{"id":125575,"date":"2026-02-06T20:47:12","date_gmt":"2026-02-06T20:47:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/125575\/"},"modified":"2026-02-06T20:47:12","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T20:47:12","slug":"inside-a-new-york-city-pied-a-terre-that-embraces-maximalist-character-and-historic-charm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/125575\/","title":{"rendered":"Inside a New York City Pied-\u00e0-Terre That Embraces Maximalist Character and Historic Charm"},"content":{"rendered":"

Renovating a historic home is no easy feat. Gut-renovating a pied-\u00e0-terre inside a historical building from 1901 in New York City? That takes things to the next level, requiring even more precaution, trust, and determination. Such was the Herculean task Jess and Jonathan Nahon, principals and cofounders of Sugarhouse Design<\/a>, faced when they were tapped to transform a stagnant property on the Upper East Side into a transportive haven for their clients.<\/p>\n

When navigating obstacles such as budget constraints and onerous NYC permitting rules, the husband-and-wife duo\u2019s guiding North Star was their quest to create an expressive space for homeowners that preferred a maximalist, theatrical atmosphere. \u201cThe project relied heavily on narrative thinking,\u201d Jess says. \u201cWe treated the apartment less like a static interior and more like a sequence of scenes, each designed to provoke emotion rather than neutrality.\u201d The duo\u2019s storytelling ability is evident right from the entryway, where guests are greeted by bold stripes, squiggle wallpaper, and patterned tiles, followed by a larger-than-life Indian Summer mural that wraps around the staircase.<\/p>\n

Our favorite thing is how transportive the home feels. It doesn\u2019t try to disappear or behave politely. It asks you to slow down, look closely, and feel something. <\/p>\n

The scene is impressive to take in, but even more arresting is how the different colors and textures come together to create a cohesive, character-driven home. Every room has something to say, a dialogue conveyed through wallpaper, textures, millwork, and even the crown molding. The pair added hand-painted celestial ceilings, murals, and an unapologetically saturated palette throughout the home, elements that pushed beyond what most clients would be comfortable with\u2014but with tremendous payoff.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur favorite thing is how transportive the home feels. It doesn\u2019t try to disappear or behave politely. It asks you to slow down, look closely, and feel something,\u201d Jonathan says. \u201cWhat I hope [everyone] notices is the courage behind the design. This house is a reminder that when you commit fully to a vision and resist the urge to play it safe, the result can be unforgettable.\u201d<\/p>\n

FAST FACTS<\/p>\n

Designer: Jess and Jonathan Nahon of Sugarhouse Design<\/p>\n

Location: Upper East Side, NYC<\/p>\n

The Space: A penthouse apartment in a historic Upper East Side building, originally constructed in 1901.<\/p>\n

SOLARIUM<\/p>\n

A plush L-shaped bench brings a touch of green to the steely city surroundings.<\/p>\n

\"CozyGetty \/\/ Jacob Snavely<\/p>\n

Wallpaper: Pierre Frey. Armchairs: Anthropologie. Ottomans: Duobed & Dr. Sofa in Pierre Frey and GP & J Baker fabrics. Bench: custom, AZM Home Improvements and Dr. Sofa. Pillows: custom, in Svenskt Tenn fabric. Floor lamp: vintage, 1stDibs. Rug: Zuleya.<\/p>\n

The custom sofa bench is upholstered in the final batch of Svenskt Tenn fabric ever produced, giving it a one-of-a-kind character. \u201cIt was one of those impossibly lucky finds, the kind that makes a space feel timeless and irreplaceable,\u201d Jonathan says.<\/p>\n

ENTRY<\/p>\n

Abstract squiggle wallpaper adds a lively, conversational touch.<\/p>\n

\"EntrywayJacob Snavely<\/p>\n

Wallpaper: Kristy Stafford. Light fixture: Kelly Wearstler via Visual Comfort & Co. Floor tile: Artistic Tile. Rug: Zuleya. Console: Etsy.<\/p>\n

The home leans into maximalism without hesitation, starting right as guests set foot through the door. From the custom squiggle wallpaper to the console table\u2019s bold stripes (an incredible find from Etsy) to the custom floor tiles, the visual journey is a sight to behold.<\/p>\n

FOYER<\/p>\n

An impressive mural spans multiple floors, uniting the space.<\/p>\n

\"InteriorJacob Snavely<\/p>\n

Paint: Studio Green by Farrow & Ball. Light fixture: L\u2019aviva.<\/p>\n

\"hallway\"Jacob Snavely<\/p>\n

Wallpaper: Milton & King.<\/p>\n

Jonathan reveals they took a risk with using the Indian Summer mural wallpaper from Milton & King, but the payoff was worth it. \u201cIt climbs up, creating a sense of movement and storytelling,\u201d he says. \u201cOur contractor spent three painstaking weeks meticulously stitching the panels together, even cutting and repositioning individual trees and animals by hand to create a seamless, continuous landscape. It was an act of dedication and artistry that turned a beautiful wallpaper into an artwork.\u201d<\/p>\n

DINING & LIVING ROOM<\/p>\n

Natural light floods in, bringing a sense of tranquility and openness.<\/p>\n

\"ElegantJacob Snavely<\/p>\n

Wallpaper: Sanderson. Paint: Teresa\u2019s Green, Farrow & Ball. Light: Vakkerlight. Dining table: custom, Brent Warr. Chairs: Jonathan Adler. Rug: Zuleya. Sconces: Sogni Di Cristallo. Buffet: ABC Carpet & Home. Lamp: Soho Home.<\/p>\n

The dining room is proof that restraint doesn\u2019t have to feel uninspiring, especially when you mix in a variety of textured pieces, from nubby fabric dining chairs to lampshades finished with a woven leather edge. At the heart of the space is the crown jewel: a sculptural dining table from Brent Warr. \u201cThis was a significant investment, both financially and emotionally,\u201d says Jess. \u201cIt was one of those moments that required trust, but ultimately it anchors the home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"ModernJacob Snavely<\/p>\n

Couch: RH. Chair: Jonathan Adler. Mirror: vintage. Light: Troy Lighting.<\/p>\n

Pops of blue break up the neutrals and wood tones in this formal living room, which features herringbone parquet floors and intricate crown molding that honor the building’s 1901 origins. There are multiple spots around the fireplace where the client can take a seat and let all their thoughts slow down.<\/p>\n

FAMILY ROOM<\/p>\n

Hand-painted stars and a moon scatter across the ceiling.<\/p>\n

\"StylishlyJacob Snavely<\/p>\n

Paint: Stiffkey Blue, Farrow & Ball. Rug: Zuleya. Coffee table: vintage. Side table: Bassett Mirror. Couch: Soho Home. Floor lamp: Crate & Barrel. Chandelier: Hudson Valley Lighting Group. Tapestry: Etsy.<\/p>\n

The family room acts as the perfect cozy movie night spot, with a hand-painted celestial ceiling that is the star of the show (literally). \u201cGold stars scattered across a deep blue field transform the overhead plane into something worth looking at, a risk that paid off beyond what we imagined,\u201d Jonathan says.<\/p>\n

STUDY<\/p>\n

Floor-to-ceiling library shelves are spacious enough to display any collection.<\/p>\n

\"CozyJacob Snavely<\/p>\n

Wallpaper: Robert Kime. Couch: Z Gallerie. Sconce: The Lamp Factory. Chandelier: Mitzi. Built-in: custom. Rug: Zuleya.<\/p>\n

A private library is anyone\u2019s dream, and this one showcases millwork worthy of closer inspection. \u201cThe wallcovering brings pattern and depth without competing with the architectural elements, and the built-in cabinetry below provides practical storage that keeps the space functional,\u201d Jess adds. \u201cIt’s a small room that does a lot of work quietly, proving that even modest square footage can feel generous with the right materials.\u201d<\/p>\n

PRIMARY BEDROOM<\/p>\n

Wallpaper from the \u201870s adds a rich, historical detail.<\/p>\n

\"CozyJacob Snavely<\/p>\n

Bed frame: Anthropologie. Bedding: The Citizenry. Sconces: Chapmen & Meyers. Side table: Serena & Lily. Paint: Skylight by Farrow & Ball.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe primary bedroom balances pattern with restraint,\u201d Jess says. \u201cBotanical wallcovering wraps the upper walls, while painted wainscoting below provides a clean break and grounds the room in traditional detailing that honors the building’s age. The proportions are generous enough to allow the pattern to breathe, and the muted color palette keeps the room from feeling too busy.\u201d<\/p>\n

PRIMARY BATH<\/p>\n

Deep teal subway tile nods to a classic New York City motif. <\/p>\n

\"StylishJacob Snavely<\/p>\n

Floor tile: Artistic Tile. Wall tile: Original Style. Vanity: custom. Towel warmer: Warmup. Mirror: custom. Sconce: Visual Comfort & Co. Sink fixtures: Waterworks. Tub: House of Rohl.<\/p>\n

Materiality shapes the bathroom’s appeal, from gleaming subway tiles and patinated brass fixtures to Art Deco-inspired floor tiles. \u201cThe primary bathroom commits to color in a way that required confidence,\u201d Jonathan says. \u201cDeep teal subway tile wraps the walls from floor to ceiling, creating an immersive environment. Brass fixtures and hardware bring warmth against the saturated tile, and the mosaic floor adds pattern at a smaller scale without competing.\u201d<\/p>\n

GIRLS\u2019 BEDROOM<\/p>\n

Pinks and greens play into the sweetness of this space.<\/p>\n

\"Children'sJacob Snavely<\/p>\n

Wallpaper, pendant light, and nightstand: Anthropologie. Ceiling paint: Middleton Pink by Farrow & Ball. Trim paint: Pointing by Farrow & Ball. Testers: Etsy. Bed frames: Serena & Lily. Bedding: The Citizenry. Rug: Zuleya.<\/p>\n

The ultimate pink-filled dreamscape for girls, this tastefully designed bedroom relies on custom canopies and a playful mural to create a soft and magical setting. \u201cIt’s a room designed to provoke a gentle, slightly fantastical feeling, rather than simply provide a place to sleep,\u201d Jess says.<\/p>\n

GIRLS\u2019 BATHROOM<\/p>\n

Florals coalesce with geometric prints to create a dynamic feel.<\/p>\n

\"BrightlyJacob Snavely<\/p>\n

Wall paint: Teresa\u2019s Green by Farrow & Ball. Wall tile: Helen Levi Ceramics. Floor tile: Artistic Tile. Vanity: custom. Counter top material: Calacatta Caldia marble. Sink fittings: Waterworks. Sconces, flush mount: Anthropologie.<\/p>\n

Hand-painted ceramic tiles by Helen Levi cover the majority of the walls in the children\u2019s en-suite, adding a whimsical\u2014and easy-to-clean\u2014appeal. \u201cThe multicolored design creates movement and visual interest without requiring additional decoration,\u201d Jonathan says. \u201cIt’s a space where material choice does most of the work, demonstrating that even functional rooms for children deserve the same level of craft as the rest of the home.\u201d<\/p>\n

BATHROOM<\/p>\n

A unique \u201cbathing cave\u201d offers privacy and relaxation.<\/p>\n

\"ElegantJacob Snavely<\/p>\n

Wallpaper: Morris & Co. Tile: Original Style. Sconce: Anthropologie. Pendant light: Shades of Light. Mirror: Etsy. Vanity: vintage. Sink fixtures: Waterworks.<\/p>\n

Located off the study, this water closet continues the home’s maximalist narrative with a striking half-hidden tub. \u201cWhat makes the space memorable is the arched doorway that frames the tub,\u201d Jess shares. \u201cThis small bathing cave was carved out of an already compact footprint, the kind of moment that makes the home feel collected and intentional. The marble archway does real work, transforming what could have been a standard layout into something that feels discovered.\u201d<\/p>\n

About the Designers<\/p>\n

Jess and Jonathan Nahon cofounded the New York City-based firm Sugarhouse Design & Architecture<\/a> in 2016. With every project the husband-and-wife team tackles, they take a holistic approach, giving equal attention to the architecture, interiors, and landscape design. Whether it’s a private residence, fashion house, or exclusive hotel, the Sugarhouse team’s variety of projects spans across the country and internationally.<\/p>\n

Follow House Beautiful on Instagram<\/a> and TikTok<\/a>.<\/p>\n