The cozy-yet-airy color palette of this home in New York is guaranteed to make you happy

This home designed by Studio DB was once a vintage, old-style dwelling, now radiates with a fresh, contemporary energy

A colorful apartment in Carnegie Hill New York
(Image credit: Studio DB. Photo credit Matthew Williams)

In a market that feels oversaturated with new developments, renovating an old school, pre-war apartment into one that sings a fresh, new design tune, is one to take note of. This is the story of a two-bedroom home located in Carnegie Hill, New York blessed with high ceilings, charming aboriginal crown moldings, a vintage fireplace, old world furniture and more. A full gut renovation of this once-glorious space was the need of the hour, and husband and wife duo Britt and Damian Zunino of Studio DB stepped up for the challenging, yet rewarding task.

The apartment formerly featuring outdated design trends was swapped with a mix of bright and neutral colors, airy spaces, and maximalist wallpapers. 'The clients, who work in finance and fashion, have two young kids and wanted a home that was ideal for modern living,' says Britt. 'Style-wise, our clients loved classic European apartments that celebrate traditional, historic details juxtaposed with contemporary furnishings and art. They wanted the home to feel elegant, but not fussy and formal.'

Warm shades, eye-catching wall coverings, metallic finishes, and contemporary lighting pieces create a feeling of coziness while giving a modern home vibe to this once-dated apartment. 

Aditi Sharma Maheshwari

Aditi Sharma Maheshwari is an architecture and design journalist with over 10 years of experience. She's worked at some of the leading media houses in India such as Elle Decor, Houzz and Architectural Digest (Condé Nast).  Till recently, she was a freelance writer for publications such as Architectural Digest US, House Beautiful, Stir World, Beautiful Homes India among others. In her spare time, she volunteers at animal shelters and other rescue organizations.