. Has anyone got a clue who might sell that specific photo, online? I’d be eternally grateful if anyone could point me towards some online shop or something.

    Please! 🙂

  9. Garrison September 22, 2008 | 8:39 am

    Thanks for posting, I don’t remember seeing this article. I enjoy all the textures in the bedroom and the small space with the shagreen desk is quite delightful.

  10. Anonymous November 5, 2008 | 3:35 pm

    does anyone know where that square coffee table is from? I love it and would like the same one….