Quick Facts
- Designer: Samantha Tannehill, Tannehill Interiors
- Project Location: West Chelsea, Manhattan, NYC
- Property Type: 120-Square-Meter Pied-à-Terre
- Renovation Timeline: 7 Months
- Key Palette: Farrow & Ball ‘Dimity’, Benjamin Moore ‘Hale Navy’
- Design Aesthetic: Modern Bohemian meets Global Soul
Sometimes, the best design stories begin with a disaster. For this 120-square-meter West Chelsea apartment, the catalyst for change wasn’t a Pinterest board or a real estate flip—it was a flood. When a leak from the unit above caused significant damage, the homeowners were left with a gutted space and a daunting task.
Enter Samantha Tannehill of Tannehill Interiors. A neighbor in the building, Samantha was more than just a designer; she was a local expert who understood the specific soul of West Chelsea. The mission was clear: take a standard, "developer-grade" unit and transform it into a layered, soulful sanctuary that reflected the owners' philanthropic travels and modern lifestyle.
The Neighborly Origin: From Flood Damage to Design Opportunity
The West Chelsea home transformation began as an exercise in resilience. The original apartment was typical of many New York City builds—high-quality but lacking character. The flood stripped away the generic finishes, providing a blank canvas for Tannehill Interiors.
"The goal wasn't just to repair the damage," Samantha notes. "It was to erase the 'cookie-cutter' feel and replace it with a home that felt like it had been curated over decades."
Working within the strict constraints of a NYC co-op, Samantha led the project from structural overhaul to the final styling, proving that even a "temporary" pied-à-terre can possess the depth of a primary residence.
Modern Bohemian: A Palette Inspired by Global Craft
To achieve a "Modern Bohemian" look that felt sophisticated rather than cluttered, Samantha leaned into a philosophy of tactile richness. The foundational color choice was Farrow & Ball’s Dimity—a pale, warm neutral that feels like aged parchment. It provides a luminous backdrop that shifts beautifully as the Hudson River light filters through the windows.
Ivy’s Style Tip: When working with neutral walls, texture is your best friend. Look for bouclé fabrics, linen wallpapers, and natural wood grains to prevent the space from feeling flat.
The flooring was updated to light-toned wood, and mirrors were strategically placed to amplify the square footage, making the 120-square-meter footprint feel significantly more expansive.
The Heart of the Home: A Moody Navy Kitchen and Vibrant Dining Nook
In New York City apartments, the kitchen is often an afterthought. Samantha flipped this script by embracing a bold, sophisticated palette. The cabinetry was finished in Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy, a deep, classic blue that adds instant weight and luxury to the open-plan living area.
The transition from the light Dimity foyer to the moody kitchen is one of the project's most successful sensory moments. The navy is balanced by crisp white marble countertops and unlacquered brass hardware from Schoolhouse, which will patina over time, adding to the "lived-in" charm.
Adjacent to the kitchen, a vibrant dining nook serves as a bridge between the cooking and living areas. Tucked between two large windows, a custom green banquette provides a pop of energy. It’s the perfect spot for morning coffee or an intimate dinner overlooking the Chelsea skyline.
Curating a Legacy: The African Art Gallery Wall
What truly sets this West Chelsea apartment renovation apart is its soul. The homeowners have a deep philanthropic connection to Africa, and their home needed to reflect that heritage.
Samantha curated a gallery wall featuring 10+ authentic African art pieces collected during their travels. Rather than treating these items as "decor," they were treated as foundational elements. By mixing these pieces with contemporary furniture and Dedar linen wallpaper, the design feels globally inspired but firmly rooted in Manhattan.
The Gallery Wall Checklist
- Variety of Scale: Mixing large masks with smaller framed sketches.
- Organic Materials: Integrating wood, woven fibers, and clay.
- Unified Framing: Using similar wood tones to tie disparate pieces together.
The Private Quarters: Art Deco Vibes and Whimsical Escapes
Moving into the private areas of the home, the mood shifts from social and vibrant to serene and refined. The Master Bedroom is a masterclass in texture, featuring Dedar’s Art Deco-inspired wallpaper. The subtle geometric pattern adds a layer of quiet luxury without overwhelming the senses.
The choice of materials here—bouclé chairs, leather accents, and high-thread-count linens—creates a "boutique hotel" atmosphere that invites relaxation.
In contrast, the guest bedroom offers a "bucolic" retreat. Blush pink walls are paired with a stunning Mitchell Black floral wallpaper, creating a whimsical escape for visiting friends and family. Even the bathrooms received a high-fashion upgrade, utilizing Schumacher charcoal wallpaper and sleek fixtures from McGee & Co.
Mission Accomplished: The Seven-Month Sprint
Renovating in New York City is notoriously difficult. Between co-op boards and logistics, projects often stretch into years. However, Samantha Tannehill managed this entire transformation in just seven months.
The technical hurdles were significant. To create the open-plan feel, the team had to reroute HVAC systems through the floor and navigate a "Mission Impossible" style installation for the kitchen’s marble island slab, which barely fit into the building’s service elevator.
Renovation Highlights at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Kitchen Paint | Benjamin Moore Hale Navy |
| Main Walls | Farrow & Ball Dimity |
| Wallpaper | Dedar (Master), Mitchell Black (Guest), Schumacher (Bath) |
| Hardware | Brass accents from Schoolhouse & McGee & Co. |
| Art Highlights | 10+ authentic pieces from African travels |
The result is a testament to what happens when expertise meets a clear vision. The Tannehill Interiors NYC project has successfully turned a flood-damaged unit into a modern bohemian masterpiece that feels as though it was always meant to be.
FAQ
Who designed the West Chelsea apartment transformation? The project was led by Samantha Tannehill, founder of Tannehill Interiors. She oversaw everything from the initial structural repairs following flood damage to the final interior styling and art curation.
What are the primary paint colors used in this project? The apartment features a sophisticated mix of neutrals and bolds. The entryway and main living areas use Farrow & Ball’s Dimity, while the kitchen cabinetry is finished in Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy.
How long did the West Chelsea pied-à-terre renovation take? Despite the complexities of a NYC co-op and the high level of customization, the entire renovation was completed within a strict seven-month timeline.
