Sam Masters Lands 420-Square-Foot West Village Apartment After 16 Years

Designing for the Unvarnished Charm of Historic New York: A Case Study in Character-Filled Living

This blog post explores the intentional design choices of interior designer Sam Masters as he settles into a rent-controlled prewar apartment in the West Village. It highlights how he embraces the building’s quirks, transforming them into celebrated features that evoke a nostalgic 2000s New York aesthetic.

Masters offers a unique perspective on maximizing space and personality within a compact urban dwelling.

Embracing the Imperfect: Prewar Charm as a Design Canvas

Masters’ journey to this West Village haven took 16 years and six previous apartments. His dedication to finding a space that resonates with his design sensibilities is clear.

He chose to accentuate the apartment’s prewar characteristics instead of concealing them. This decision gives the home authenticity and character.

The apartment’s defining features, such as crumbling plaster and thin windows, are seen as integral elements contributing to its unique appeal. This approach challenges the pursuit of perfection and instead celebrates history and imperfection.

A Palette of Rich Hues and Tactile Textures

The walls are adorned with Farrow & Ball’s *Pigeon*, a sophisticated grey. This calming backdrop allows other design elements to shine and maintains a sense of cozy intimacy.

The kitchen, described as a compact scullery, underwent a thoughtful renovation with Farrow & Ball’s *Olive*. This deeper tone adds rustic elegance.

The space is enhanced by Rejuvenation hardware and a DIY marble countertop. This project, completed with the building’s super, showcases ingenuity.

Innovative Storage Solutions for Compact Living

Effective storage is essential in any urban apartment, especially a smaller one. Masters approaches this challenge with creativity and an eye for both form and function.

An IKEA Pax wardrobe is elevated with Fornasetti wallpaper, transforming a utilitarian piece into a statement. This bold pattern adds personality and a touch of luxury.

A rolling shoe box is cleverly concealed under the bed. Its design blends seamlessly with the décor, maintaining tidiness.

The modular Vitsoe 606 system allows for constant reconfiguration to suit changing needs. This flexibility is key for long-term living.

A Bedroom Sanctuary of Refined Comfort

The bedroom offers a tranquil escape, balancing soft tones with striking accents. Farrow & Ball’s *Lime White* provides a light and airy feel.

Black-painted window casements and radiators add a graphic edge, preventing the space from feeling too uniform. A Room & Board bed, dressed in Pratesi sheets, promises comfort and a touch of indulgence.

The Fornasetti-papered closet continues the theme of integrated artistry. The DIY pleated-fabric headboard, held in place by magnets, is a simple project with sophisticated results.

The Living Room: A French Pied-à-Terre with Eclectic Soul

The living room is designed to evoke the ambiance of a French pied-à-terre. Armless loveseats upholstered in Fermoie fabric offer a comfortable seating arrangement.

The focal point is a petite working fireplace, framed by rattan sconces. This adds a warm and inviting glow.

A café table enhances the European feel, perfect for gatherings or enjoying coffee. The space is accessorized with an eclectic mix of vintage finds, each piece contributing to the apartment’s narrative.

Lighting is carefully considered, with a Serge Mouille-inspired fixture and Nickey Kehoe sconces providing both ambient and task lighting. Nonfunctional Anthropologie rattan sconces cleverly disguise wall damage.

The small foyer, painted in Farrow & Ball’s *Dead Salmon*, serves as an elegant transition. This area features an IKEA Stockholm cabinet enhanced with Phillip Jeffries’s Enchanted Woods wallpaper, making a bold statement.

Sourcing with Savvy: The Art of Finding Treasures

A significant aspect of Masters’ design philosophy is his resourceful approach to sourcing. Many pieces have been acquired through *DIY projects*, *sales*, and *thrift finds*.

This shows that high-end design doesn’t always require a high-end budget. Examples include *metal chairs sourced from a Greenwich Hotel employee sale* and an *oil landscape discovered at a New Jersey antiques shop*.

Choosing unique, often pre-loved items adds personality and history to the apartment. Masters has transformed his apartment into a vibrant, decorative *“teensy dollhouse.”*

He embraces the magic of city living. By intentionally keeping lights on, he preserves the enchantment he first felt gazing up at these very windows.

This creates a home that is not just a dwelling, but a living piece of New York history.
 
Here is the source article for this story: Designer Sam Masters Waited 16 Years to Land His 420-Square-Foot Apartment