Urban Haven

With its beams, folkish textiles and eclectic design, Kimberlie Birks’ New York apartment feels like a (very cool) country house in the heart of the city

- Serena Fokschaner

LIVING AREA

As an ‘envelope’ for Kimberlie’s art collection, the walls were painted white. ‘The effect is restrained, like an art gallery,’ she says. Painting, Andy Dixon. Sofa,Minotti. Egg chair, Arne Jacobsen.Low round coffee table, PinchDesign. Try Pamono for a similarvintage Stilnovo floor lamp (left).Main rug, Double Knot. Braidedjute rug, Merida

LIVING AREA

Originally a warehouse used to store paper for the publishing industry, the apartment’s heritage is reflected in the beams – an original feature that Kimberlie loves. Above the fireplace, the artwork by Olafur Eliasson features a photograph with an orb of mirrored glass on top. ‘You get a sun-like image, which is always changing.’

Floor cushions, made fromvintage suzanis from L’Objet.Rugs, Doris Leslie Blau (left) andNanimarquina (right). Painting (right), Stefan Kürten

Cosy is how Kimberlie Birks describes her NewYork apartment. It’s not an adjective you’dreadily associate with the city’s residential stock.