“Explore the Enchanting and Colorful High-Rise Wonderland”
This Magical Skyscraper Showcases a Colorful Oasis
Brittany Ambridge
New York City and Nevada’s Black Rock City are two vastly different places, with one being a bustling urban jungle filled with towering buildings while the other is a barren desert. However, for one week a year, Burning Man transforms the desolate landscape into a vibrant city of artistic expression. Amidst this contrast, there stands a sky-high Manhattan pied-Ã -terre that embodies the imaginative and refined Burner aesthetic of its homeowner, with the help of fellow Burner and interior designer Peti Lau. Lau, whose firm is based in Los Angeles, was inspired by the spirit of the festival to create a space that celebrates life, adventure, and creativity. The homeowner, an entrepreneur, educator, and world traveler with residences in New Zealand and The Bahamas, perfectly aligned with Lau’s design vision.
Lau incorporated jewel-toned velvet and vintage pieces into the design, such as a pair of Karl Springer Coffee Tables sourced through Todd Merrill Studio and a custom-designed sofa with Harlequin Amazilia fabric. Vintage Japanese Lucite side tables from The Gilded Owl in Los Angeles added a touch of elegance to the space. What was once a contemporary white box filled with gray, white, and silver hues was transformed into a vibrant 1,830-square-foot sanctuary on the 67th floor overlooking Central Park. The homeowner’s love for costume parties and creative flair influenced the selection of furnishings, including a Paradise chandelier from Lindsey Adelman and unique Wendell Castle desk chairs.
From a blank canvas to a whimsical oasis high above the city, the transformation of this apartment reflects the personality and style of its free-spirited resident. With comfortable sofas and a jewel-toned color palette as the only requirements, Peti Lau brought to life a space that truly embodies the magic and creativity of Burning Man.
geLau chose a floating Ledge console table in solid ash by designer Simon Johns from Quebec to complement the marble flooring that spans the apartment. The artwork above is a portrait of the client’s late friend captured by photographer Luc Bassompierre from South Africa. According to the client, the portrait serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living it to the fullest.
The kitchen maintains its original features, with dark stone countertops and pale grey lacquered walls and cabinets. The barstool belongs to the client, who appreciates the kitchen’s functionality, especially given the easy access to nearby restaurants.
In the dining room, a custom wallpaper by Phillip Jeffries sets a dreamy atmosphere on the 67th floor. The wallpaper, printed on silk, evokes a cloud-like dreamscape. Surrounding the De La Espada Light Extending Dining Table are Sara Bond dining chairs upholstered in Moore & Giles black Manta Ray suede. A Lindsey Adelman Paradise chandelier hangs overhead, adding a touch of elegance and whimsy that resonates with the client’s taste.
The bar cabinet, named the ‘Tectonic Bar Cabinet,’ was sourced from London and shipped to the apartment, boasting a striking silver leaf finish. The cabinet conceals a refrigerator and cigar humidifier, among other surprises.
In the family room, unique Wendell Castle desk chairs from the Gannett Company boardroom in the mid-70s add character. The Phillip Jeffries custom cloud wallcovering continues the dreamy theme, alongside the J. Robert Scott silk rug and built-in cabinet.
To optimize space for storage and guests in the long, narrow rooms, custom furniture by Resource was utilized in the office and guest room. Accent pillows feature textiles from Samuel & Sons and Donghia, while the leather chair is from Arteriors.
The primary bedroom offers exceptional views of Manhattan. A custom mirror from RT Fact hangs over a De La Espada Classon dresser, adding a touch of elegance. The room is adorned with an iridescent peacock-feathered wallcovering from Koket, with bedside tables from De Mauro Das and vintage Italian ceramic lamps from the 1970s.
Design Center: Primary Closet
Photo credit: Brittany Ambridge
This primary closet, which serves as the entryway to the primary bedroom, underwent a transformation under the vision of Lau. “Previously, it had unattractive white snakeskin-covered closet doors,” Lau reminisces. “I chose to replace them with a stunning Elitis vinyl covering.” The dresser is by Maxalto, and the ceramic sculpture is a creation by artist Robbie Heidinger. The Ocellus ceiling light is sourced from Isabel Moncada, and the luxurious Mongolian cashmere rug is from Marc Phillips Rugs.
Primary Bedroom
Photo credit: Brittany Ambridge
Peti Lau is captured in the primary bedroom, where the design process flowed seamlessly. Lau adorned the walls in a nod to her initial inspiration, resulting in a space enveloped in a lavish organic wallcovering resembling fan-shaped iridescent peacock feathers from Koket. “This was the most expensive wallpaper I have ever worked with in my career,” Lau chuckles. “Each panel was meticulously pre-cut, leaving no room for errors.” The end result was flawless, a testament to the harmonious collaboration between designer and client. “She is incredibly creative, inquisitive, and vibrant, and now her home truly reflects her personality.”
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