A stunning collection of contemporary artwork and state-of-the-art furnishings coexist in harmony at this New York duplex for a young family of art aficionados.

“I really enjoy working on collections that are a ‘blank canvas’, both architecturally and design wise,” says art advisor Barbara Cartategui, the curator behind this 5,800 square foot duplex, situated in the tallest residential tower in Lower Manhattan. “This gives me a chance to collaborate with the interior designers and create a very special synergy between every element.”

Located on the 78th and 79th floors of the 82-storey tower, the three-bedroom apartment is owned by a young couple – the wife, a former fashion stylist, and a husband in real estate – and their two young sons, one three years old, and the other five.

To create a space that would accommodate both a growing family and a rare art collection, the couple collaborated with Cartategui and Workshop/APD, a New York-based architecture and interior design firm, to bring their vision to life. 

The resulting interior features elegant lines, soft curves, and a palette of neutral ivory hues that exudes organic charm, providing the ideal backdrop for the homeowners' striking contemporary art collection. The dramatic tone-on-tone décor adds depth and dimension to the space, allowing the artwork to truly take centre stage.

To incorporate the art collection into the interior, Cartategui meticulously selected each artwork with the homeowners’ vision in mind. “My goal was to curate a harmonious and well-balanced art collection,” says the Spanish-born art specialist, stressing the importance of finding one-of-a-kind pieces that will remain enjoyable and relevant for many years to come.

Each room in the duplex boasts museum-quality pieces by renowned artists, with a particular emphasis on female artists such as Spanish artist Angela de la Cruz and British painter Tracey Emin. The collection also includes commissioned pieces by emerging artists Alberto Gil Casedas, Sergio Gomez, and Manolo Ballesteros. 

“It is very special to be able to bring in these site-specific artworks because it makes it more personal to know that these artists made these pieces exclusively thinking about the space,” Cartategui says.

Entering the home, the rosy abstract by German artist Georg Baselitz, titled “Ohne Titel” (2021) engages visitors before they are greeted by massive double-height windows overlooking the Statue of Liberty, and beyond.  

The painting is placed adjecent to a curved staircase that flaunts sculptural elegance. At the base of the staircase, the stunning “MINNA III” sculpture by Spanish visual artist Jaume Plensa serves as a striking focal point for the entrance to the upper floor. “The homeowners were captivated by the works of Georg Baselitz after seeing an exhibition at the Gagosian art gallery,” Cartategui explains. “It was my responsibility to find the perfect Baselitz piece to complement the Jaume Plensa sculpture by the staircase.”

To the left of the entrance, down a small hallway, lies the kitchen, complete with a cosy breakfast nook adorned with the captivating “Symphonia” sculpture by Spanish artist Eduardo Perez-Cabrero.

In the living lounge, governed by a calming neutral palette, the avant-grade sculpture “Compressed 1 (White)” by Angela de la Cruz dialogues with the “Purity” wall art by Rania Schoretsaniti above the fireplace.

A unique hologram by light artist James Turrell, titled “Hologram #IX A”, hangs between the living and dining rooms, adding an extra dose of dramatic flair to the home. 

On the same level, the charcoal-hued media room is designed for entertainment, featuring the captivating “S/T 16-12-16” painting by Spanish artist Guillem Nadal that holds pride of place on the wall, and the “Untitled, Yellow I” painting by New York-based artist Johnny Abrahams near the piano.

“I believe art is energy and we feed off the energy that surrounds us,” Cartategui concludes. “I wanted to create a sacred space filled with beauty and harmony. The art selection helps you isolate from the real world and transports you to a meditative state of mind. It gives you inner peace.”  

Cover photo courtesy of Read McKendree