Robert Couturier seems to thrive under pressure. When
commissioned to design a Manhattan pied-à-terre for longtime
clients, the new york-based interior designer and architect—
known for his worldly and elegant interiors—pulled together
a stylish, modern apartment in just a handful of months. While
challenging, he found that working at a rapid speed does
have its advantages. “it keeps things fresh for the clients, and
it keeps things fresh for you,” he explains. “Design is instinctive,
and i think if people agonize too long over decisions things
become boring.” the quick pace of the process helped in
decision-making, but the fact that the owners, an international
couple, would only be visiting the apartment for short stays also
defined the aesthetic. “since it’s not a main residence, that
gives you a lot of latitude,” says Couturier. “it can be special
and more edgy because you don’t live there full-time.”
Keeping in mind the short visits, Couturier didn’t want an
intricate interior that would need time to unfold. “We wanted
to do something very contemporary and very light,” says the
designer, who had a specific approach for reaching that goal.
“i wanted to use striking pieces, which would occupy the space
without having to use too much furniture.” that vision played
out in the living room, where he paired a streamlined Cassina
sofa with a scene-stealing blue sofa from Ron Arad’s Victoria
and Albert collection. “its intense color takes up so much room,
you don’t need much more,” he says. two 1960s italian chairs,
a Jansen low table and a large painting by isabel von Bayern
finish the space.
Following this precedent, Couturier hung an oversize dome
pendant by ingo Maurer in the dining room and matched
sinuous resin chairs by Ron Arad with a classic Knoll table. the
Rug Company’s swirl rug anchors the room. “if you want to
keep a clean and simple experience in the space, limiting
patterns is the way to go,” says Couturier, who added depth
to the room by lacquering the ceiling with a deep blue hue.
“it makes the ceiling a degree higher and gives you a liquid,
surreal feeling.”
june
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july
