|
Extraordinarily
Fabulous
Charles Allem Incorporates Modern Transitional Design in a Landmark
Building
Story by Diane Feen
Charles Allem is to design what the
Rolling Stones are to rock and roll. The South African born designer
creates what some would call “wow” interiors with outer-worldly dimension
and gracious grandiosity.
He has been called a visionary – with a vision that comes purely from
his most inner core. “I enjoy doing extraordinary spaces and am inspired
by the senses. An environment is lovely when you look at something
extraordinary and it touches you, it touches your eyes, it feels
luxurious, warm and wonderful,” said Allem.
Stylish is a very ambiguous word, but Allem is anything but ambiguous.
“I create a total environment, and that means working with the landscape
artist and the architectural firm. We do a lot of modern transitional
design as opposed to traditional. That means taking elements from the
past and combining them with modern accents."
Maybe that is why the owners of a penthouse apartment in New York City
entrusted Allem to create a total makeover of their coveted Manhattan
living space. When Allem walked into the penthouse (that belongs to a
Wall Street financier) he simply fell in love. He describes the terrace
as big enough to host adinner for 200 and was amazed by the
extraordinary living room. After a brief introduction, Allem was already
overflowing with inspiration and gladly took on the challenge
refurbishing the landmark building.
The 7,000 square-foot space has a 2000 square-foot wraparound terrace
designed as a haven atop New York’s concrete jungle. The subdued color
palette of parchment, blush, and taupe was paired with rich woods and
antique metal finishes, creating a warm and sophisticated setting for
relaxing and entertaining.
Though this penthouse has an impressive pedigree, including former owner
Earl Blackwell, who entertained the likes of Greta Garbo and Salvador
Dali, it was essential that the design of this space be anything but
old. That’s why a luxurious monochromatic palette, transitional-style
furnishings and unexpected scaleand materials were used.
To add a rugged edge, monolithic split rock fireplaces anchored the
expansive space. The floors were done in ebonized walnut in 12-inch
planks throughout the space. Bronze hardware from Nanz adorned all of
the walnut doors and millwork throughout the property. Furnishings
throughout the home included vintage pieces alongside exquisitely
upholstered custom designs.
In the living room, an iconic circa 1960’s aluminum-alloy piano was
added as well as mid-century chairs and Jules Leleu lamps. A chaise
lounge and 1960’s bronze low table by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne anchor
one corner. Mid-century chairs from John Salibello are at each end of a
mirrored low table. The barrel vaulted ceiling was hand-finished in
silver leaf for a dramatic effect over the jewel box room. Hand printed
silk velvet drapes cascade in front of the solid bronze windows and
doors that lead to the terraces.
Hanging over the expansive walnut dining room table is an 18-foot-long
bespoke fixture. The flatware is from Tiffany’s and the walls are
covered in leather from J. Robert Scott. The side chair is from Donghia
and the barstools are from Holly Hunt. The low table, circa 1940 has
beveled-mirror top and base and is by John Salibello.
In the nearby bar, a hammered pewter
countertop added a Parisian tone to complement the sophisticated
ebonized paneling and elegant crystal barware behind the bar. The floor
in the bar area is the same wide-plank walnut that matches the rest of
the apartment. The clean lines of the furnishings, and the muted tones,
helped to usher in a limitless sense of serenity.
Allem extended the subdued palette into the master bedroom, adding
terra-cotta tones and tufted-silk walls for warmth. Over a
velvet-covered settee is an early-19th century French portrait; in front
of it stands a circa 1940 table. On the bed bolsteris J. Robert Scott
fabric. Inside the apartment, Allem says, “you feel so removed –then you
burst onto this incredible terrace. I didn’t want to clutter it with
furniture.”
The bathrooms had lavish finishes, solid bronze plumbing, and luxurious
Pratesi linens to surpass every expectation. In addition to seeking
products that evoked a luxurious quality, they were practical and
functional. To keep up with the times they used advance yet
user-friendly |
