The “empty nest” moment in the life of parents can be a bit disorienting for some, but also exhilarating for those who see it as an opportunity for bold new decisions.

This couple saw moving back to New York City as a way to stay vital and youthful, tapping back into the city’s cultural offerings and boundless energy. The Upper West Side is perfectly suited to this mission, with easy access to the greenery and healthful activities of Central Park, closeness to major museums, and a lively dining scene whose restaurants and bars tend towards the more classic than trendy.

And while maintaining the architectural integrity of this 2100 sq. ft. apartment in a pre-war building was essential, they also wanted an overall atmosphere that struck a perfect balance between classic and contemporary. So the mix of furnishings - Nakashima, French mid-century, Scandinavian - harmonize to create a unique eclecticism, without feeling too purposely divergent.

We mixed old and new masters, texture played an important role to add depth and dimension in both the hard and soft materials employed.

“When I am in this space, I can feel my clients’ identities coming through.”