Fulfilling the lifelong dream of building a second home in the city after raising kids in the suburbs should not be taken lightly - especially if you are the designer entrusted with realizing the spaces. This Westchester couple wanted a getaway that felt just bohemian enough, without sacrificing the familiar comforts.

Blurring the lines between living and dining areas was foremost in the plan to reboot established habits. Then softening the color palette to cultivate a more contemporary vibe than they had been accustomed to.

For instance, a corner fitted with a custom light blue chaise, paired with a cooly contemporary bistro table, and finished off with a pair of vintage Swedish-modern chairs encourages casual, impromptu dining experiences - or just reading a good book whilst enjoying a Saturday afternoon tea or coffee, perhaps pre-theater.

Wall texture was a defining element here, we did a lot plaster to add dimension. And used wallpaper in the bedrooms to achieve a visual softness.

“It was particularly inspiring to be working in a building designed by German architect Annabelle Selldorf, whom I greatly admire. I was so proud that we were ultimately able to create this dual feeling of peace and sophistication within the spaces, certainly a tricky balance to achieve.”