"For parents of small children, the idea of waking up in the city that never sleeps takes on a whole new meaning. But one Manhattan family may have found a clever way to lean into the dreamtime disarray: Their newly renovated home is as beguiling as a bedtime story. It's this very Mary Poppins version of a town house, says legendary designer Michael S. Smith, who oversaw the redesign. Smith, who teamed up with architect Andrew Oyen of Ferguson & Shamamian Architects for this project, is known for referring to books and films when discussing his work (he also cited Henry James and The Alienist here)."
"And like the best storybooks, this project is smart enough to satisfy grown-ups while also delighting kids. Grounded in historical authenticity, it's sprinkled with adventure and magic: Animals, plants, and flowers frolic among maps, moons, and stars. Thomas Loof for VERANDA A ladder-back bench (Andrew Crace) offers a quiet respite in the verdant courtyard It makes sense that Smith, whose projects have included the Obama White House and properties for Shonda Rhimes, would tap into a warmhearted vibe for these clients."
"He has known the husband since he was five years old, having decorated numerous residences for his parents and even participating in his wedding. Smith also designed the first apartment that the client, a financier, lived in with his wife, a journalist and scholar of the cosmos. This project marks a new episode in the couple's lives, given that they are now parents to three young children."
A nineteenth-century Italianate Manhattan townhouse underwent a thoughtful renovation to restore lost grandeur and create a family-friendly, storybook atmosphere. Designer Michael S. Smith and architect Andrew Oyen infused historical authenticity with playful motifs drawn from books, films, and celestial themes. Interiors feature animals, plants, maps, moons, and stars to engage children while remaining sophisticated for adults. The layout supports separate family spaces across floors alongside open areas for play. Longstanding client relationships informed a warmhearted approach tailored to the couple, who are now parents of three young children, and workmanship reclaimed craftsmanship lost to prior alterations.
Read at www.veranda.com
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