Decorating a new condo is tricky business: If you go against the modern grain, things can look begin to appear strangely discordant, but playing up the minimalist architecture can look a bit bland. Designer Aamir Khandwala has met this challenge successfully over the years by applying just the right amount of fresh color and patterns to spaces that need a little extra attention. Take this wonderful entrance hall, created for clients who Khandwala says wanted “a timeless space, which is actually the way I design.” He decided to cover the walls and doors with wallpaper from Mind the Gap, add simple wooden coat hooks from Lostine, install a Noguchi pendant lamp, and place a bench from Property Furniture along the wall. The mirror is from Bower Studios.
The living room and kitchen each retain their own space yet mix well. Khandwala brought in a sectional from Wolf Home and a patterned gray-and-white Moroccan carpet from ABC Carpet & Home. The custom millwork was designed by AKID in walnut, oak, and bronze, and the upholstered fabric panels added a modern geometry to the room. The Sebastian Herkner Bell Table from Avenue Road, the hanging Parentesi lamps from FLOS, and woven black rattan “Snug” chair from Gestalt Furniture each break up the formality of the architecture with their vivid colors and uniquely sensual shapes.
Photo: Jacob Snavely
Khandwala kept the proportions of the room in check by ensuring that the sectional sofa didn’t overwhelm the sight lines to the kitchen; this allows cooking and entertaining to integrate organically. He also kept the color palette in sync with the hue of the kitchen cabinetry, allowing for a soothing interior landscape.
Photo: Jacob Snavely
The dining area just off the living room is defined by more than just the architecture; Khandwala used a carpet from ABC Carpet & Home that corresponds to the living-room rug but introduces another, equally bright color palette. The blue brushed-cotton banquette is from M2L, and the Saarinen table is from Design Within Reach. The gracefully curved Arco lamp from Design Within Reach breaks up the gridded window quadrant. The artwork by Atif Toor was a wedding gift to Khandwala’s clients.
Photo: Jacob Snavely
The bedroom is its own soothing dreamscape entirely; Khandwala blended soft muted colors with wallpaper from Area Environments, a Moroccan carpet from ABC Carpet & Home, custom night stands from BDDW, and a bed with tufted headboard from ABC Carpet & Home. The custom bench was made by Roque Rey. The bedside T75 Paul Smith lamp is from Horne.
Photo: Jacob Snavely
The powder room uses the very fun “Mediterranea” wallpaper from Fornasetti. Khandwala set out to create an environment that looks, as he says, “current and timeless — nothing trendy! I despise trendy.”
Photo: Jacob Snavely
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