Chelsea Condo
Manhattan’s West Chelsea neighbourhood is the setting for designer Jessie Schuster’s latest project, an art enthusiast’s bold, contemporary apartment.
A four-bedroom apartment in New York City’s urban jungle has been given an elegant makeover by designer Jessie Schuster and architect Eric Sheffield. The project was an opportunity to explore tactile materials, a primary palette and bold art, and the owner took it as the chance to define his own style – classic architecture reimagined with a fresh, contemporary spirit.
Before starting the design, the home was renovated to create a primary wing with a connected suite, office and second bathroom accessible through its own private hallway. The bathroom, once covered in builder-grade finishes, now features wall-to-wall Super White marble with grey-hued veining, while the kitchen has a soft beige treatment thanks to Taj Mahal quartzite on the countertops, backsplash and island.
The client initially came to Schuster with quite the expressive inspiration. He was drawn to graffiti and street art, with “a strong appreciation for contemporary art,” she says. “It was that enthusiasm which informed much of the design.” Although Schuster didn’t work with a formal curator, art was integral and she selected pieces that infused the space with both energy and modernity. These include a Dustin Yellin monolith, an abstract work by Rogan Gregory, a light installation from Brecht Wright Gander, ceramic works by Kristina Riska and a piece by Brooklyn-based artist Robert Longo, whose studio Schuster and her client visited during the design phase.
“It was important that the palette not overshadow the stunning views of Central Park or the architectural integrity of the prewar bones.”
Schuster was also challenged to work with a primary palette of grey, oxblood, mustard and navy, seen in timeless silhouettes that make the home feel curated but not overly decorated. Leaning into soft neutrals and black accents help ground the hues in a way that is chic and cohesive. “The building’s charm and location offered the perfect canvas to create a modern home that feels both timeless and deeply personal.”
Curved pieces like the Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina sofas, Gianfranco Frattini cocktail table and Charlotte Perriand sconces anchor the living room, while grey leather tiles and a custom velvet sectional feature in the media room. The office includes a Jean Prouvé table and Eames for Herman Miller chair.
The powder room also has an artful spin, with hand-painted tiles and framed works by photographer Christopher Makos.
The palette continues in the bedrooms, with a masculine leather chair in the primary bedroom and denim artwork from Brooklyn-based artist Nick Doyle in the guest bedroom. The powder room also has an artful spin, with hand-painted tiles and framed works by photographer Christopher Makos.
In each space, texture, colour and thoughtful choices create a home that captures the homeowner’s personality as much as it respects the dwelling’s history. “The biggest takeaway was how vital it is to listen deeply to the architecture as well as the client,” says Schuster. “When you honour both, the design naturally falls into place.”
Architecture by Eric Sheffield Architect. Interior design by Jessie Schuster. Build by Coleman Contracting. Artwork by Brecht Wright Gander, Jose Dávila, Nick Doyle, Fernanda Fragateiro, Rogan Gregory, Jonathan Horowitz, Christopher Makos, Michail Pirgelis, Kristina Riska, Ed Ruscha and Dustin Yellin.
