Upper East Side Residence
Despite a few nods to the past, the atmospherics overall are thoroughly modern, especially in the choice of furnishings. Drake first livened up the architecture with a variety of finishes, from satin and lacquered wood to Venetian plaster and even aluminum leaf. The high-gloss coral ceiling in the living room gives the space below the appearance of a foyer, sans walls. Plush textiles used on the upholstered pieces add to the buoyancy, and softer fabrics, such as roman shades, balance stronger elements like a lacquer and metal coffee table and a pair of Brutalist lamps from the 1960s. “We introduced a playful sophistication to all the rooms with the palette, the furniture, and the art,” says Drake, adding that “the best thing in the world is well-informed clients who know what they want. They did their research, which made it very easy for me.” And in what might be the biggest compliment a designer could receive, Drake’s clients liked his work so much, they have since decided to make New York their permanent home.
-NYC&G
-NYC&G
