ART ATTACK

A Manhattan pied-à-terre is transformed by interior design firm Pembrooke & Ives into a vibrant showcase of visual culture in all its myriad forms

- Karen Tee..

When American patron of the arts Nancy Magoon found her dream “blank canvas” apartment in the Upper East Side of New York, she knew exactly what she wanted out of the space. Magoon had purchased the pied-à-terre so she could spend more time with family during her visits to the city, while supporting the arts at the same time. She also envisioned the apartment as a space she could fill with even more art.

She enlisted interior design firm Pembrooke & Ives to realise the spectacular makeover of this 4,881 sq ft home, which had never been lived in before. “Nancy’s goal was to have an apartment that allows her to showcase different forms of art, including furniture, lighting, sculptures and wall art,” says Francis Nicdao, principal of Pembrooke & Ives.

As for Nicdao, he relished the opportunity to stretch the team’s creativity through this collaborative project. “It is rare to have a project when we get to take so many risks and make big design gestures,” he says. “Our client is very well travelled and experienced in creating spaces that reflect her personality.

Spending time with and learning from her were the most enjoyable parts of the project, especially getting a glimpse into her vast knowledge of the world of art."

ARTISTIC BENT