A Cool, White Oasis Above Manhattan

The difference between that starter rental apartment white and designer white is surprisingly huge. Case in point, when interior designer Patrick Hamilton was asked to “refresh” this sophisticated, sky-high Manhattan apartment, he kept the emphasis on fresh. He approached the splendid spiff-up with a concept he calls “intentional white.” That is, white by design, not by default. What it means is that rather than trying to contrast white walls by using very dark or brightly colored furniture, instead he brings even more white into the space, creating an interesting and inviting room-scape through texture, scale and lighting.

That doesn’t mean the entire apartment is white, there’s plenty of color, but white is employed inside the space, especially in the public areas, as a statement on major pieces such as a sofa and oversized chaise, dining chairs and a floor-to-ceiling custom white leather banquette. Patrick, known for his clever and award-winning small space designs as well as his whimsically thematic designer show house rooms, used a mix of white Crypton leather and white, linen-like Crypton upholstery fabric to achieve the look.

The designer also gave a tremendous amount of thought to how white could create a focus on the art.? Avid collectors, the homeowners, who also happen to be Crypton’s founders Randy and Craig Rubin, love the feeling that fine art gives to a space. Hamilton considered the Rubins’ existing collection as well as new pieces that he brought in as part of the refresh.? Paintings, photos, sculpture and Randy’s collection of Venetian glass are all incorporated into the design. The designer successfully created the clean feel of a gallery while ensuring the spaces still had all the warmth of home.

In two guest bedrooms, Patrick flipped the script, bringing in deep blue woven upholstery in one and fashionable grey velvet?and tones of silver in another, letting the walls, bedding and some of the hard furnishings serve his intentional white scheme.

All photos and video in this post by Echo + Earl. All upholstery fabrics?Crypton Home Fabrics. All custom upholstery by Marks & Tavano Workroom. Interior refresh by Patrick J. Hamilton?Designs. Featured Crypton brand partner: American Leather