Upper East Side Residence
Upper East Side Residence, a New York City brownstone dating back to 1899, has been reimagined with an inviting blend of earthy textures, striking graphic artworks and refined contemporary design. Under the guidance of Lucy Harris Studio, the interior becomes a study in contrast and harmony.
The home now serves as the anchor point for a pair of empty-nesters, carrying its history forward while embracing a new chapter. With roots spanning Colombia, Germany, Japan and the United States, the couple’s lifestyle has been shaped by travel, art and family. Harris, whose design language draws from eclectic sources and painterly juxtapositions, began with the couple’s significant art collection. “A lot of the art is bold and graphic,” she says. “They wanted the home to feel like a gallery or museum where they could display their collection.” To complement the couple’s incredible array of artworks, Harris introduced a palette of earthy tones and softened the spaces with mohair upholstery and handwoven rugs. Against this quiet backdrop, pops of colour and contrast emerge, such as a stunning Gunta Stölzl rug, creating a space that feels warm and inviting.
Across six levels and about 418 square metres, symmetry and contrast serve as guiding principles. The townhouse’s sweeping spiral staircase divides each floor into two halves, giving rhythm to the interiors. In the lounge, curved furniture offers a playful counterpoint to angular rugs and sectionals. Architect Brandon Smith of WorkSmith Architects oversaw the kitchen and bathroom renovations, collaborating with Harris on colour, finishes and wallpaper selection. In the kitchen, a custom banquette is a show-stopping feature, nestled within rich timbered millwork.
The townhouse became a true labour of love and collaboration. Initially hesitant to move away from soft neutrals toward deeper tones and sharp geometry, the homeowners were guided by Harris through the transition – resulting in a space that feels authentically theirs.
Across its six storeys, elements repeat and evolve, weaving a balance of pattern and contrast. A study offers a quiet sanctuary for wellness. Once a children’s playroom, a lounge has been reimagined as a gathering space for the family’s adult sons. On the ground floor, the kitchen spills out to an outdoor dining terrace, where magnolia trees frame the lap pool and a private garden retreat. Each of these spaces bears the mark of Harris’s careful attention, designed for daily life while framing the art that animates the home.
Upper East Side Residence embodies balance, capturing the spirit of its owners while echoing Harris’s design philosophy. It’s a space curated with intent – bold in expression yet grounded in comfort and liveability.
Architecture by WorkSmith Architects. Interior design by Lucy Harris Studio. Build by RZ Project Management.
