Inside a Warm, Artful Home at Walker Tower

Originally completed in 1929, Walker Tower was designed by Ralph Thomas Walker as a telephone switching center for the New York Telephone Company. Nearly a century later, the building’s oversized windows, soaring ceilings, thick concrete floors, and richly detailed brick façade still speak to its original purpose, while its 2013 residential conversion introduced a new chapter as one of the city’s most distinctive condominium buildings.

For Emily Del Bello, the project was especially meaningful because it marked her second time working with the client. That existing relationship created a sense of trust from the start, allowing the design process to feel natural and intuitive. The goal was to create a home that felt timeless, warm, and elegant, blending vintage and new pieces in a way that felt collected rather than overly decorated.

Design: Emily Del Bello Interiors | Photography: Nicole Franzen | Styling: Brittany Albert

A Kitchen Designed Around Every Inch

The kitchen became one of the most transformative spaces in the home. Emily and her team completely gutted the room and reimagined it with custom cabinetry that extends all the way to the ceiling, adding storage while giving the space a stronger sense of height.

Because the existing plumbing couldn’t be relocated without significantly delaying the project, the team had to get creative with the renovation plan. Working closely with their millworker, they maximized the existing footprint and ultimately doubled the kitchen’s functionality. The framed trim on the cabinetry adds a thoughtful architectural detail, while the living finish hardware will continue to develop character over time.

Finished in Benjamin Moore’s Seapearl, the kitchen feels bright and considered, with classic details that still feel fresh within the historic setting.

A Den Made for Real Life

The den brings a completely different mood to the home. Wrapped in Benjamin Moore Evening Dove in a Roman clay finish, the room has a rich, enveloping quality that makes it feel instantly cozy. It was designed as a true everyday space, serving as both a place to unwind and watch TV and a playroom for the kids.

A custom sofa by Dune anchors the room and was one of Emily’s favorite pieces in the project. Comfortable, durable, and scaled perfectly for the space, it gives the den an easy, family-friendly feel without compromising the overall design. The mix of rich color, texture, and practical materials makes this one of those rooms that looks elevated but is clearly meant to be lived in.

A Calm Primary Bedroom Above the City

In the primary bedroom, the palette shifts softer and quieter. Wool drapes and a bespoke EDBI headboard bring warmth and polish, while the clean, airy color story creates a sense of calm away from the energy of New York City.

The room feels intentionally restrained, with just enough texture and detail to make it feel personal. A Phillip Jeffries wallcovering adds another layer, while a sculptural accent chair and ottoman introduce a more distinctive design moment without overwhelming the space.

A Whimsical Bedroom with a View

The girl’s bedroom is chic, playful, and full of personality. With the best view in the home right from the bed, the space was designed to reflect the young client’s vibrant taste while still feeling connected to the rest of the apartment.

Emily’s team installed whimsical wallpaper on the ceiling and carried the pattern onto the bulletin board and desk area. Custom built-ins provide storage for arts and crafts, with shelving that floats into the pinboard for a clever, integrated detail. It’s a room that feels imaginative and personal, but still polished.

Small Spaces with Big Moments

The entry and powder room both bring memorable design moments to the home. In the entry, a custom EDBI console wrapped in parchment sourced from Brazil pairs with a bespoke rug and a glamorous light fixture to create a strong first impression.

In the powder room, the marble takes center stage. An oversized apron-front vanity creates a bold focal point, while chevron-patterned wood floors and Roman clay walls keep the rest of the space feeling refined and textural without competing with the stone. Throughout the home, Emily Del Bello Interiors balanced the history of Walker Tower with the needs of a modern family, creating a space that feels elegant, personal, and highly livable. Completed in just eight months, the project reflects not only a clear creative vision, but also the trust between designer and client that made the process feel seamless from start to finish.

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