Chelsea
A cosy and layered Chelsea apartment is interior designer Matt McKay’s most personal project yet – an intimate, story-filled retreat that feels worlds away from the city outside.
Drawing on an eclectic design sensibility shaped by years of travel, McKay’s own home – which he shares with his dog Squid – speaks volumes about his own personal history and taste. “Everything here has a story, whether it’s collected on my travels or something I’ve just found at a flea market and fallen in love with. I like to collect things,” he says. That instinct to gather and curate is central to his work, but here in his own home, it takes on a more intimate tone.
“Everything here has a story, whether it’s collected on my travels or something I’ve just found at a flea market and fallen in love with.”
Set within London Terrace – a 1920s building complex that takes up an entire New York city block – the apartment leans into its architectural heritage while bringing in a modern sensibility. “I definitely chose to push a more contemporary narrative in the furnishings while having the architecture remain traditional,” notes McKay. Original details like the fireplace and ceiling beams were retained, while textiles and custom pieces were layered in to add a sense of fun and texture.
McKay approached the project as a kind of personal retreat. “I wanted it to be an escape from the city – to feel like a really cosy, luxurious hotel suite,” he explains. To do so he concentrated on texture with wallpapered walls, mohair and wool upholstery, and accents of cashmere, alpaca and linen. “I’ve really leaned into texture… and just some richness to make it feel extra cosy.”
McKay designed much of the furniture, which was custom fabricated for the apartment, including the chairs, dining table, bed and sofa. Art and objects also give the space personal meaning. A large-scale photograph of dirt in the living room stands out as a favourite: “It reminds me of Walter De Maria’s earth room in Soho.”
With these choices, he shows a willingness to depart from his usual style. “Typically, I would choose something much more minimal for myself… So this is definitely a departure from what I’ve done in the past. Much more layered, much more rich colouration in the textiles. It’s different for me this time and I love the change.”
Overall, McKay is thrilled with the outcome, particularly how personalised the space feels. “I think I’m most proud of it being my story, my narrative and my favourite things. It feels very personal.” In that sense, his home achieves what his broader work often strives for – spaces that reflect not just how we live, but who we are.
