Laurie Blumenfeld, founder of Laurie Blumenfeld Design, softened the interiors of a unit in One Clinton, a luxurious new high-rise in Brooklyn Heights overlooking the glittering New York skyline. Starting with a proverbial blank slate, she designed colorful, cozy and chic spaces for a busy young family in a layout comprised of daringly angled rooms. Working around this challenge, she conceived a collection of bespoke pieces for areas that were far from being perfect squares. Using her flawless eye for design, Blumenfeld shared the ways she produced a modern dream home by merging inventively curated and custom-made décor.
Curved lines are a theme that’s repeated in the plush blue sofa and leather-clad dining chairs; a visual trick Blumenfeld used to soften the tricky angles of some rooms. “Adding curves and organic shapes to the very straight-lined architecture was a deliberate design decision,” the designer shares. “By doing so, it softens the hard edges and speaks to my client’s love of soft shapes.” While Blumenfeld likes to work with vintage pieces, her client had a more modernist vision. “Based on the architecture of the new space and their desire to reinvent themselves, we specified all new and custom pieces. I curated furniture pieces that, while new, had a vintage feeling, adding character and complexity.”
Achieving a delicate balance by combining neutral tones and patterned design elements is a way for Blumenfeld to tell a design story. “I typically begin by designing the space as a neutral palette, and layer in pattern and color delicately, to present itself as elegant and energic but not overly busy.” The result is illustrated in the dining room’s relaxed, harmonious atmosphere, particularly in the custom dry bar. “We designed the bar with a curved shape to contrast the straight angles and be in juxtaposition to the long rectangle dining table. Asymmetrical glass and wood cabinets showcase the best-looking liquor bottles and keep the rest of the bar utensils hidden away.”
Since the primary bedroom is oddly shaped, the most logical location for the bed was along an angled wall, where it completely spans both walls. “We designed the bed, headboard and lacquer side tables to feel sumptuous and organic, softening the hard edges while also serving as a dramatic statement — a velvet wall sculpture, if you will.”
The primary bedroom desk is another bespoke item by Blumenfeld. “We designed the kidney-shaped desk to nestle into the bedroom corner with the views for days. The idea was that the organic shape contrasted with the hard and straight angles of the corner while keeping the space feeling airy. A rectangle-shaped desk would have taken up too much unused space and left a dead area in front of the windows. We chose to create a custom ombre stain for visual interest and dimension, reminiscent of the stunning sunsets seen through the windows.”
From the circular rug to the wallpapered ceiling, a playful design aesthetic reflects the children’s imaginative personalities in a colorful bedroom. “The client’s children are avid readers; they rarely watch TV. With that in mind, we thought it would be a cool idea to create their very own library, complete with custom window seat cushions so they can enjoy the views while reading their favorite book. The windows are child-proof and safe.” This approach underscores Blumenfeld’s detail-oriented design ethos. “Creating one-of-a-kind pieces for our clients makes their home unique, just for them. It’s a very gratifying result for all.”
Photography by Tim Williams.
For more from Laurie Blumenfeld be sure to follow her Designer Travels series as she shares her recent excursion through India.
Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to aspire design and home magazine.