When it comes to interior design, there's something truly captivating about the fusion of history and creativity. This story takes us inside the prewar Upper West Side apartment of interior designer Sarah Lederman, a space that not only showcases her unique vision but also serves as a testament to the charm of Emery Roth's architectural legacy.
The Prewar Charm of the Upper West Side
For those enamored with prewar architecture, the Upper West Side is a treasure trove. Emery Roth's influence is evident in the neighborhood's iconic twin- and three-tower structures, including masterpieces like the San Remo and the Beresford. Apartments in these buildings are highly sought-after, and co-op boards are notoriously selective, making each available unit a rare find.
A Forever Home in the Family Bubble
Sarah Lederman, an Upper West Side native, has created a 'magical family bubble' in her duplex home. Located on the same street as her parents and sharing a building with her brother and his family, Lederman's home is a testament to the logical layout of Emery Roth's original designs. The public and private spaces are thoughtfully separated, creating a harmonious living environment.
A Quick Renovation, Relatively Speaking
When Lederman and her family moved in, the apartment required surprisingly little renovation. She wallpapered, painted, and added new carpeting, but avoided a gut renovation. In the world of design, where projects can span years, Lederman's renovation was relatively swift, taking only about six months. The end result, however, is a stunning interior that belies the 'not that much' work she describes.
Three Fates: A Travel-Inspired Textile Line
Amidst the renovation, Lederman also launched her own wallpaper and textile line, Three Fates. Inspired by her love for travel and visits to historic places like Bhutan, Morocco, Japan, and Peru, Lederman captured the essence of these destinations in her designs. She also drew inspiration from architectural elements in New York City and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Lederman's designs were hand-watercolored by an artist and then digitally printed as textiles and wallpapers. The color palettes are earthy, with names like Sirocco evoking vast natural landscapes. One design, Amphora, draws inspiration from the colors of Greek amphoras at the Met.
A Testing Ground for Three Fates
Lederman's home served as a testing ground for her new textile line. Nearly all the pillows are in Three Fates fabrics, as are two upholstered swivel chairs inspired by Ward Bennett. The powder room's green wallpaper is also one of Lederman's own patterns. She explains that the hand-watercoloring process adds depth to the digitally printed wallpaper, giving it a unique, non-flat appearance.
An Imaginative Interior
Lederman's imaginative interiors are a delightful blend of old and new. The entry features an Art Deco rug, while an Egyptian woven tapestry hangs over the living room sofa. Custom ceramic lamps with hand-painted shades add a unique touch to the bedroom. The Three Fates patterns seamlessly integrate into Lederman's design aesthetic, creating a natural and cohesive look.
A Personal Touch
Lederman's home is a reflection of her personal style and love for travel and design. It's a space where friends feel at ease, unaware of the newly launched textile line. The Three Fates patterns have become an integral part of her design element, adding a unique and natural touch to her imaginative interiors.
In conclusion, Sarah Lederman's prewar Upper West Side apartment is a captivating blend of history and creativity. It showcases the charm of Emery Roth's architecture, Lederman's unique design vision, and the successful integration of her own textile line, Three Fates. This home is a true testament to the power of interior design to create a magical and personal living environment.
