Life on the High Line

Stephen Treffinger -- Interior Design, 11/1/2012 2:00:00 AM

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Project Name: Duplex loft  Location: Manhattan, New York  Firm: Shamir Shah Design  Square Feet: 1,800

With views of the High Line park and Hudson River through double-height windows, this 1,800-square-foot Manhattan duplex loft was a lily in little need of gilding. Its owners, two women with an enviable art collection and a high-spirited dog, told Shamir Shah comfort was a priority. As was practicality: no fussy fabrics or finishes.

Glorious though they are, the soaring windows and ceiling needed to be addressed. “I thought it was going to be a challenge in terms of scale but, in the end, it feels well used without being forced,” says the Shamir Shah Design principal. He mounted art up the wall, gallery style, and filled the overhead void with a fixture by David Weeks that extends horizontally and vertically—yet doesn’t overwhelm. Shades filter the frequently intense light, not only protecting artwork and fabrics but also reducing solar gain. (The windows also have an invisible UV coating.)

Throughout, custom rugs in dark solids, some with subtle patterns and textures, are executed in wool, silk, and hide. For the remainder of the neutral palette, Shah chose an earthy scheme, somewhat lighter than is his wont, but one that made sense with the abundant light.

Rather than faux travel souvenirs and decorative flourishes, Shah relied on rich textiles and personalized touches to invoke luxury. In the master suite, the bed frame is wrapped in wool with welting details, the custom headboard and the walls are covered in wool flannel. One of the owners has a large collection of eyewear, so Shah built special compartmented drawers in which to house them. She is also an avid equestrian (a passion shared by the architect), thus several of the works of art are photographs of horses. The owners are so pleased, they’ve made a request on behalf of the most honored member of the house­hold—a bed design for the dog.  

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