Let’s set the scene: a compact two-bedroom apartment in the heart of Greenwich Village, a fashion executive with a crystal-clear vision, and interior designer Maggie Burns of Maggie Richmond Design who instantly got it. The result? A Manhattan home that feels warm, tailored, deeply personal — and yes, a little bit like Elizabeth James decided London was overrated and moved to New York.
And honestly? Same.
From the very beginning, this project was less “convince the client” and more design soulmate energy. The homeowner came armed with inspiration images and big ideas, but also the kind of openness designers dream about — the freedom to push things further, layer in character, and make the space quietly special rather than loudly trendy.
The Big Idea: A London Townhouse… in Manhattan
Image: Vogue Australia / Photography by Kirsten Francis
The aesthetic anchor came early: an image of an oxblood kitchen. Rich, moody, and unapologetically bold. Maggie had been waiting for the right moment to use that color, so once it landed in her inbox, the direction was clear. From there, the palette evolved into a mix of oxblood, chocolate brown, and soft neutrals — a combination that feels cozy, elegant, and timeless without tipping into stuffy.
The overall vibe? Think classic British townhouse, but interpreted through a modern New York lens. Comfortable, calming, and incredibly functional — because this is still a city apartment, not a movie set.
A City Escape the Moment You Walk In
Image: Vogue Australia / Photography by Kirsten Francis
Image: Vogue Australia / Photography by Kirsten Francis
One of the most charming details happens immediately upon entry. Instead of a typical foyer moment, you’re greeted by a mural of the English countryside — an instant exhale from the chaos of the city outside. It’s whimsical without being precious and sets the tone for the rest of the apartment: this is a home that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but knows exactly who it is.
Image: Vogue Australia / Photography by Kirsten Francis
The building itself dates back to 1928 and, remarkably, hadn’t been renovated in decades. While some very retro elements (metal cabinetry, blue linoleum counters) were gently shown the door, others were lovingly preserved. The original parquet floors, for example, stayed — just re-stained in a deep espresso tone that grounds the entire space and adds richness without visual clutter.
Architectural Details That Feel Like They’ve Always Been There
Image: Vogue Australia / Photography by Kirsten Francis
To enhance that old-world, townhouse feel, Maggie introduced crown molding and paneled wall details throughout much of the apartment. The goal wasn’t drama, but believability — making it feel as though these details had always existed, rather than being a recent addition. And it works. The apartment feels layered and architectural without screaming “renovation.”
When a Bedroom Becomes a Wardrobe Dream
Image: Vogue Australia / Photography by Kirsten Francis
Here’s where things get very New York (and very enviable). One of the two bedrooms was transformed into a walk-in closet and office hybrid, tailored perfectly to a client who works in fashion and actually needs space for clothes. It’s part dressing room, part workspace, and entirely aspirational.
Instead of forcing storage wherever it fit, Maggie approached the apartment almost like a puzzle: inventory first, design second. Every item had a destination before anything was built, resulting in smart, hidden solutions that keep the apartment feeling calm and uncluttered.
Small Space, Big Functionality
Image: Vogue Australia / Photography by Kirsten Francis
Despite its modest footprint, this apartment works incredibly hard. There’s a discreet appliance garage in the kitchen, a custom niche in the living room for a record player, and jewelry inserts built directly into the wardrobe island. Nothing feels excessive — just thoughtful, intentional, and beautifully executed.
The kitchen continues the British-meets-New-York story with a hand-painted Delft tile backsplash, adding a layer of craftsmanship and quiet elegance. And tying the entire apartment together is a custom artwork by Canadian artist David Wilstermann, created using fabric samples from the project itself. There’s even a hidden nod to the iconic Waverly Diner tucked into the piece — a little inside joke that makes the home feel even more personal.
A Design Match Made in Heaven
Image: Vogue Australia / Photography by Kirsten Francis
Image: Vogue Australia / Photography by Kirsten Francis
For more inspiration, check out:
Image: Vogue Australia / Photography by Kirsten Francis
Unlike the cinematic drama of The Parent Trap, this project unfolded smoothly — a true collaboration built on trust, vision, and mutual excitement. The end result is an apartment that feels warm, classic, and incredibly livable. Not flashy. Not precious. Just right.
And honestly? That’s the kind of design we’ll never stop loving.
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