A young family wanted their story illustrated in every room of their first home in Morningside Heights, Harlem by thoughtfully reconnecting them with their rich heritage and mutual experiences. The couple had a particular direction for their home aesthetic which was to emphasize their love of community and culture along with their deep appreciation for jazz music and the arts. Our design studio translated their unique and vibrant taste through our adroit lens. Each room revealed itself through bold textures and iconic prints. We skillfully integrated original pieces that reflect our client's ethos.

The corner banquette was fashioned out of the side stair banister where the family now enjoys spending the majority of their time as a result of cleverly combining the dining and family room area into one large living space, allowing for more fluidity throughout. 

We approached the space using contemporary expressions of the family’s dynamic culture as punctuation marks through the family room, the most beloved area of the home. Handcrafted sconces that were designed in South Africa were introduced along with a dramatic black and white gallery wall, tying the upstairs space to the downstairs together.

An Ella Fitzgerald-inspired neon art that reads “Drop me off in Harlem” was created exclusively for the family by Francis Interiors: It brings both beauty and emotion to the heart of the home and if you close your eyes you can almost hear her sing….