We sat down with, Vivian Bayles Designs, and discussed their timeless & sophisticated project located within a sunny Upper East Side Duplex.

Vivian, please tell us a bit about the project.

The building was first built in 1924 and is 100 years old. In 1991, It was renovated and combined into a duplex. The original style of the apartment was inspired by the client’s late wife, Susan Bromberg Skolnick, with her New Mexico heritage and Native American art collection. The architecture of the condo comes with a sense of personal history and possesses old world character and charm.

Where is the project located?

Upper East Side, Manhattan, New York.

Tell us a bit about the homeowner.

Robert Skolnick is a successful global marketing research entrepreneur, who appreciates works of art and beautiful things. He loves to entertain friends and family, and hosts events for non-profit organizations like the American Jewish Committee, where he now serve as President of New York region.

What convinced you to work on this project?

The client reached out to me to modernize and update the main floor of his duplex. During my initial consultation with the client, I learned about the history of the condo and his vast art collection (paintings, sculpture, pottery, weavings, etc). I was instantly intrigued by the project and eager to take on the challenge of preserving and showcasing the client’s most cherished collection.

What were your sources of inspiration to design and decorate this home?

The source of inspiration was the client’s art collection. The layout of the space was driven by the placement of the sculptures throughout the living room. The furniture and fixtures that were sourced have a sculptural and artistic quality to them ultimately telling a story and celebrating the client’s collection of art.

What type of atmosphere did you want to create and how did you achieve it?

The atmosphere we wanted to create was to showcase the client’s art collection and create a welcoming space for him to entertain family and friends. The key was to enhance the visual appeal of the space from every corner. You are greeted with distinct art pieces throughout the space effectively to take time to admire the collection.

What type of colors did you decide to use in this home and why?

We went with a bold earth tone color palette - sage green, navy blue, and off-white. These complementary colors not only worked beautifully together, but also didn’t overshadow the art. Instead they paired well with grounding warm wood and metal accents.

What key Furniture, Fixtures or Finishes were instrumental to creating the space?

We loved the bronze cast aluminum console table from CB2. This statement piece, designed by Amanda Ip of Slate Design, fit perfectly in the space and was the ideal place to display one of the best paintings that the client owned.

What was the biggest challenge you faced to design this home? How long did it take?
The two main challenges in designing the home were the blending of the old with the new and working with the small square footage. We had to incorporate the family heirloom pieces that were very traditional in style and also showcase the exquisite art collection. Sourcing the right furniture that gave the client a fresh look without taking away from the aesthetic of the centuries old art was a process which the client was very patient with. It was a long wait for the right color fabric sofa and dining chairs, but in the end the space needed the pop of color to feel contemporary and cohesive with the existing items. Then remained the challenge of how and where to place the art pieces without making it feel cluttered. I recommended a featured gallery wall with custom shelving that would highlight the client’s art collection. The custom shelving was outfitted for a narrow space and designed to hold specific pieces. Although the design process and the wait for custom furniture was painstaking and the project took a year to complete, it was absolutely worth the wait.

If you would have to describe this home in one sentence, what would it be?

An open and bright reimagined space that is sophisticated and timeless.

Vivian Bayles Designs is a boutique interior design firm based in New York City. The firm specializes in creating interiors that are aesthetically eclectic and timeless.

Vivian Bayles, the principal owner of the firm, has over 10 years of design experience and holds a Masters of Architecture. With her background in architecture, Vivian brings a unique experience to all her projects. Storytelling and empowering spaces are the cornerstones of all her designs.

As a designer, Vivian approaches every project with an innovative perspective while caring to showcase her clients' needs. Her designs reflect a good balance of modern and eclectic styles, a mixture of layering neutrals with an unexpected burst of color. She is inspired through her travels and learning about new cultures. Vivian works exceptionally hard to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary.

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