The proprietors of this posh 1900s Manhattan townhouse needed a cozy home for raising their grandparents — and also a gracious setting for entertaining. The answer: 3 floors for three general purposes, in which formal dinner parties can comfortably co-exist with easy, kid-friendly living. By incorporating a master suite floor, a mixed-use parlor floor and a floor for kids’ rooms, designer Jarlath Mellett gave the household everything they wanted. It is”elegant and chic,” Mellett says,”but relaxed.”
Jarlath Mellett
A glass wall on the entire rear side lends to the abundance of natural light. “We wanted the outside to come in and expand the townhouse,” states Mellett.
The living room den is the principal space where the family gathers together. The setup is minimal and chic, and Mellett was careful to use fabrics that are durable and easy to clean.
Rug: Ogee silk and wool area rug
Sofa: Custom design, upholstered in fabric from Lee Jofa
Club chairs: Custom design, upholstered in Holly Hunt cloth
Tripod lamp: BDDW
Lounge chair and ottoman: Knoll
Coffee table: Custom lucite design by Jarlath Mellett
Side table: Fritz Henningsen side table out of Foley & Cox
Jarlath Mellett
The parlor’s two living areas, formal dining area, and pub area are ideal for large dinners and holiday celebrations. From that vantage point, you can observe the more formal living area in the foreground, the den in back, and the dining area in the middle.
“We made zones that are so comfortable that the household will just naturally need to remain there,” he states. “We do not need them to feel as they’re necessarily a kids area. In reality, the adults really like being in the kids’ areas also!”
Sofa fabric: Old World Weavers
Chrome seat: Milo Baughman
Jarlath Mellett
It is clear that the reclining dining room was created for large, formal dinner parties. The dramatic and modern crystal chandelier instantly draws the eye, and the custom 12 foot dining table can easily seat 10 people. Mellett decided to not use a rug here, allowing the tone of this walnut flooring warm up the designed room.
Dining chairs: Metropolis Modern
High back armchairs: Gustavo Oliveri
Chandelier: Custom from Chameleon
Dining table: Custom
Lucite Console: Custom by Jarlath Mellett
Jarlath Mellett
This vignette greets visitors at the parlor’s entrance.
Console: French Parchment hall console by 20th Century Interiors
Round mirrors: Metropolis Modern, Linda Horn, Room & Board, and Chiasso
Jarlath Mellett
The more formal parlor living room — on the same ground as the den — is Mellett’s favorite room in the house. “I loved playing a narrow and fascinating space,” he states. “We managed to create different seating areas and open up the space in a way that is both functional and elegant.”
Rug: Ogee
Wing back chairs: Custom in Libra Leather
Floor Lamp: Dragonette Diego Floor Lamp
Jarlath Mellett
Mellett made a custom 16-foot angled sofa particularly for this space. Upholstered in a soft, mossy green, it warms up the room and offsets the purple and gold accents.
Side Effects: Holly Hunt Chloe Drink Table
Floor lamp: classic Tommi Parzinger
Jarlath Mellett
Alongside the kitchen, Mellett set up a casual family area with access to the exterior. Browns and grays were accented with purples and greens, all in tones that play off of the gorgeous limestone flooring.
Rug: Nettle and wool area rug from Ogee
Sofa: Splayed leg convention sofa by Jarlath Mellett
Coffee table: Antique
Chair: Knoll
Side tables: classic Nakashima nesting tables
Captain’s Mirror: BDDW
Lamp: Nessen Swing Arm Lamp from Assemblage
Jarlath Mellett
The master suite was created as a retreat to the active parents. “We wanted to create an urban spa on the master floor,” states Mellett. “A place where the parents can retreat to.” Upholstered walls and fabrics in a range of textures all combine in a soothing and neutral space.
Upholstered wall: Custom by Jarlath Mellett, with Holly Hunt cloth
Pendant lights: Custom
Carpet: Aronsons
Bed: Holly Hunt leather upholstered bed
Jarlath Mellett
A modern built in fireplace and 2 plush armchairs create a casual sitting area at the foot of the mattress.
Rich walnut paneling lines one wall of the master bedroom. Mellett was careful to equilibrium materials and colours to enhance the natural light pouring through the home’s many windows.
Shelving: Custom
Rug: Ogee silk shag rug
Slipper Chairs: upholstered in Bergamo cloth
Jarlath Mellett
Mellett had the master bath walls and floors lined in a smooth white marble and made its modern and stylish custom made vanity collection.
Jarlath Mellett
“For the kids, we wanted something playful for each of their personalities,” states Mellett. He talked to each of their clients’ kids and asked them what they loved. This little one loves water, therefore Mellett utilized fishes and whales on the customized background.
Bed: Custom bed with trundle from Casa Kids
Denim Bean Bag: Blob
Custom Wall Decals: published by Duggal
Jarlath Mellett
Mellett used snake, bird, and plant stickers to create a desert-themed wall in this child’s room. “We really considered the fact that they’ll grow up quickly,” states Mellett. “The wallpapers are intriguing to them today, but as they grow old they’ll become more like artwork. We utilized a variety of different patterns to make the design classic.”
Bunk beds: Custom by Casa Kids
Drawer unit: Custom by Jarlath Mellett
Denim bean bag: Blob
More:
Coastal Chic Family Getaway
Beauty and Balance on the California Coast
Country Glamour in Woodstock
Virginia Wine Country Cottage