A Tactile, Earthy Escape in the Heart of Manhattan

The client, originally planning to take the reins herself, reached out to Nicole for a little guidance. But as they talked, it quickly became clear this project needed more than just a Pinterest board and good intentions. Although their personalities clicked immediately, Nicole sensed the project’s complexity would be overwhelming to manage solo. She encouraged her to sign on for full-service design, knowing they could bring her vision to life thoughtfully and seamlessly.

Design: Nicole Forina Home | Photography: Andrew Frasz

A Soft Place to Land

Though generous in size, the home had a disjointed feel — a mix of awkward architectural moments, dated finishes, and not nearly enough character. The client didn’t want a gut reno (and Nicole agreed it wasn’t necessary), so they approached the project like a slow, thoughtful conversation: change what needed changing, and layer in what was missing.

One of the biggest game-changers? Refinishing the once-black maple floors to a soft taupe. “It instantly brightened everything,” Nicole says. From there, it was all about weaving in tactile materials, thoughtful furniture, and organic color — transforming the home into a space that felt as good as it looked.

A Warm Welcome

The entryway sets the tone right away. Gone is the awkward pair of closets — one made way for more openness, while the other remains tucked into a full mudroom just beyond. A handwoven rope pendant by Brightbound adds drama to the high-low ceiling, and Élitis vinyl wallpaper brings quiet texture. Two reupholstered vintage chairs (perfect for the no-shoes policy) add charm and functionality in equal measure.

From Bathroom to Powder Room

Directly off the entry, a former full-accessible bath became a powder room — but in a way that cleverly preserved resale flexibility. Instead of ripping out the original tile, Nicole drywalled over it, keeping the option to revert later. She replaced a clunky pocket door, added hardwood flooring, and introduced warmth with Romo grasscloth wallpaper, a curved vanity, and layered lighting.

A Cozy Library Nook

Across from the kitchen, Nicole transformed a long, blank wall into a cozy, character-filled library nook. A custom walnut built-in houses the client’s travel treasures, with copper-accented doors and open shelving. Two swivel chairs and a plaid ottoman invite slow mornings with a book or cup of coffee.

A Refreshed Kitchen

The kitchen didn’t get a full facelift — just a little glow-up. Nicole repainted the lower island and bar cabinetry in a charcoal tone to match the existing modern kitchen cabinets. She swapped out dated uppers for walnut cabinetry that stretches to the ceiling, visually tying it all together. A Roche Bobois dining table, earthy sisal rug, and a delicate Moooi light fixture finish the space with just the right amount of shine.

Living Room Layers

Nicole gave the living room a much-needed architectural refresh by removing clunky built-ins and squaring off columns for better flow. An earthy velvet Thayer Coggin sectional now anchors the room, flanked by olive-green boucle chairs and a shearling wingback. Full-height Casamance drapes soften the edges, while a clever art moment hides an unsightly electrical panel in a tucked-away nook under the stairs. It’s beauty with brains.

A Blue Moment in the Guest Suite

Color-drenching isn’t just a trend — it’s a tool. In the guest room/home office, Nicole painted everything in Farrow & Ball’s Inchyra Blue to unify some tricky architectural lines and create a cozy, enveloping atmosphere. A walnut desk, leather-wrapped cabinet, and custom plaid rug (a subtle nod to the client’s Ralph Lauren roots) round out the room. There’s even a Murphy bed tucked away, ready for overnight guests.

The Upstairs Primary Retreat

Up the staircase, the primary bedroom feels like its own world — wrapped in Phillip Jeffries wallpaper with a subtle, tailored texture. A minty-teal custom bed (designed to fit the narrow elevator!) steals the show, while aubergine nightstands and a matching dresser ground the palette. The space is finished with discreet brass lighting and a skylight overhead.

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