West Village Pied-à-Terre by Kelly Behun Studio

West Village Pied-à-Terre, the Manhattan home of a London-based family, captures the essence of New York living. With interiors designed by Kelly Behun Studio, the minimalist condo showcases sweeping views of the city as well as a curated collection of artworks.

Set high within Herzog and de Meuron’s condominium tower – just steps from the bustling West Street – West Village Pied-à-Terre enjoys panoramic views encompassing the Hudson River, World Trade Center and Empire State Building. The unit is home to real estate investor Marcus Meijer, his wife Maria and their three young children. As their primary residence is in Notting Hill, London, the family looks to the Manhattan space for an experiential change: a fitting celebration of New York that maintains a peaceful environment. Featuring an undulating facade, wraparound windows and units with 4.2-metre-high ceilings, the West Village tower is a testament to its vibrant location.

Featuring an undulating facade, wraparound windows and units with 4.2-metre-high ceilings, the West Village tower is a testament to its vibrant location.

As a result of the existing architecture, the interior design of West Village Pied-à-Terre addresses its glass walls and irregularly shaped rooms. Kelly Behun Studio reflected the lightness of the glazing and sinuous form of the tower with a loose furniture arrangement, enabling residents to embrace the feeling of being perched over the city. In the living room, pistachio-green Campana Brothers seating and an Oscar Niemeyer lounge chair express a commitment to rounded shapes and tactile finishes. To avoid obstructing natural light and views, the furniture is limited to pieces essential for creating an inviting minimalist home.

Utilising her connections in the art industry, lead designer Kelly Behun integrated characterful artworks throughout the home. In the primary bedroom, a sheep and lamb by François-Xavier Lalanne offer a playful foreground to the view of the Empire State Building. Similarly, a Glenn Brown painting and digital wall piece by TeamLab in the dining room add layers of richness to the home, complementing the colours of the cityscape. In addition, artworks unsuited to the clients’ London residence, due to its lower ceilings, are given ample space. Damien Hirst’s ‘Veiling of Love Everlasting’ is proudly displayed in the living room, while the kitchen is adorned with Anna Weyant’s ‘It Must Have Been Love’. The clients had the privilege of meeting Weyant before she embarked on the painting, and its inclusion in the home exemplifies the personal nature of the interior design.

To avoid obstructing natural light and views, the furniture is limited to pieces essential for creating an inviting minimalist home.

Though serving as a contemporary second home, West Village Pied-à-Terre is as emotionally resonant as the clients’ historic London house. Crafting from a gallerist perspective, Kelly Behun Studio creates an urban retreat that is quintessentially Manhattan.

Architecture by Andrew Ballard. Interior design by Kelly Behun Studio. Artwork by Glenn Brown, Damien Hirst and Anna Weyant.