Chelsea Apartment by McKay

Set in a pre-war building in the heart of Chelsea, this charming one-bedroom apartment by McKay offers an escape from the city, a ‘test kitchen’ to experiment with ideas and a place to house homeowner and designer Matt McKay’s favourite things.

Having lived in four different apartments in the same building, McKay reveals: “For this iteration, I wanted the space to feel like a cosy hotel suite, with a hangout space, a dining/working space and somewhere to relax and sleep.” Harnessing an eclectic design palette and signature blend of modern and traditional sensibilities, McKay sought to highlight the property’s historic details, “while making the space feel current and timeless at the same time,” he says.

“I like to lean into colour play and texture in my work, so when it came to my own home, I wanted to push that and create a rich and moody atmosphere,” explains McKay.

McKay contrasted the doors and trims in shades of deep emerald and midnight blue and highlighted the living room’s picture rail using the same colour as the building’s limewashed foyer walls. “I like to lean into colour play and texture in my work, so when it came to my own home, I wanted to push that and create a rich and moody atmosphere,” explains McKay. Rust, brown, black and grey tones coalesce with textured wallpapers, inviting a dynamic play of light across surfaces, gently diffused by sheer drapery.

The apartment’s upholstered furniture, all designed in-house by McKay, lends further depth and nuance. The curvaceous Ahoo lounge chair, upholstered in pale grey cashmere, sits in sculptural dialogue with the boxy Brig chair, combining camel-toned shearling and suede. Opposite, a low-lying sofa draws focus to an over-scaled film drawing by artist Jan Henle with a vintage Roger Capron ceramic coffee table completing the aesthetic tableau. By the window, McKay’s Tack dining table is held in softened light, its scalloped-edge marble top paired with George Nakashima dining chairs. In the bedroom, a bespoke upholstered bedhead is framed by custom marble tables hosting Peter Lane table lamps. A selection of Agnes Martin works takes pride of place above the bed, while a white linen slip-covered sofa offers an inviting reading nook and sun-drenched respite for McKay’s playful puppy, Squid.

Rust, brown, black and grey tones coalesce with textured wallpapers, inviting a dynamic play of light across surfaces, gently diffused by sheer drapery.

“Chelsea Apartment reflects my passion for colour, texture, collection and comfort,” asserts McKay. With a keen eye for composition and detail, the interior instils a sense of mood and occasion in McKay’s everyday routine while maintaining a casual ease and approachability. Reflecting on his layered, identity-led approach, McKay says, “it all comes together to create a cosy, inviting atmosphere,” akin, perhaps, to some of his most cherished boutique hotel stays.

Interior design and bespoke furniture by McKay. Artwork by Stephen Somple, Jan Henle, Ed Burtynsky, Robert Kelly and Ellen Carey.