DREAM LIVING ROOM This New York Nina Campbell design is a rhapsody in blue
INTERIOR DESIGNER NINA CAMPBELL SHARES FIVE SECRETS TO CREATING THIS LIVING ROOM IN A MANHATTAN APARTMENT
1. This is a penthouse apartment in a Manhattan high-rise and part of a project with architects Ferguson & shamamian. The view of the city skyline from the windows in this room is staggering, so the first thing we did was to open up the door way to reveal this vista from the hall.
2. It is so important to create layouts that work. The clients wanted a dining area, so the table is positioned close to the doorway so that no one has to cross the room carrying plates of food. The bench was made to fit between the two display cases, which left room for a sofa, armchairs and coffee table.
3. REGARDING Colour, we wanted to make the space seem as light as possible, hence the white wallpaper with grey highlights, which look rather like clouds scudding across the sky. The chimney breast (far left) is clad in antiqued mirror and the fireplace is made of glass, both chosen to reflect light, while the sofa and armchair are covered in cream fabrics so they blend into the background.
4. The blue highlights are inspired by the hall, which has lacquered navy walls. We used teal in a lacquered finish for the alcoves, which adds depth. The blue of the rug is echoed in a mix of hues on the dining chair and the Kelly Wearstler fabric on the stools and bench. The cushions on the sofa are slightly off palette, with some purple in them, because I don’t like everything to match.
5. When Combining fabrics, throw all your swatches on a table and your eye will tell you if the scheme works. a mix of textures is important, as is a sense of movement. here, this comes from the bench upholstery and the subtle pattern of the rug.
■ Nina Campbell Interior Decoration: Elegance and Ease by Giles Kime (£45, Rizzoli)