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West Chelsea, known for its rich art scene and historic charm, is home to a stunning apartment that blends past and present. Designed by Omar Aqeel of Methods of Assembly, this pied-à-terre serves as an urban retreat for a client who travels from Sag Harbor. The result is a curated space that reflects 1970s New York while offering modern comfort and timeless elegance.
A Love Letter to Art and Heritage
For Omar, this project was personal. His mother, Susan Aqeel, always dreamed of a home filled with art. In the 1960s, she lived in SoHo, mingling with artists like Louise Nevelson and Jamie Wyeth. Now retired, she divides her time between coasts and wanted a city escape. She trusted Omar to create a space that mirrors her independent spirit and love of design.
Elevating the Apartment’s Architectural Potential
The apartment, located in an 1854 Anglo-Italianate townhouse, featured ornate stone fireplaces and tall French door windows. However, its kitchen, hallway, and bathroom needed a full renovation.
A major transformation happened when Omar’s team removed 8-foot drop ceilings, revealing an additional three feet of space. This change made the apartment feel more open and filled the rooms with natural light.
A Minimal Yet Expressive Palette
The apartment’s surfaces feature Color Atelier Bone lime wash and Farrow & Ball’s All White. These choices create a soft, inviting atmosphere. They also provide the perfect backdrop for Susan’s art collection, a mix of contemporary and vintage works from close friends and past relationships.
The oak floors, refinished in a lighter hue, enhance warmth and cohesion. A reveal trim along the perimeter adds an elegant architectural detail. The overall effect is both grounding and inspiring. It is a sanctuary where Susan can relax after a day in the city’s art scene.
The ‘Salon’: A Gallery-Inspired Living Room
Omar designed the living room as an informal gallery inspired by Parisian salons. These spaces encouraged conversation and celebrated art. Against a crisp white backdrop, bold statement pieces create balance.
- Cherry-red 1978 Don Chadwick club chairs add vibrant energy.
- A monumental Evan Paul English painting serves as a focal point.
- A Brutalist-style nero black marble library table blends history with modernity.
- The contemporary Astep VV Cinquanta Suspension lamp adds a sculptural touch.
Timeless Elegance with a Personal Touch
his apartment serves many purposes. It is a retreat, a stylish venue for post-gallery gatherings, and a creative workspace. Omar’s thoughtful design choices reflect his deep understanding of Susan’s personality and passions.
“I wanted this project to be a love letter to how I see her: bold, elegant, independent, and defiant of expectation,” Omar shares.
The final result honors Susan’s past and celebrates her present. It is a true reflection of artistry, nostalgia, and contemporary sophistication.
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