Thanks to a Jewel-Toned Palette and Nuanced Light Layering, This Apartment in NoMad Glows at Night

white arrow home tour living room
Courtesy of Thomas Richter / White Arrow

When Keren and Thomas Richter—the husband-and-wife team behind the firm White Arrow—took on the owners of a 1,500-square-foot unit in a 12-story Beaux-Arts building in New York City's NoMad neighborhood, they set out to create a glamorous dwelling for their sophisticated clients and empty nesters (the duo moved out of the suburbs and into the city after their children left for college). The goal? To do what they do best: Create a distinct, artful home that felt classic and refined, but comfortable, too. "The apartment is a quiet refuge from the city outside," explains Keren.

Cozy textiles, like wool and velvet, dominate throughout the space, elevated by a jewel tone color palette and high-shine fixtures. "The windows and high ceilings were an opportunity to bring in tall indoor trees and glittering brass chandeliers—one by contemporary French company Magic Circus and the other a large-scale '70s Italian piece by Magistretti," says Keren, noting that the interior features "a mix of unique pieces by contemporary designers like Dimitry and Co and Roll and Hill, with custom millwork, upholstery, and layered lighting." "The home totally glows at night," she says.

The space was also designed with entertaining in mind; ample seating arrangements were configured to be reconfigured in the event of company (the couple looks forward to hosting loved ones more regularly as the pandemic, which caused delays during the project, relents). "We also wanted to take into account the husband's profession in publishing, creating ample spaces for him read and store his extensive collection of books, which are tucked away in custom millwork," adds Keren. And while the main chambers were composed around the prospect of company, the primary bedroom was curated around the notion of retreat and privacy—canopied four-poster bed and all. Ahead, a glimpse inside the nuanced, textural dwelling, where a mix of mid-century antiques and creations from under-the-radar designers meld effortlessly.

01 of 07

Gallery Opening

white arrow home tour bookcase
Courtesy of Thomas Richter / White Arrow

A hand-painted blue bookcase sits sentry in the entryway, which opens to the living and dining room. "It's the first piece you see when you enter the home and was an opportunity to display our client's vast collection of books; we treated it like a gallery for interesting objects and sculptures," says Keren. "It sets the tone for the other layered colors, materials, and textures throughout the space. Picking the perfect shade of blue was a fun process."

02 of 07

Treasure Box

white arrow home tour treasure box
Courtesy of Thomas Richter / White Arrow

The living room's palette is predicated on jewel tones, with a mix of rich velvet and wool upholstery in amethyst, navy, and emerald; cabinetry was painted a dark blue for depth and ebonized oak and walnut lend additional contrast.

03 of 07

Mid-Century Dining

white arrow home tour mid-century dining room
Courtesy of Thomas Richter / White Arrow

Above a De La Espada for Roll and Hill dining table and chairs hangs a 1970s Vico Magistretti brass and glass chandelier, a key focal point in an area used primarily for entertaining. "The dining table can accommodate many guests—and it's open to the living room, which also features ample seating. The whole living and dining room is quite grand and well suited for hosting events and cocktail parties," says Keren. A painting by Angelina Gualdoni packs a punch of color and dimension (and nods to the emerald cushions on the seats nearby).

04 of 07

Make It a Double

white arrow home tour bar cart
Courtesy of Thomas Richter / White Arrow

A 1950s-era Cesare Lacca bar cart was positioned at the far end of the dining room, where it is easily accessible during gatherings.

05 of 07

Palette Cleanser Kitchen

white arrow home tour updated kitchen
Courtesy of Thomas Richter / White Arrow

The minimal, sophisticated kitchen provides a neutral backdrop for an eclectic mix of furniture and lighting elsewhere in the space, its clean lines tempering the rich color scheme right next door. "The kitchen is small, but well-appointed," adds Keren. "I love the marble and the window over the sink. We repainted the cabinetry to perfectly tie in the neutral wall colors throughout the home."

06 of 07

Cocoon Blue

White arrow home tour bedroom
Courtesy of Thomas Richter / White Arrow

In the primary bedroom—painted a calming blue (the ceiling, too!)—a custom canopy bed is enveloped by floor-to-ceiling cream Holland & Sherry linen. "We wanted the room to feel serene, but also have a sense of drama," notes Keren. "The bed helps create a room within a room and transports you to a refined hotel. We designed the main living space with hosting and entertaining in mind—this bedroom feels more intimate and incredibly relaxing by comparison."

07 of 07

A Room of His Own

white arrow home tour guest room
Courtesy of Thomas Richter / White Arrow

"Our clients have children, and one of their sons frequently visits and utilizes the guest bedroom," says Keren of the apartment's second sleeping area. "We used their existing vintage Borge Mogensen dresser and their contemporary scones and brought in a custom velvet upholstered bed, additional lighting, and furniture. We transformed the bedroom to create a cozy, more masculine atmosphere through the dark wall color and richly layered textiles."

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