TALL STORY

Eclectic artwork and antiques fill the five floors of this New York townhouse, giving it more than a touch of Parisian charm

Visit a New York townhouse full of colour and art

HOME CV

WHO This is the New York City home of Olatz Schnabel. Born in Spain, she grew up in Paris and the Spanish port town of San Sebastián. After studying design in Barcelona and pursuing an international career as a model for Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, Calvin Klein and Azzedine Alaïa, she now has an interior design business and boutique, which has been selling luxurious linens and silk apparel for more than a decade. WHAT A five-storey townhouse, dating from the end of the 19th century, in Soho. ‘I love the neighbourhood because it’s home to some of Manhattan’s best boutiques and restaurants,’ says Schnabel. ‘As I travel frequently, often spending several months out of town, I wanted the flexibility of opening up my home to guests while I was away. To do this, I decided to rent it out through Onefinestay (onefinestay.com), which had been recommended to me by a friend. Guests love the property’s uniqueness – it feels like Paris in the middle of New York City and having an art collection makes it even more special.’ RENOVATION The house has been structurally altered and redecorated by Schnabel herself. ‘When I decorate a space, I don’t have a colour scheme in mind,’ she says. ‘It usually comes as I gather elements together in the room.’

LIVING ROOM

Schnabel decided to open up the ground floor by removing the interior walls. ‘The idea of a big room with light coming from both sides seemed like perfection. The artwork is by Julian Schnabel (her former husband) and Alejandro Garmendia. ‘It’s a beautiful space for entertaining friends and family,’ says Schnabel. ‘Our guests love the lighting at night as it’s really cosy and soft, which makes this large living area feel much more intimate.’

‘GUESTS LOVE THE PROPERTY’S UNIQUENESS – IT FEELS LIKE PARIS IN THE MIDDLE OF NEW YORK CITY’

KITCHEN

‘One of the most underestimated pieces in this room is the table, which I love,’ says Schnabel . The tabletop is made with flooring salvaged from MOMA. ‘I also love the kitchen floor made of French white stone.’ The sink is an antique limestone piece, above which Schnabel has hung a collection of Mexican-style votive paintings that she made.

DINING ROOM

The generous table and chairs are all from Restoration Hardware. ‘It’s ideal for big family meals and celebrations,’ says Schnabel. The plate artwork on the left is by Julian Schnabel, with family drawings by Lola Schnabel and pictures by Lily Gavin.

PATIO

Schnabel choose green for the patio walls and garden furniture because it reminds her of nature.

MASTER BEDROOM

The second floor has been given over to the master bedroom and ensuite. The antique French doors, which Schnabel found in New Orleans, can be opened to allow light to flood in or closed to create a more intimate sleeping area. The ornate headboard is one of her own designs from Interiors By Olatz.