“We set out to create a home that feels modern and chic, yet completely livable for a busy family. It’s all about striking that balance between sophistication and comfort,” says designer Hillary Cohen of HCO Interiors. “The design features sleek, modern furnishings crafted in durable materials, all grounded in earthy tones and rustic textures that echo the sweeping views over the Hudson River.” Explore the downtown apartment below.
The diptych in the dining room is by Ming Li, sourced through Meson Art.
“We searched extensively for a piece that was the right scale and presence. To our surprise, we found it on Etsy—an acrylic on canvas in a floating oak frame,” Cohen shares.
“These pieces came from the clients’ previous home,” Cohen shares about the artwork. “They’re art papers we had custom-framed, and they now blend seamlessly into the warm, neutral palette.”
What was your starting point for this project?
This was our second time collaborating with the client, so I already had a strong sense of their personalities and preferences. Their lifestyle played a big role in shaping the design: they love a clean, minimal aesthetic but need practical solutions for everyday living. In our first project together, storage was paramount—and that priority carried through here. This time, we focused on creating storage that felt more architectural and design-forward. Making those functional pieces visually seamless was a challenge I loved, and some of those integrated solutions ended up being my favorite design moments.
Tell us about the palette.
We envisioned this home as a more “grown-up” version of their last space. The palette is rooted in earthy neutrals, with layered textures and natural finishes adding depth. Pops of color come through in subtle, tonal blues that feel calm and sophisticated rather than bold. It was about setting a mood—welcoming and serene, while reflecting how the clients’ lifestyle and taste have evolved.
What wallpaper did you use in the entryway and how does it set the tone for the rest of the apartment?
We used La Caravane by Élitis—a vinyl wallcovering with a dynamic geometric pattern. The apartment’s hallway was long and dark, so we wanted to energize it with brightness and movement. The pattern enlivens the corridor while the vinyl construction makes it durable enough to stand up to family life. It instantly sets the tone for the rest of the apartment: modern, textured, and quietly playful.
How did you go about choosing artwork for this home?
Across the apartment, we leaned toward abstract works, which feel like a natural complement to the modern architecture. With views of the Hudson as the star, the art plays a supporting role—adding depth without competing with the landscape.
How did you maximize space in this NYC apartment?
The entry was a major focus. Manhattan apartments rarely have true entries, so we wanted this one to be functional as well as beautiful. After multiple rounds of renderings, we designed custom niches with cabinets that hide ample storage while leaving open space below for shoes. Paired with the Elitis wallpaper and modern sconces, the entry now feels like a calming transition into the home.
We also made a bold choice to convert an oversized half-bath near the entry into a dedicated office. With three full baths already in the apartment, the clients agreed this would transform how they live day to day. We designed full-height concealed cabinetry with pocket doors, so the office can function as a family hub yet disappear completely when entertaining.
In the living room, the television posed another challenge: two full walls of windows left no obvious placement. We designed a custom cabinet with a lift mechanism so the TV recedes entirely when not in use—keeping the focus on the views.
Any decorating hacks to share with our readers?
Don’t overlook unexpected sources. Not every piece needs to be high-budget to have impact. The dining chairs are retail finds paired with a statement dining table, and the large-scale living room artwork came from Etsy. Mixing thoughtful investments with accessible pieces often leads to the most layered, authentic results.
