Inside A View-filled New York City Retreat From frenchCALIFORNIA

Visionary interior designer Guillaume Coutheillas of the noted firm frenchCALIFORNIA recently completed an exquisite residential project at the SELENE tower in New York City. Designed for a globe-trotting couple, this residence ramps up the urban energy with dazzling skyline views.

Project Details:

Location: SELENE tower, Manhattan, NY
Interior Designer: Guillaume Coutheillas
Architect: Norman Foster
Trade Secret: Using natural materials, such as the custom Color Atelier limewash walls and natural stone furniture, adds warmth and texture to the spaces.
One-Sentence Summary: The overall design is clean, minimal and warm, balancing elegance with understated romanticism.

From the interior designer:

“I was tasked with designing a home for a couple who frequently travel overseas and make New York their temporary base, sometimes just for one night. With such a demanding lifestyle, they envisioned spaces that exude calmness and sophistication; a home that’s perfect for entertaining both friends and high-profile clients in the heart of the city. My goal was to create a refined, tranquil environment that feels like an extension of the city’s dynamic energy yet offers a peaceful sanctuary. The idea was to blend European elegance with the modern convenience of a high-rise, making the apartment feel personal and aspirational at once.”

“The most noteworthy feature of this apartment is undoubtedly the panoramic views, which are simply unmatched. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows allow the apartment to connect directly with the surrounding city and water views, creating a seamless flow between inside and outside. Lighting also plays a pivotal role in the apartment. Architectural track lighting and surface-mounted fixtures were used throughout, while a statement Anastassiades architectural pendant in the dining room complements the apartment’s geometry. In the living room, a floating paper pendant adds a soft glow, bringing an ethereal mood to the space. The apartment’s quadruple exposure results in shifting light throughout the day, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the morning and a more serene, calming environment as the sun sets over the city.”

Photography by Brendan Mainini.

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