Casey Kenyon, an interior designer with past mentors including Marc Jacobs and Paul Fortune, founded his studio in 2019. His latest project showcases a unique design sensibility and was made possible by clients who were enthusiastic and trusting.
The apartment, located on the Upper West Side, was designed for a couple, Ted, a screenwriter, and Josh, an agent, who split their time between Manhattan and the Hudson Valley. With predominantly north-facing rooms, the seventh-floor unit benefits from soft natural light. However, the low ceilings imposed challenges regarding scale and proportion, leading Kenyon to opt for lower furniture to create the illusion of height.
Due to the narrow hallways and limited elevator space typical of New York, several pieces were custom designed. For instance, the sofa was delivered in segments, and the television cabinet was assembled on-site. The cabinet, made from walnut, features teal gloss doors that fold into side pockets and vintage handles from Kenyon’s collection, a strategy he uses to soften the appearance of new objects.
A dining nook was created opposite the kitchen, highlighted by plaid Zak & Fox wallpaper and a mounted Picasso plate. This versatile space accommodates both casual use and larger gatherings, according to Kenyon.
Throughout the apartment, upholstered pieces present a range of hues that are complementary but not overly matching. Kenyon favors complex colors that change with the time of day, making each space feel distinct. While the apartment predominantly features off-white, the bedroom showcases a different shade influenced by its unique light.
The couple’s art collection significantly enhances the interior. A grid of nine Andy Warhol Polaroids and Diane Arbus photographs adorn the dining room. Although the collection includes works from several queer-identifying artists, Kenyon emphasizes that it was not intentionally curated with a specific focus.
One noteworthy piece is a painting by Genieve Figgis in the living room, which aligns beautifully with the hues of a custom burgundy rug. Kenyon had long sought artwork for above the sofa, and the Figgis piece serendipitously filled that need.
Additionally, a small bronze sculpture, discovered at a Paris flea market, adds a personal touch to the bedroom. Kenyon excitedly purchased the piece after coordinating with his clients via text.
Overall, Kenyon aimed to balance hard lines and materials with softer accents throughout the apartment. This interplay allows viewers to discover nuanced relationships within the space, such as a floral vase contrasting with a black steel side table or a glass-topped coffee table set against textured cloth. Kenyon believes this attention to detail successfully plays with softness and rigidity, creating a layered and inviting home.
