SENSE OF PLAYFULNESS

Frederick Tang Architecture took care of renovating and combination of 2 residential condominium units on the Upper West Side, near Columbia University, for the Berger family: Brian Berger, CEO of the men's apparel company, MackWeldon ; Erin Berger, a former director at Good Foundation; and their three young sons. A primary goal of the redesign was to unite the two apartments, affording a separate wing for the children, which includes a media room, study area, bathroom, and laundry. Other key additions which framed the design include entertaining areas for the couple’s friends and a home office for Erin. Highlights include the main entry foyer, where two curving wall and ceiling planes finished in a warm grey Venetian plaster create an archway connecting the boys’ wing to the apartment’s other half. This expressive opening conceals the building structural and mechanical ductwork requirements.

“Brian and Erin have lived in a threebedroom for some time, and with their sons getting older, they were itching for a little more space.” - Frederick Tang, the founder

A blue sectional sofa by Moroso and subtly patterned rug by Aelfie x Studio Proba add color and texture to the room. While the connecting dining area features Beetle Chairs by Gubi covered in deep maroon velvet and vintage table by Willy Rizzo shipped from Belgium.

Overarchingly, the design laces sophistication with bold color accents and a sense of playfulness, reflecting a hybrid of Brian’s and Erin’s individual sensibilities: he prefers tasteful simplicity, while she favors more bold and colorful vision. In the living room, a large-scale Alex Prager photograph from the client's collection is the focal point, influencing the room’s palette, materials, and furniture. Facing this, a custom multi-purpose shelving cabinet allows for different types of entertaining: two ecru and soft gray millwork sliding panels and brass hardware reveals and conceals various items like the TV, family photos, and book collection.

In the kitchen the custom rose goldcolored handles and shelf add shine as well as a hint of color to the neutral kitchen millwork and stone.

In the office/den room Frederick Tang Architecture inserted a fabric sofa by Kelly Wearstler, a coffee table by Gubi, a drapery fabric by Knoll, Julian Chichester's shelving unit, while for the lighting it been used a floor light by Lambert et Fils.

“Their home became the balance of both worlds.” - Barbara Reyes, the director of design

The master bedroom is defined by a custom fabric headboard by Knoll and nested in custom millwork in varying shades of cream, gold, and blush, and is accented with sconces by Apparatus, vanity lights by Sciolari, and a faceted brass mirror by Egg Collective.

The design laces sophistication with bold color accents and a sense of playfulness, reflecting a hybrid of Brian’s and Erin’s individual sensibilities: he prefers tasteful simplicity, while she favors more bold and colorful vision.

In the master bath, soft gray marble volumes characterize the space, and in the guest bathroom, which is also shared by the boys, details balance elegance and whimsy. The room’s

defining element—a rain of tiles from Clé Tile featuring graphic shapes which sprinkle down the walls and then concentrate onto the floor— appeal to all ages.

THE MALDIVES