Hilary Matt Interiors Crafts A Mesmerizing Upper East Side Abode

By Doreen Abril Albuerne Rodriguez

Hilary Matt Interiors crafts a mesmerizing family haven on the Upper East Side.

At the primary bedroom vanity, the Noom Gropius chair in Maharam Brushed Camel/Albino fabric

THE PROJECT

Hilary Matt and her eponymous design firm were called on to work magic on a traditional Manhattan apartment. “We wanted to create a unique and stylish feel to the space that reflects the family’s personality and made it feel more like a home,” Matt says. Considering the two young kids in this family of four, Matt created an elevated yet playful design. “Black accents were a storyline throughout—a great way to hide evidence of kids while still being sophisticated and bold,” the designer adds.

212 Renovations created a custom TV built-in.

A Pelle Lighting fixtures hangs above a custom dining table with Nina Seirafi chairs.

THE PROCESS

Matt was able to complete the four-bedroom, three half-bathroom project in under a year. “We didn’t do any huge overall renovation work, mostly some cosmetic things,” she says. “Our main effort was putting in some custom millwork elements that added a warmth to the space.” The designer notes that the project was very efficient due to the amount of trust handed to them by the clients. “They were truly a joy to work with, and I think this type of collaboration shows in the success of the space.”

Stephanie Patton’s artwork pairs with a vintage sofa and Porter Teleo wallpaper in the office.

THE DETAILS

With limited natural light throughout the home, Matt decided to go with a neutral color scheme while adding pops of color here and there. The sleek dining area features timeless black chairs that pair with with the custom dining table and works from Voltz Clarke Gallery. “The artwork throughout is relatively graphic and geometric, something we mirrored in the silhouettes of furniture and wallpaper designs,” Matt says. Alongside their soft gray couch is an ottoman that goes hand-in-hand with the custom built-in TV.

Framed Gucci Lilies wallpaper pops in the powder room.

THE OUTCOME

When working with limited space, seeking out custom furniture can be a convenient solution. “From the custom TV built-in in the living, the custom desk and shelving unit in the office to the custom bed in the primary, we were able to strategically design and produce these pieces to the exact needs of the clients, without compromising on ready-made pieces,” Matt explains. In both the kids’ rooms, she decided to give them twin daybeds with a trundle underneath, leaving plenty of space for play during sleepovers. Sums up Matt, “The final product gave us a home with a little bit of funk and vintage fl air—with pops of a burnt ’70s orange and velvet textures throughout.”

A custom bed, Verellen accent chairs and Maharam Tek Wall Twist wallpaper in the primary bedroom.