Fashion Forward

Designers Bill Musso and Seth van den Bergh transformed this condo for fashion-loving clients Jeffrey and Felix. Runner by Paul Smith for The Rug Company.

In the den, a gallery wall depicts portraits of icons such as Betsey Johnson and Alexander McQueen.

Thanks to the condo’s open floor plan, the kitchen, a collaboration with Matthew Quinn, flows seamlessly into the rest of the home. Neutral cabinetry by Design Galleria, stainless steel barstools by Philippe Starck and durable Neolith countertops keep the color palette soft and messes at bay. Chandelier, Roll & Hill. Appliances through PIRCH.

Drawing inspiration from the legendary 1970s nightclub Studio 54, the living room exudes sultry glamour, thanks to a lacquered eggplant wall, tiled mirrors by Porcelanosa and a custom rug by Angela Adams. A photograph by Nicolas Bets and a custom, vintage-inspired sofa covered in plush fabric from Kravet further the retro feel.

The dining area features fun touches such as a vintage bar cart and a playful Porta Romano lamp through Jerry Pair.

A painting from the homeowners’ collection takes pride of place in the dining area, which features a cowhide rug from Edelman Leather. Table, custom by MUSSO.

The designers continued the purple and gold palette into the den, where a pendant lamp by Constance Guisset hangs above a custom sofa by MUSSO.

100 yards of custom sheer wool drapery by C&C Drapery envelop the bedroom, creating a peaceful escape.

In contrast to the rest of the condo, the bedroom boasts a noticeable lack of color and a sense of softness, thanks to a sheepskin rug from Auskin and wall panels upholstered by Tecnosedia in an Armani/Casa fabric. Buddha sculpture, Mandarin Antiques. Lamps, Ktribe T by Flos. Bedding, custom.

“The bath is actually quite small and irregularly shaped, so we kept everything white,” notes Musso. Sleek cabinetry by Design Galleria Kitchen and Bath Studio and geometric lighting from Tech Lighting reflect the home’s modern verve, while a pair of wooden sculptures add warmth.

Fashion rules the roost in this Midtown condo, where a spectrum of fabrics and furnishings pops against sleek fixtures and finishes. While the loft was a downsize for homeowners Jeffrey and Felix, a dynamic couple who love to entertain, the limited square footage did nothing to deter designers Bill Musso and Seth van den Bergh of MUSSO from making the most of the 1,650-square-foot space. Inspired by their clients’ penchant for fashion and all things stylish, Musso and van den Bergh set out to create a contemporary interpretation of 1970s glamour and Miami chic.

“From the beginning, we all were in sync in what we wanted to achieve: a dramatic, sexy place where you can expect the unexpected,” says Musso. The duo began by adjusting the floor plan and shifting walls to open up flow and provide plenty of room for entertaining.

Formerly located on the farthest end of the condo, the kitchen, a collaborative project with Matthew Quinn of Design Galleria Kitchen and Bath Studio, was shifted to the center of the space to take its rightful place as the heart of the home. To keep from competing with the vibrancy of the adjoining spaces, the design dream team selected neutral finishes and clean-lined cabinetry, which also provide plenty of storage and keep clutter at bay.

To that end, much like the format of an art gallery, white walls (Sherwin-Williams’ Pure White) and floors serve as a fresh backdrop for the glamorous furnishings decorating the condo’s public spaces. “The white gave us a chance to highlight certain things without feeling complicated,” notes van den Bergh. “Budgets and small spaces encourage thoughtful editing. That’s what I think really makes this a strong unit.”

This artistic balance is evident in rooms such as the dining area and den, which exude a laid-back elegance thanks to jewel tones, lush fabrics and gold accents. Eye-catching artwork from the clients’ own collection is also a staple throughout the condo, including a creative gallery wall of portraits depicting some of Jeffrey’s inspirational figures, including Betsey Johnson, Alexander McQueen and Grace Coddington.

Musso and van den Bergh continued this playful palette in the living room, where a lacquered aubergine wall and canopy designate the space. A punchy photograph by Nicolas Bets, paneled mirrors and custom furniture give off the feel of a sleek cocktail lounge, while layers of textured fabrics and thoughtful accessories add coziness and comfort. “They wanted it to have this energy of living in the city—almost like you could have plucked it out of Miami—yet also be comfortable,” notes van den Bergh.

It’s this deliberate editing that allows the home to accommodate the clients’ modern tastes without skewing too cold or too busy. “I think one of the most rewarding things was when Bill and I did sort of an open stage reveal with the clients,” says van den Bergh. “Talk about seeing yourself really change someone’s life.” Yet Jeffrey and Felix weren’t the only ones satisfied with the final product.

“It’s always rewarding when people love what you do,” Musso agrees. “But at the end of the day, to finally see something come to fruition and have everything fit how we expected it to fit—we wouldn’t have done anything differently.”

INTERIOR DESIGN Bill Musso and Seth van den Bergh, MUSSO. (404) 873-1773; mussodesigngroup.com