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Susan Aqeel has long yearned for a life immersed in art. After dabbling in painting classes during college, she found herself unable to keep up with the demands and decided to find other ways to appreciate art. In 1968, Susan relocated to New York’s Soho neighborhood, rubbing shoulders with renowned artists such as Louise Nevelson and Jamie Wyeth. Reminiscing about her time there, she recalls the bustling Italian restaurants filled with artists and members of the Mafia, painting a picture of the vibrant art scene at the time.
Years later, Susan moved to California where she raised her son, Omar, surrounded by her beloved artworks. When Omar ventured to New York in 2011 to pursue interior design, Susan divided her time between the coasts, eventually purchasing a small pied-Ã -terre in the city to be closer to her son. With a vision in mind, Susan entrusted Omar to design the space, aiming for a chic, relaxing, and art-filled residence that could serve as a gathering place for celebrations and work.
Situated in a historic townhouse in West Chelsea, the apartment boasts stunning architecture and views of the High Line hotel. Before Omar could incorporate Susan’s art collection, he had to address spatial challenges within the apartment. With a focus on preserving the building’s original charm, Omar’s team raised ceilings, redesigned doorways, and refinished the floors to enhance the sense of space and light.
Retaining the house’s unique elements like ornate fireplaces and intricate moldings, Omar and Susan collaborated on creating an “informal gallery” inspired by Parisian salons. The living room, dubbed “the salon,” features a serene white backdrop complemented by bold furniture pieces and a striking painting, embodying Susan’s bold and elegant persona.
Paul English’s design features a blend of traditional architectural details with modern elements such as the Astep VV Cinquanta Suspension lamp and a Brutalist-style library table in nero black marble. To cater to Susan’s tastes and love for Art Deco, Omar drew inspiration from Italian design references and artists like Osvaldo Borsani and Jean Dunand. Omar aimed to create a quiet backdrop that would allow the furniture to shine as sculptural art pieces, rather than overwhelming the space with excessive design.
In the kitchen, Susan initially hesitated about Omar’s suggestion of a stainless steel design, but eventually embraced the idea after seeing its potential. Omar, given creative freedom, replaced standard cabinets with brushed stainless steel cabinets by Reform, creating a minimalist and industrial look. Inspired by artist Donald Judd, the kitchen features simple forms and clean lines, with a focus on functionality and aesthetics. The room’s simplicity is described as a piece of art in itself.
The salon showcases a mix of modern and vintage pieces, including an Arflex Marenco sofa, spider lamps by Joe Colombo, and a mirror side table from HAY. The walls are painted in Farrow & Ball’s All White, providing a clean canvas for the eclectic mix of furniture and decor. Each corner of the salon features unique pieces such as a 1940’s credenza, artwork by Richard Diebenkorn, a Mario Botta Shogun lamp, and a vintage mama headdress from Nigeria. The combination of different styles and eras creates a visually stimulating and harmonious living space.
The Fermob Origami bench and vintage Kifwebe Songye mask used to occupy a space on Ms. Aqeel’s father’s desk. In the kitchen, brushed stainless steel by Reform is featured alongside Color Atelier Bone lime wash-treated walls. The vintage Alvar Aalto k65 chair, Akari 70F light fixture, and a SoHo kitchen depiction signed by artist Clayton Pond adorn the space, adding a touch of nostalgia.
Moving to the bedroom, a vella leather bed by Michele di Fonzo takes center stage, complemented by art deco rosewood tables from Ralph Lauren and Tizio lamps from Artemide. A custom mobile by Max Simon and signed drawings by Clayton Pond add a personal touch to the room.
In another part of the bedroom, a silk pendant from Ruemmler hangs above a graphic rug from Stark Carpets. Roman shades in Holland and Sherry wool frame the space, alongside ceramic vessels by Karen Zhou and a painting by Michael Snodgrass. The room exudes elegance with walls painted in Color Atelier Bone lime.
An Utrecht armchair by Rietveld in camel felt graces the bedroom in front of the original fireplace. The Pierre Chapo S31 stool, Medusa vessel by Gaetano Pesce, and ceramic vessels by Karen Zhou add character to the room. A “Faun” painting by Michael Snodgrass further enhances the ambiance.
In the bathroom, Zia Earth tile walls, a marble and hand-hammered brass sink, and hardware in lacquered burnished brass from Restoration Hardware create a luxurious feel. A Bower Studio mirror in white oak and an Astep sconce by Gino Sarfatti complete the elegant look.
Treasures collected over the years fill the apartment, each piece holding a special connection with Susan. “I know all the artists,” Susan reminisces fondly. “They’re friends: one is an old boyfriend; another, Michael Snodgrass, is a friend of ours in Carmel; and another is Omar’s ex-husband—all wonderful artists that are still living. Somehow this apartment feels more alive because I’m surrounded by the work of living, breathing friends.”
The apartment reflects a blend of personal history, artistic connections, and carefully curated decor, creating a space that is not just aesthetically pleasing but also deeply meaningful to its owner.
