Casey Kenyon's New York Apartment Redefines Urban Living with Tailored Design
Transforming Urban Spaces: The Art of Considered Design
A Designer's Journey: From Mentorship to Mastery in New York
Casey Kenyon, a prominent New York-based interior designer, honed his craft under the tutelage of industry icons such as Marc Jacobs and Paul Fortune. Launching his own studio in 2019, Kenyon quickly established a reputation for his insightful approach to design. His latest venture, an Upper West Side residence, exemplifies his unique vision, brought to life through a collaborative spirit with clients who embraced his innovative ideas.
Overcoming Spatial Constraints: Ingenious Solutions for Low Ceilings
The single-bedroom co-op apartment, home to screenwriter Ted and agent Josh, presented a common urban challenge: low ceilings. Situated on the seventh floor, the north-facing rooms enjoyed ample natural light, yet required a thoughtful consideration of scale. Larger furnishings from the couple's upstate home proved unsuitable, prompting Kenyon to focus on lower-profile furniture. This strategic choice effectively expanded the perceived vertical space, creating an airy and open atmosphere.
Navigating City Logistics: Custom Creations for Tight Spaces
New York City's architectural nuances, particularly its narrow hallways and compact elevators, necessitated a creative approach to furniture acquisition. Several key pieces were custom-fabricated to fit the apartment, including a sectional sofa delivered in modular components and a television cabinet assembled on-site. This bespoke walnut cabinet, featuring teal gloss doors and vintage handles from Kenyon's personal collection, seamlessly integrates functionality with aesthetic appeal, adding a touch of aged charm to new elements.
Crafting Functional Elegance: The Bespoke Dining Nook
Adjacent to the kitchen, a custom-designed dining nook offers a versatile space for various occasions. Adorned with a plaid Zak & Fox wallpaper and a mounted Picasso plate, this area captivates the eye and serves multiple purposes, from intimate dining for two to lively gatherings of six. This thoughtful integration of custom elements maximizes both utility and visual interest within the apartment.
A Palette of Nuance: The Art of Evolving Hues
Throughout the residence, upholstered pieces introduce a carefully curated spectrum of colors designed to complement rather than precisely match. Kenyon's preference for 'complex colors' ensures that the hues subtly shift and adapt to the changing light throughout the day. While the apartment maintains a predominantly off-white base, distinct shades were chosen for the living room and bedroom, acknowledging the unique lighting conditions of each space.
Enriching Interiors: The Power of a Curated Art Collection
The clients' extensive art collection plays a pivotal role in imbuing the apartment with personality and depth. Notable pieces include a grid of nine Andy Warhol Polaroids and a trio of Diane Arbus photographs in the dining room. Kenyon highlights the presence of works by prominent queer artists such as Hugh Steers, Peter Hujar, and Nick Hoover, underscoring the personal narrative woven into the home's artistic selections. A particularly fortunate acquisition, a Genieve Figgis painting in the living room, serendipitously harmonizes with the custom burgundy rug, creating a cohesive and vibrant focal point.
Harmonizing Contrasts: A Dialogue of Textures and Forms
Kenyon's design philosophy emphasizes a dynamic interplay between contrasting elements. He skillfully blends harder lines and materials with softer, more elaborate embellishments, allowing these relationships to gradually unfold as one explores the apartment. Examples include a delicate floral vase paired with a stark black steel side table, and a glass-topped Guy Lefevre coffee table positioned opposite a crewel, brush-fringed cloth. This deliberate juxtaposition of softness and rigidity creates a nuanced and authentic sensory experience within the home.