Designer Visions: Matthew Patrick Smyth for Elle Decor

Matthew Patrick Smyth @
Elle Decor/Designer Visions

For the final installment of the Designer Visions coverage I end with Matthew Patrick Smyth for Elle Decor, who joined this initiative this year for the first time in it's 6 year history.

As an internationally acclaimed interior designer since 1987, Smtyh has been recognized most recently as a 2011 Stars of Design Award, and remains on Elle Decor's Top 25 among many other accolades, and so it was no surprise to have been asked to design the apartment and 250 West St, in the heart of Tribeca that perhaps posed the most difficult of architectural challenges...

Basically, large columns in the center of the formal Living / Kitchen area which really are very common in New York and so it is great to have this example for so many home owners to see how great design can turn these challenges into inspired design solutions.

Welcome!

This young couple both have busy lifestyles and use this New York apartment as the halfway meeting point between his work in Hollywood while his partner travels to Europe and the Far East for his finance business.




The modern day “grand tour” shares their passion for the orient and asia, with neutral natural tone textiles and the few select pieces that are so instrumental in creating a comfortable and elegant living space.

From this view, the handcrafted green large-format Grey Crackle Soleil Wall Tiles by Ann Sacks lend the room a modern look flanking the living space and in contrast with the Sandpipe cabinets by Poggenpohl.

The custom sofa and sectional by Michael Tavano/MT Custom are chic elegant with a clean skirted detail in Schumacher fabrics and trims, and with the most exquisite button detail by Tender Buttons!

A dash of masculine Brun Cheetah Velvet, by Schumacher, adds a contemporary twist on the pair of Neoclassical Klismos chairs through R T Facts, which has a great selection of product on VandM.com.

The oversized sepia print of an Indian bride taken through a shop window, was broken into 9 individual frames and becomes the most mesmerizing image presiding over the living space.

The woven sisal area rug by Patterson Flynn & Martin and the rich mix of pillows in silks and velvets, add pops of color in rich deep tones that are simply stunning against the deep gray Benjamin Moore tone, Notre Dame.

The French Indonesian 20 century pierced mirror in a white washed finish, the Belgian tufted ottoman with paw feet and nailhead trim and willow hand carved sideboard, were  all personal touches that Smyth brought into the space and add a very unique special touch.

For an informal dining à deux the living area and kitchen are perfect,

but for a real gathering and dining experience, then the special Jewel Box that Smyth brought to life, is where you want to have your dinner parties!

He recreated what would be to most, the least inviting space in the apartment - an interior room with no natural light - by completely enveloping it Byzantinum Collection's Mica Nasrid Palace & Serallo Mosaic wallcovering by Schumacher and shielding it with sheer draperies for that final touch!

The dining room in Byzantinum Collection's Mica Nasrid Palace & Serallo Mosaic wallcovering by Schumacher!

The Ebonized Mahogany columns from Calcutta Palace c mid 19c from Smyth's personal collection anchor the room on the opposing side with a softer touch of glimmer and sheen coming from the Champagne leaf capiz shell chandelier by Corbett Lighting and Taylor table lamps by Hudson Valley Lighting.

The Home Office, showcases the amazing wall covering is by designer Raoul Dufy's Feuillage Wallpaper which debuted this Fall by Hermès, and I am crazy about it!

The custom partners desk, is one of the many vintage finds by Smyth, but in this case he took apart a barrel and split it down the middle. With a new custom lacquered grasscloth top, this desk is a unique statement piece with function!

The Custom floor-to-ceiling bookcase in Kid Gloves Paint by Benjamin Moore, with floating shelves featuring Herringbone Wallpaper by Hermès as a backdrop to so many of the books and small treasures that no doubt this well traveled, well read, and uber chic couple would have...

Lastly, in the Master Suite, a 19th-century door frame through R T Facts comes to life as a headboard , after having been fitted with a dark mirror with a Venetian painting mounted atop, and is the most incredible feature with the custom bedding and quilt from the Taj Collection by Anichini. 

In warm bronze tones, the Matthew Patrick Smyth for Patterson, Flynn & Martin area rug from The New Classics collection, frame the space and add pattern and movement underfoot.

Mr Porter filled closets, with architectural details used as a dressing console against a dark mirrored glass wall, are some of the small details that transform this Master Suite into the haven it is.

Ceiling color and trim in Barley There by Benjamin Moore Paint. Wall Color in Greenwich Gate by Benjamin Moore Paint. Silver Leaf Finish Strider Bedside Tables and Mouette Lounge Chair, both by Ironies. Wallpaper by The Alpha Workshops.

Hope you have enjoyed the Designer Visions preview coverage.. 

In case you missed the first two posts:

David Rockwell - Rockwell Group for House Beautiful

Antony Todd for Veranda

and stay tuned for ..

This September six teams of filmmakers got the opportunity of a lifetime as the team at Hearst Home Group and they were provided 'behind the scenes' access to all three Designer Visions apartments as the set for their films had only one weekend to write, shoot, edit, and score a short film. The teams now are competing for $5000 in prizes and the prizes will be announced very soon!