This mid 1960s townhouse was a fun challenge. Unexpected high ceilings and loft like spaces made this home interesting, even in the neglected state it was in when I began. My goal was to restore, refresh, and upgrade.

First, I liberated the interiors of unwanted texture by removing all the acoustic ceiling and skim coating the walls and ceilings smooth. I discarded all of the dated iron railings in favor of short walls capped in Labradorite. I had a solid hardwood floor laid throughout, and deployed linen track drapery both as window coverings and room dividers for softness. Walnut cabinetry in the kitchen replaced shabby, ill-conceived painted oak cabinets. Handmade lapis blue glazed ceramic tiles in the backsplash highlight the random blue opal spots in the Labradorite counter tops. I also reworked every bathroom with copper quartzite floors, Japanese tansu vanities and handmade celadon glazed crackle tile in the bathing areas.

With the construction, remodel and decoration I chose to stress the period when the townhouse was built, with a slightly more modern approach. My intentions were to make a clear historical reference, without making the home feel out of place today.

The decor and furnishings for this bachelor pad are quirky, and happily symbiotic with the space. The living room is anchored by a massive 18th century Chinese kang, or raised platform bed, laden with pillows and bolsters for use as a sofa. Club chairs of my own design upholstered in an orange Ted Boerner boucle face the fireplace. A vintage Curtis Jere wire tree of life sculpture hangs over the fireplace. The dining room showcases a dramatic red Murano glass chandelier, vintage modern furnishings, and a large abstract painting by local artist TJ Renzi. The master bedroom has a very high, barrel-vaulted ceiling with clerestory windows on both sides that flood the space with natural light and allow views of the stars at night. This room is anchored by a twelve-foot, six panel, Meiji era Japanese paper screen depicting pines trees, and a pair of enormous 19th century Chinese blackwood reverse painted glass lanterns.

While housing a serious collection of original art and antiques, this home is meant to convey a lighthearted sense of humor, whimsy, and joy.