Urban OASIS

Interior designer Ruchi A. Mohan was well placed to turn a dated and compact New York City apartment into a calm, cool and collected abode

- KARINE MONIÉ

When the founder of DesignbyRuchi, Ruchi A. Mohan, discovered the apartment that was to become her newest project, she immediately understood the extent of the task W ahead of her, but felt nothing but excitement about all the possibilities. The apartment was dated and chopped up with layers of paint on mouldings and walls,' says Ruchi. 'I was very eager to get my hands on it, tidy it up and customise it for my client - it's interesting what creative imagination can do with a blank state.'

Owned by an Australian woman in her mid-30s, the property is ideally located in the heart of Manhattan, on the Upper East Side. The neighbourhood's hustle and bustle, diverse restaurants and mix of new and old buildings provided inspiration for the interior. 'I wanted this apartment to feel abundant, confident and a celebration,' she says. We created a light and airy space addressing all functional needs and filled it with sculptural furniture and soft textiles, art and colour.