Masterclass in Designing Your Dream Primary Bedroom

The primary bedroom is a sanctuary of refined taste, featuring a custom floating bed frame adorned with sumptuous Claremont fabric drapes. In the corner, an 18th- and 19th-century blue-and-green porcelain collection from the Arnhold family estate in Dresden, Germany rests atop a vintage chest of drawers. The room’s harmony is further elevated by Stephen Apatow’s bespoke armchairs and a hand-knotted rug, marrying heritage craftsmanship with contemporary comfort.

Seamless Transitions: From Bath to Bedroom

The en suite bathroom flows effortlessly into the primary bedroom, creating a cohesive retreat. A curated mix of antique vanities and modern fixtures bridges eras, while botanical arrangements and a Vaughan Designs Drottningholm lantern add organic warmth. This interplay of textures and eras reflects the homeowners’ appreciation for layered storytelling in design.

Living Spaces as Artistic Narratives

In the sitting area, a pair of Lee Jofa-upholstered armchairs sits beneath Howard Tangye’s portrait of Gordon, a testament to the couple’s love for art. The custom rug, another Apatow creation, anchors the space with geometric precision. Meanwhile, a multi-chrome antique charger and Carolina Herrera’s Cedar Soleil perfume bottle serve as deliberate accents tiny vignettes of personality.

The Heart of the Home: Entertaining with Ease

The ARIÉ high-floor living area embodies dynamic hospitality. Princess Maria-Olympia of Greece and Denmark notes, “Gordon and Pauls have an innate ability to make guests feel at home their spaces radiate warmth and effortless elegance.” Lauren Santo Domingo echoes this, praising their “quiet sophistication” a blend of grandeur and intimacy. The library, with its pre-existing straw walls and 18th-century English mantel, exemplifies this balance. A 10-inch domed ceiling insert preserves the room’s intimacy while accommodating a cherished chandelier. Above the fireplace, a Salman Toor painting (discovered at the Whitney) and a netsuke collection from the Arnhold family add intellectual and artistic depth.

Design Philosophy: Collaboration and Intimacy

Gordon and Pauls describe their collaboration with Apatow as “deeply personal.” Gordon shares, “Fashion is my profession, but interior design is my creative escape.” Apatow’s hands-on approach editing fiercely and prioritizing client vision ensures each space feels both intentional and lived-in. Their West Chelsea apartment (featured in AD, September 2020) set the tone for this project’s fluid creativity.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

This profile celebrates a home where heritage and modernity coalesce through meticulous curation and collaborative design. While the narrative beautifully captures the aesthetic vision, it briefly glosses over practical challenges such as integrating antiques into functional family spaces which could enrich the discussion for design enthusiasts. That said, the emphasis on storytelling through objects and architecture is masterful, offering a blueprint for creating spaces that feel both luxurious and deeply personal. The project’s success lies in its refusal to sacrifice warmth for grandeur, proving that the best interiors are those that evolve with their inhabitants.