This NYC Apartment Features a Light-Up Replica of Grand Central Terminal's Ceiling
When Garrow Kedigian was tasked with revamping a home on the Upper East Side, the abode hadn’t been touched in years. As with many New York City prewar apartment renovations, the intention was clear: to preserve the historic aspects of the home the client originally fell in love with and make upgrades for contemporary living.
At 3,200 square feet, it’s easy to see why the clients—a young family with two kids—fell in love with the four-bedroom apartment. Perhaps the most show-stopping element is the apartment’s 50-foot-long entryway, which Kedigian accentuated with grid wall paneling and a barrel ceiling with a motif that may look familiar to some New York City commuters: It's a replica of the astrological map that covers the vaulted ceiling in Grand Central Terminal. “We illuminated specific stars using tiny LED bulb lights,” Kedigian explains.
Many of the apartment’s ceilings had previously been dropped for recessed lights, so Kedigian restored the original ceiling heights to make the home feel bigger and allow for much more elegant pendant lighting. He looked to strategic color choice to keep the space feeling inviting. Cabinets painted in Soft Chinchilla by Benjamin Moore give the kitchen a welcoming presence. In many of the rooms, the trim is painted in a different color than the walls for added character.
Kedigan even got clever with technology to maintain the home's aesthetic: All of the TVs double as art when turned off. “In the main bedroom, we have the TV screen set to display the same wallpaper that graces the walls when it's turned off,” the designer reveals.
Much of the furnishings and art are finds from the Paris flea market—which Kedigian shopped with the clients—mixed with mid-century modern pieces. With the influx of high-quality items and much-needed upgrades, the home is now set up to age beautifully.
Entryway
To complement the replica of Grand Central Terminal's ceiling, Kedigian painted the grid wall paneling in Distant Grey with Universal Black trim, both by Benjamin Moore. The bench and chairs, Paris flea market finds, add elegance and proper seating for removing shoes. The Stark carpet is from the brand’s Missoni indoor/outdoor collection, making it ideal for the high-traffic hallway.
Living Room
“I wanted this room to feel very collected to reflect the eclectic taste of the clients,” Kedigian says of the bohemian chic space. “We started with the antique carpet from a Doyle auction sale.”
For lighting, Kedigian used sconces and floor lamps from the Paris flea market. The designer had custom lampshades made by Broome Lampshades done for the sconces and replaced the floor lampshades with new ones from Oriental Lampshade. Benjamin Moore’s Caribbean Teal with Wenge trim graces the walls. The antique sofa was recovered in a blush chevron velvet from Schumacher. Much of the art includes Paris flea market finds, items acquired through auctions, and work the clients already owned.
Coffee tables, mirror: Paris Flea Market. Chairs: Stair Galleries auction. Orange sofa: custom by Garrow Kedigian and upholstered by Siecle en Siecle in Kravet fabric. Pillows: custom by Garrow Kedigian in Fabricut fabric. Blue chair: custom by Garrow Kedigian and upholstered by Siecle en Siecle in Lee Jofa fabric. Table lamp: Doyle auction.
Dining Room
To turn the large dining room into a combination den and dining area, Kedigian moved the table near the windows to allow for sofa seating opposite the fireplace. Blues and grays with yellow and orange accents make the space feel cozy and inviting.
Wall paint: Lakeside Cabin by Benjamin Moore. Dining table: Hickory Pearson. Sconces: Circa Lighting. Curtains: custom by Garrow Kedigian and upholstered by Maxvil Upholstery in Fabricut fabric. Chairs and lamp: Paris Flea Market. Wall art and small table: vintage. Mirror and candle holders: client’s own.
Kitchen
Kedigian chose Soft Chinchilla by Benjamin Moore to give the kitchen cabinets by Malwood Crafts Millwork cheerful energy. “I always like my kitchens to feel like rooms and not utilitarian spaces, so I always encourage my clients to paint their kitchens with a lively color,” Kedigian says.
Range: Thermador. Counter and backsplash: SMC Stone. Island: custom, Malwood Crafts Millwork. Bar stools: Jonathan Adler.
The designer carried the color into the breakfast nook, which features a bistro table purchased in Paris and paired with vintage chairs. The black and gold vintage sconces add an elevated touch, and the pillows made by seamstress Yaffa Katz boost the area’s overall coziness.
Primary Bedroom
The delicate Harlequin wallpaper in the primary bedroom features butterflies and birds perched on willow-like branches. The linen and blush colorways found within the wallpaper are enhanced by the Benjamin Moore Rose Blush trim and neutral accents throughout the space.
Headboard: custom by Garrow Kedigian and upholstered by Siecle en Siecle. Pillows: custom by seamstress Yaffa Katz in various fabrics. Bedding: Sferra Sheets from Bloomingdale’s. Rug: Stark Carpet. Bedside table: vintage.
Kids Bedroom
“We wanted the children’s bedroom to be whimsical but sophisticated enough for them to grow into,” Kedigian explains. “We painted blue and yellow lines vertically in wide stripes on the walls in the flavor of a circus tent theme.”
Striped wall paint: Alfresco and Hawthorne Yellow by Benjamin Moore. Trim paint: Kingsport Grey by Benjamin Moore. Rug: Kaleen Carpets. Pillows and bedspreads: custom by seamstress Yaffa Katz in Cowtan & Tout and Colefax & Fowler fabrics. Bed frames, nightstand, and ceiling light: vintage.
Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.
You Might Also Like
