BHDM Design's Dan Mazzarini Reimagines An Upper East Side Pied-A-Terre

By Elaina Bernstein

Dan Mazzarini of BHDM Design reimagines an Upper East Side pied-a-terre for a busy family with sophisticated taste.

In the entry, sleek black marble and Thassos polished in a custom bordered pattern, courtesy of Country Floors.

THE PROJECT

Dan Mazzarini, principal and creative director of BHDM Design, brings together traditional Manhattan glamour with modern practicality in this reimagination of an Upper East Side abode. Designed for a family of four (plus their new puppy), Mazzarini utilized an upgraded version of typical deco details to create a luxurious yet relaxed vibe that suits the clients’ busy lifestyle.

A vintage RL lamp sits on a vintage sideboard.

“The team was guided and surrounded by amazing women, which was something that was important to our client, who has two great daughters,” Mazzarini says. Aerial Design Build, an all-women-run construction business, alongside BHDM’s Sarah Major, Cameron Burger and Deanna Ament, and architect Deborah Rojas spearheaded the renovation of the three-bedroom, 3 ½-bathroom space on Fifth Avenue.

Ann Sacks beveled white subway tile backsplash dazzles in the black-and-white kitchen.

A gallery wall features a photograph of the Empire State Building by BHDM’s own designer Cameron Burger.

THE CLIENT

Although based in Connecticut, the clients have always been connected to New York (the couple met in the city and now frequently return with their two daughters). “Th e girls are vibrant and have such worldly interests,” Mazzarini shares of the daughters’ refined tastes. “We tried to pull both of their loves into their sweet shared bedroom.” While the rest of the property sticks to a black-and-white color palette, the girls’ room is painted with their favorite color, blue, complemented by white and silver accents.

Fine Paints of Europe high-gloss black lines doors throughout the home.

THE INSPIRATION

The clients’ and Mazzarini’s shared love of Ralph Lauren fueled the aesthetic palette throughout this project. “It became a fun jumping-off point to start the design,” Mazzarini, who worked at Ralph Lauren for six years, notes. “We referenced classic black-and-white deco apartments and some interpreted Ralph Lauren-inspired details throughout.” The brand’s sofas are intermingled amid custom BHDM ottomans, and the refurbished vintage dining table is complemented by a set of Ralph Lauren velvet pinstripe chairs.

A pair of Pottery Barn Teen beds in ivory velvet with custom-applied striping in Holland & Sherry fabric to match the Roman shades in the girls’ room. PHOTOGRAPHED BY REID ROLLS
A pair of Pottery Barn Teen beds in ivory velvet with custom-applied striping in Holland & Sherry fabric to match the Roman shades in the girls’ room.

THE CHALLENGE

The pandemic threw a wrench in the initial plan—literally. Despite signing on for the project pre-pandemic, Mazzarini and his team couldn’t start “swinging hammers” until after the city’s lockdown was lifted. “Working through COVID was certainly the most challenging part of this project, which included lengthy lead times for furniture and finishes,” Mazzarini explains. Additionally, working in a dated building proved challenging as well, as various inunit repairs and updates were needed. Mazzarini points to the clients’ trust in his team as a key factor in easing the stress of virtual and masked meetings.

The BHDM team reimagined millwork throughout.

THE OUTCOME

As Mazzarini explains, the team “subtly affected the floor plan, but with important impact.” A staff kitchen became an open-layout kitchen and dining lounge where the family can share meals and memories. The entryway’s large closet turned into a seamless foyer, and secretive storage areas were carefully implemented under seats and beds. “Our team endeavored to make the spaces as gracious, tall and as generous as possible, with a focus on elegant and warm public spaces, and more intimate and cozy private beds and baths.” It’s safe to say that despite the challenges, the space emerged a stunning example of BHDM’s mastery.

The den stars a pullout sectional upholstered in Designtex aubergine velvet.