In the heart of New York City, nestled near Gramercy Park, lies a Victorian townhouse once belonging to a state Supreme Court justice. But now, thanks to the creative vision of Sheila Bridges, it has been reborn into a sanctuary of easy elegance, perfectly suited for a modern family. Bridges, a renowned interior designer hailing from Harlem, was tasked with the challenge of harmonizing the disparate tastes and collections of a New York couple and their two young children.
Drawing inspiration from their New England roots and eclectic art collection featuring luminaries like Jasper Johns and Richard Diebenkorn, Bridges seamlessly blended early American charm with hints of Art Deco and modern flair. “It’s about weaving together the different threads of their lives,” Bridges reflects. “And to bring them together in a way that makes sense.” The result is a gracefully livable space that celebrates the past while embracing the present, a true testament to Bridges’ mastery of design.
PEEK INSIDE THIS LIGHT-AS-AIR VICTORIAN TOWNHOUSE
Living Room
Image Credit: Pieter Estersohn
Step into the living room of a young family’s Manhattan townhouse, and you’re greeted by a masterful blend of heritage and contemporary elegance, courtesy of Sheila Bridges’ design expertise. Here, history whispers through the original crown molding and marble mantel, grounding the space in a sense of tradition. Yet, Bridges infuses the room with a fresh, modern energy, evident in the Art Deco armchairs and mahogany bar cabinet that exude sophistication. The 1940s French sofa and chairs, upholstered in a vibrant Florence Broadhurst fabric, inject a playful splash of color and personality. Against the backdrop of Farrow & Ball’s Yellow Ground walls, the space radiates warmth and vitality, inviting laughter and conversation into its midst. In this harmonious convergence of past and present, Bridges once again proves her mastery in crafting spaces that are as timeless as they are captivating.
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Miles Table Lamp | DelightFULL
Bridges is known for merging tradition—she’s never met a stripe she didn’t like—with a contemporary sensibility and a carefully measured edginess. (A good example of that unorthodox sensibility: her joyful and wittily titled wallpaper pattern Harlem Toile de Jouy.)
Dining Area
Image Credit: Pieter Estersohn
Step into the dining room, and you’re transported into a realm of refined charm and bespoke craftsmanship, courtesy of Sheila Bridges’ visionary design. Suspended from the ceiling, a magnificent 19th-century Spanish chandelier casts a warm glow over the space, adding an air of grandeur to the custom-made wine-tasting table and BDDW chairs below. The dining area is anchored by a custom-painted floor cloth, a testament to Bridges’ attention to detail and penchant for personalized touches. Flanking the original marble mantel are exquisite 19th-century French cabinets, their timeless elegance complementing the room’s classical aesthetic. The armchairs, a creation of Bridges herself, invite guests to linger in comfort, while a bench crafted by a cherished family member adds a touch of familial warmth to the ensemble. In this meticulously curated space, every element speaks of heritage, artistry, and the art of gathering in style.
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Aretha Suspension Lamp | DelightFULL
Kitchen
Image Credit: Pieter Estersohn
The kitchen, where functionality meets exquisite craftsmanship in a harmonious dance of form and function. Here, teak and Calacatta marble countertops gleam under the soft glow of natural light, a testament to the meticulous attention to detail that defines every aspect of this space. The Viking range stands as a beacon of culinary prowess, ready to embark on culinary adventures at a moment’s notice. A nod to timeless elegance, the sink and fittings by Waterworks marry utility with sophistication, while an antique light fixture casts a warm ambiance over the heart of the home. Adding a touch of contemporary flair, a felt rug by Liora Manné grounds the space with its modern sensibility, inviting barefoot steps and cozy gatherings alike. In this culinary sanctuary, every element has been thoughtfully curated to elevate the art of cooking and dining to new heights.
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Madeleine Suspension Lamp | DelightFULL
Home Office
Image Credit: Pieter Estersohn
Step into the refined sanctuary of the home office, where functionality meets timeless elegance in a symphony of bespoke design elements. Crafted by the visionary mind of Sheila Bridges, the mahogany paneling and shelves stand as a testament to the enduring allure of fine craftsmanship, offering both storage and sophistication in equal measure. The sofa, swathed in sumptuous Holland & Sherry wool, provides a plush retreat for moments of contemplation or creative inspiration. French leather club chairs exude a sense of Old World charm, their classic silhouette inviting hours of productive work or leisurely reading. Beneath it all, an Odegard rug anchors the space with its understated beauty, infusing the room with warmth and texture. In this meticulously curated haven, Bridges’ impeccable eye for detail and her commitment to luxurious comfort converge, creating a home office that is as inviting as it is inspiring.
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Dean Armchair | Essential Home
Image Credit: Pieter Estersohn
Main Bedroom
Image Credit: Pieter Estersohn
An antique chest of drawers and crystal lamps by Visual Comfort & Co. sit beside the antique bed, which is dressed in bedding by John Robshaw Textiles and Pratesi; the walls are painted in Citron by Farrow & Ball.
Image Credit: Pieter Estersohn
Dressing Room
Image Credit: Pieter Estersohn
Hand-painted wallpaper depicting Central Park, and a Tibetan rug in the dressing room.
Children’s Bathroom
Image Credit: Pieter Estersohn
The children’s bath is paved in tiles by Nemo Tile, the walls are custom painted, and the window shade is of a Beacon Hill silk
Children’s Bedroom
Image Credit: Pieter Estersohn
Step into the son’s room, a vibrant space where creativity knows no bounds. Here, every element tells a story, starting with the table crafted with love as a school project, serving as a testament to hands-on learning and DIY spirit. A BDDW chair finds its perfect match with a sleek desk by Ducduc, creating a cozy nook for study or imaginative play. Underfoot, a Stark rug adds a soft touch of comfort, inviting barefoot adventures across its plush surface. The walls, painted in Farrow & Ball’s Cook’s Blue, evoke a sense of serenity and inspiration, providing the perfect backdrop for an eclectic array of artwork. From prints by Selma Bortner and Roy Lichtenstein to a painting by a dear friend, each piece adds its own unique flavor to the room’s dynamic personality. And nestled among them is a Jackson Pollock-inspired painting by a cherished family member, a vibrant ode to self-expression and familial bonds. In this vibrant haven, creativity flourishes, and every corner is alive with possibility.
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