When a couple from South Carolina found this sun-drenched West Village, New York, apartment that gave off Parisian vibes with its ornate moldings and plaster walls, they knew they had found something truly special. Plus, who wouldn’t want to live down the street from Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic brownstone in Sex and the City? When they stumbled upon interior designer Alvin Wayne on YouTube, they tasked him with maximizing their narrow pied-à-terre, while also nodding to their lives by the sea in South Carolina, where they still planned to spend most of their time. “They envisioned it to be a space where they and their five children could relax and recharge—an escape from the pressures of their careers and the fast pace of New York City,” says Wayne.
The 900-square-foot apartment had tall ceilings going for it, but the floor plan was awkward, so Wayne had to be mindful of making the various rooms feel open and balanced. “Even though the whole family wouldn’t be there at the same time, we had to plan for the possibility,” says the designer.
But space wasn’t the only challenge—the couple was eager to move in yesterday. In under seven weeks, Wayne transformed the apartment, sticking strictly to in-stock furniture. Ahead, he shares in his own words how he brought a fresh dimension to this couple’s city escape.
What is the first thing that you bought for this project?
The absolute first thing I chose and ordered for this home was an incredibly comfortable sofa from Rove Concept, upholstered in a soft cream bouclé. With one arm and an open side, it immediately made the living space feel more expansive. I love modular furniture for its versatility—you can move it around and adapt it to any space. In this compact layout, the sofa became the key piece that allowed for more seating and space for entertaining.
Can you share a few tips for making a narrow layout like this work?
When I first walked into the dining room, I immediately noticed an oval table with chairs, but they were just in the way. I knew a banquette would completely transform the space. This Crate & Barrel piece, wrapped in a soft hazel green mohair fabric with a waterfall backrest, fits snugly in the corner. Paired with an oval dining table and chairs, it comfortably seats six while keeping the space feeling open and those key walkways clear.
What was your favorite custom piece that you designed for the homeowners?
In the original floor plan, the passage connecting the kitchen and dining room was originally just a closet, but it was begging to be something more. Now, when you walk in, you’re greeted by a custom dry bar that serves as storage and doubles as a buffet display for when the family entertains.
In a city like New York, every inch counts, so I made sure the design worked a little harder with six drawers and two shelves stacked above, maximizing storage. To finish it off, I added a mirror, which reflects the natural light and makes the space feel airy and expansive.
Is there a standout material that you’d love to incorporate into a future project?
Hands down, natural stone. It adds so much depth and character to a space, and wherever I can, I love incorporating a stone with rich movement and unexpected color. In the kitchen, we chose classic Carrara marble. But just beyond, in the passageway, there’s a shift—a soft-hued jade with delicate brown veining that catches the light beautifully. It’s those little moments of contrast that make a home feel layered and intentional. Marble has that razzle-dazzle, you know? Like a great piece of jewelry, elevating everything just a smidge.
What was your biggest splurge?
Definitely, all the custom millwork! The biggest challenge with the bedrooms was their size—they quite literally only fit a bed. In the main bedroom, [we] designed a floating platform bed. To maximize function, we built two small niches into the headboard, each just big enough for an iPhone, with built-in outlets for charging and a switch for the sconces above. The niches replace nightstands, eliminating the need for extra furniture. Millwork is often dismissed as too expensive, but in compact spaces, every detail is intentional and made to work harder.
And what was your biggest save?
That’s easy: artwork. Thanks to the family’s impeccable taste and stunning collection, I pulled many pieces from their collection that complemented the spaces and the palette I envisioned for the apartment.
How did their South Carolina roots influence your design choices?
On the walls, I fixed the plaster and used Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee for a soft, neutral base. Above the molding, where the ceiling curves, I kept it classic white to help the space feel even taller.
I layered in textures with oatmeal-colored linen drapes and mixed wood tones throughout the home—white oak floors, walnut coffee table and media console, black-stained wood dining table, and white oak built-ins. Rattan lamps, accent chairs, and lighting added another layer. It sounds like a lot, but it all came together effortlessly. The key was choosing materials that speak to each other in different areas, ensuring a cohesive, intentional flow throughout the entire home.
Can you walk us through the process of finding furniture and decor within a seven-week timeline?
As designers, we’re always scrolling through Instagram, hunting for the next “It” piece. So when it came to this project, I already had a mental catalog of options before I even started shopping, like the banquette from Crate & Barrel. The real challenge was finding pieces that were in stock but didn’t feel [like they came from] one store or were overly mass-produced.
What is the coolest store, brand, or artisan you discovered during this project?
The clients had previously commissioned a piece of art from Tim Hussey for another home and they were eager to repurpose it in this one. It complemented the living room’s size, composition, and colors. It made it feel right at home.
The kitchen pendant lights from Lampemesteren were also a great find. They are giving very earthy terracotta vibes, but what’s really cool is that they are intricately knitted and surprisingly lightweight.
A gradient wallpaper from Belarte Studio transformed the guest bedroom, shifting from light to dark tones, and introduced visual texture and depth, making the small room feel more dynamic.
