A breathtaking two-bedroom apartment overlooking Central Park has been transformed into a modern Art Deco masterpiece by Boston-based interior designer Nina Farmer. Located in a landmark Art Deco building, the New York City residence serves as a pied-à-terre for a passionate collector of Art Deco pieces, creating a perfect marriage between the building's historic character and contemporary luxury living.
The design direction was clear from the outset, as Farmer explains: "We didn't waste a lot of time figuring out what direction to go in. It was nice because we were able to hit the ground running." The timeless allure of the Art Deco era became the driving force behind the entire project, which began in early 2024.
Farmer's design process started with selecting the perfect rugs to establish the color palette throughout the apartment. "I always start off projects with rugs to set the palette," she notes. The living room features a stunning golden-brown floor covering from Steven King that incorporates organic motifs in silver and copper hues, while jewel-toned rugs in the dining room and office provide additional color inspiration.
The wall treatments showcase Farmer's attention to period-appropriate details while maintaining modern sophistication. The living room features parchment wall coverings that enhance the space's Art Deco quality, while the entry hall is elegantly sheathed with white plaster fluting. The primary bedroom incorporates a sophisticated Loro Piana stripe pattern.
The dining room serves as the apartment's show-stopping centerpiece, featuring a custom gilded de Gournay wallpaper with swirling tendrils and sharp angled lines. "We wanted the space to have a glimmer and elegance to it," Farmer explains. This bespoke design draws inspiration from Imperial Japanese artwork as well as the works of Art Deco master Jean Dunand. The space also showcases a 1930s Italian light fixture, a French Art Deco dining table, and mid-century modern mahogany and faux-leather chairs.
The furnishings represent a treasure trove of authentic period pieces, with Farmer estimating that 90 percent of the decor consists of antique or vintage items. These pieces were carefully sourced from prestigious galleries including Maison Gerard and Newel, as well as through 1stDibs. "The client is a real collector and is great at finding interesting pieces," Farmer says. "It was a giant effort between both of us."
Among the blue-chip design acquisitions are several museum-quality pieces that anchor each room. The living room features a striking cabinet by Art Deco master Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann positioned in the corner, while vintage French chairs have been reupholstered in bronze velvet from Holland & Sherry with custom contrast piping from Rose Uniacke. A Carlo Bugatti bench is paired with a hexagonal side table by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, and the space also includes a portrait believed to have been painted by a Renaissance master.
The office showcases equally impressive pieces, including a leather-topped oval desk by Fritz Nagel from Bel Étage and a Jules Leleu chair. "The desk chair is interesting because it's set on a pedestal base as opposed to legs," Farmer notes. The room also features artwork titled "Butterfly Blue Place" (1975) by Jean Cohen, adding contemporary artistic flair to the historic aesthetic.
Rather than strictly adhering to Art Deco traditions, Farmer strategically incorporated contrasting elements to create visual interest. An Egyptian Revival fireplace featuring a pair of pharaoh busts serves as a dramatic foil to the living room's more streamlined Art Deco shapes. "We found it early on and thought it would play off all the Deco moments," she explains.
The project's primary challenge involved ensuring every piece fit the apartment's intimate scale while maintaining the design's elaborate character. "Everything had to fit the scale of the apartment," Farmer explains. "Even though the design is elaborate, there's a simplicity to it as well—we wanted to meet in that sweet spot." The result is a sophisticated urban retreat that successfully bridges the gap between historical authenticity and contemporary luxury living.
