Clean lines and an open-plan layout have made the most of the space in this flat

Inspired by this apartment’s clean lines, Ally and Stephen Pang have created a home that works for their whole family

Relocating from one part of the country to another is not always easy, especially when it comes with other big decisions. ‘We were house-hunting from afar and only had two days to view places and decide,’ says Ally Pang, who wanted to find a home with her husband, Stephen, and their son, Miles, now five. When they discovered the perfect apartment in Brooklyn, New York, they called on help to take it to another level.

Designer Ruchi A Mohan of Designbyruchi, immediately saw the existing beauty of the space and envisioned how she could make it come together. ‘My first conversation with the homeowners was full of open communication, aligned design vision and instant connection,’ says Ruchi. ‘The relationship was fantastic – there was a shared excitement for the space and everyone was involved, including Miles.’

Surprisingly, Miles’ room was one of the biggest challenges Ruchi had to tackle. ‘It was supposed to be a superhero-themed room but I wanted to make sure the space would grow with him,’ says Ruchi. ‘We started with the wallpaper and out of all the options I presented, Miles selected the Tumbling Blocks design because he liked the name. It really set the tone.’

In the open-plan space that comprises the kitchen, dining area and sitting room, the palette is

‘We love the open concept as it enables us all to be in the same space while doing different things’

light and airy. ‘In the sitting room, the clients wanted to reuse their dark grey sofa and there was the existing kitchen with walnut cabinets’ says Ruchi. ‘I kept walls white so the room would feel neutral and used fabrics in greys and ivory to add softness.’ Touches of black in the base of the coffee table, the dining room sideboard and the bar stools add to the contemporary look.

Ruchi used different materials depending on the space to create visual surprises and bring character to every nook. For example, the walnut sideboard injects warmth and connects the two ends of the room, while brass details in the vintage light fixture are repeated throughout the space. ‘I wanted the home to feel inviting and have a sense of style,’ says Ruchi.

The main bedroom evokes a restful luxe retreat, and features multiple textures and layers in upholstery and bedding. Pale wallpaper and bedside cabinets also help to create the perfect calming ambience.

Ruchi’s scheme certainly met with the owners’ approval. ‘As we worked with Ruchi, we were able to land on details that were modern and young with vintage and family heirlooms thrown in, while keeping the look sophisticated,’ says Ally. ‘Miles was only three at the time and between him and our dog, Gunner, we also needed a home that was comfortable yet practical.’ The result clearly speaks for itself.

KITCHEN-DINER ‘The idea was to add as much functionality as possible in this area,’ says Ally. Calligaris Pentagon dining table, £1,111, Furniture Village. Try the Erica bar stools, £79.95 each, Furnwise. Sideboard, $3,500, Jonathan Adler. Mirror, $1,500, RH

LIVING AREA Bold monochrome lines create a playful space. Jigsaw metallic coffee table, £797.50, Andrew Martin. Lina swivel chair in Maharam Mode fabric in Surf, price on request, Architonic. Wall sconce, $150, CB2. Magazine holder, $300, Worlds Away

HALLWAY ‘I wanted to create a strong first impression here,’ says Ruchi. Denali wallpaper, $225 a roll, Flat Vernacular

MILES’ BEDROOM Built-in storage makes the most of the space. Ikea’s Trofast storage unit, from £31, would work here. Try the Klara single cabin bed, £244.99, Wayfair. Tumbling Blocks wallpaper in Cobalt, price on request, Schumacher

MAIN BEDROOM A neutral ivory palette helps create a serene, luxurious retreat. Nuvolette wallpaper, £350 a roll, Cole & Son. Clio shagreen bedside table, $1,000, RH