Julie Hillman Design composes an immersive art experience for the owners of a Greek Revival townhouse through an array of collectible designs.
After years of living in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, a family of five traded their home for the nostalgia of living in one of the West Village’s historic brownstones. Architect Steven Harris was commissioned to work on the purchase of their 1830s Greek Revival townhouse, whilst Julie Hillman was engaged to design the interiors. Composed to accommodate the owner’s coveted collection of contemporary art, it has become a playful and working element of this heritage home.
Art is first introduced through the mudroom, where the senses are immediately activated with walls encased in matte black Venetian plaster. The space delivers the illusion that it has been sculpted from mud, providing an artistic pun on a utility room, where an Eric Croes bench has been unearthed. Hillman describes her design approach as “what is often a simple common area in some homes is a studied, elevated work of art in this townhouse”.
The playful nature of the home is further revealed with a modern twist to Regency through the entryway. Forming a striking backdrop for the contemporary artworks that are on display, black and white marble tiles are arranged geometrically, ushering guests towards the journey through the impressive brass staircase.
The elegant, winding staircase that leads upstairs is similarly a focal piece in this home, framed by a brass handrail that gracefully follows a twisting and sloping line through floors and landings. As one makes their ascent upwards, they will notice custom lights by Rogan Gregory subtly nestled into the curves of the walls; small secrets that turn the walls into nothing short of contemporary sculptures worthy of intimate contemplation,” explains Hillman.
A custom dining table designed by Julie Hillman—crafted using Lido Stone and bronze bases by Eric Schmitt—takes centre stage in the dual dining room and library, under a round chandelier by Nacho Carbonell, paired with contrasting chairs by Pierre Jeanneret and Axel-Einar Hjorth.
The Flos Fantasma Piccolo floor lamp designed by Tobia Scarpa in the living area.
Arriving in the entertaining quarters of the home, it becomes apparent with Pandora’s box being unveiled, that the role between art and interiors has collided. Whilst this home may bear the qualities of a museum, the difference here lies in that art is made to work, and not just be on view to be observed. Collectible design pieces in the form of pendant lighting, tables, mirrors, and chairs, have been functionally made to perform for use and provide an engaging immersive art experience. Accenting these works of art are the bold pairings of materials ranging from generously veined marble, oak timber paneling, Venetian plasters, and vibrant lacquer paints.
“All in all, every corner imaginable is thoughtfully planned to offer the viewer a unique, personal moment to engage with the artisanry of the home. Hand-finished walls invite the viewer to touch as though they were sculptures, and open fireplaces create cosy nooks replete with luxurious textures and warm light from organically shaped floor lamps. The home is a living organism, breathing with warmth, friendliness, and creativity,” summates Hillman.
In the living room, a Rick Owens daybed is surrounded by a custom settee by Julie Hillman Design, an antique Parisian Regency fireplace that rests under a mirror by Misha Kahn, a rare chair by Carlo Bugatti, and an Ado Chale low table.
The geometrically arranged black and white marble tiles in the entryway form a striking backdrop for the armchair by Hans Günther, console by Francois Cante-Pacos, Java table lamp by Mathieu Matégot and pendant by Eric Schmitt.
The geometrically arranged black and white marble tiles in the entryway form a striking backdrop for an armchair by Hans Günther, console by Francois Cante-Pacos, Java table lamp by Mathieu Matégot and pendant by Eric Schmitt.
Matte black Venetian Plaster encases the walls of the mudroom where an Eric Croes bench sits under a Piedra marble light.
Charlotte Perriand sconces in the home office.
The ensuite is cladded in a luxuriously veined marble and completed with Fantini Rubinetti fixtures, an Eileen Gray mirror, a David Wiseman pendant, and a custom horsehair stool by J.M. Szymanski.
