Urban Chic

An urban chic interior is one that fuses elements of contemporary, modern, and industrial designs to create a space with a cosmopolitan, sophisticated, and hip feel. Perfect for city living and smaller spaces, it is softer and more comfy than an industrial space; more hip and edgier than a contemporary one. It is still welcoming and interesting, often using artwork to unify the space and make it more personal. Neutral colors, often dark, and solid fabrics are preferred, but, far from boring, they can bring a richness by texture alone. Plain walls with accents of exposed beams and pipes also reinforce the reminder of an urban setting. If there were one word for urban chic it would be handsome. Handsome in a James Dean sort of way.

For this Gramercy Park apartment, Alexandra Loew found inspiration in the home of British Architect Sir John Soane (1753–1837). Like Soane, her client, “The Collector”, is an erudite and insatiable collector with an interest in books, pottery,

Dating to 1900, this Ushak assuredly inhabits an environment that is decidedly contemporary; it is surrounded by, on the wall, the colorful, atmospheric and painterly photographs of Lucia Engstrom, a matte gold lamp, lacquered étagère topped by a bevel-edged faceted octagonal mirror. The tone on tone geometric wallpaper of concentric circles echoes the repetitive design of the carpet. The long convivial sofa hugs the wall, allowing the carpet to show itself off under the dramatic lighting. By complementing the palette of the sofa and its celadon accents, the carpet becomes the supporting actor giving the stars of the show the limelight.

A living room is the social and outwardly facing part of a home and shows the personality of the owner. It should be comfortable but at the same time hold the most cherished and dear works of art and furniture. In essence, it is the soul of the house and sets the stage for the rest of the rooms. A carpet is integral piece of a living room—it provides personality, but also a little formality.

Ushak carpets have lively colors and highly stylized designs that can make a