Banksy, Damien Hirst, and Takashi Murakami can all be found at this stunning NYC abode.
“I let their growing art collection reflect their love of family, travel, playfulness, and their optimistic view of life,” says Christin Farrar of C. Farrar Design, the mastermind behind the transformation of a historic seven-story townhouse on New York City’s Upper East Side. Originally built in 1888, the home has been reimagined as a vibrant, art-filled sanctuary for a young family of five.
The family wanted a space that felt personal and inviting, but also playful—something that could grow alongside their three young sons while showcasing their love of contemporary art and design. Farrar delivered a home that balances sophistication with livability, where art takes center stage without overshadowing the warmth of family life.
“We wanted the house to be a reflection of them,” Farrar explains. “It had to feel elegant, but not overly formal. It needed to be a place where the boys could run around and feel free, while still maintaining a sense of style and cohesion.”
The result is a home that feels layered and intentional, with each floor offering a new discovery. The restrained color palette—soft whites, warm grays, and muted earth tones—serves as a neutral canvas for the family’s growing art collection, which includes works by Damien Hirst, Kehinde Wiley, and Takashi Murakami.
Art is the unifying thread that runs through the townhouse, defining its personality and bringing its spaces to life. In the living room, Damien Hirst’s Butterfly Grid hangs above a sleek custom sofa, its kaleidoscopic composition adding a vibrant focal point to the otherwise calm space. On an adjacent wall, Tracey Emin’s neon sculpture I Promise To Love You emits a soft, romantic glow, perfectly juxtaposed against the clean architectural lines of the room.
The dining room is equally striking. A bold Kehinde Wiley portrait takes pride of place, its rich colors and intricate patterns creating an immediate sense of drama. Above the dining table, a Lindsey Adelman chandelier in polished brass provides sculptural elegance, its branching forms echoing the organic movement of Wiley’s work.
In the foyer, Farrar created a moment of surprise by pairing de Gournay’s hand-painted wallpaper with a framed Banksy print of Girl with Balloon. “We wanted the entryway to feel like an introduction to the family’s personality,” she says. “The mix of something classic, like the wallpaper, with something edgy and modern, like Banksy—it’s exactly who they are.”
The kitchen, located on the parlor level, is a perfect blend of elegance and practicality, designed to be both a functional workspace and a warm gathering spot for the family. Custom cabinetry in a soft gray finish is paired with Calacatta marble countertops, creating a timeless look that complements the home’s overall aesthetic. A large island anchors the space, providing ample room for meal preparation while doubling as a place for the boys to enjoy breakfast or do homework.
Above the island hangs a trio of minimalist pendant lights by Apparatus Studio, their subtle brass accents adding a touch of warmth and sophistication. High-end appliances, including a Sub-Zero refrigerator and a La Cornue range in a custom matte black finish, ensure the space is as practical as it is beautiful.
Farrar added a personal touch by incorporating a gallery wall of small prints and family photos along one side of the kitchen. “The kitchen is the heart of the home,” she says. “It needed to feel welcoming and full of life, a space where the family could come together casually but still surrounded by beauty.” A corner breakfast nook, upholstered in a durable yet luxurious fabric, offers a cozy spot for family meals, with a small sculptural piece by Isamu Noguchi adding an artistic element to the intimate space.
The stairwell, which connects all seven floors, becomes a gallery in its own right. The ombre runner, shifting subtly in hue as it ascends, is paired with a curated collection of works by Yoshitomo Nara and Takashi Murakami. Nara’s melancholic yet whimsical characters and Murakami’s cheerful Flower Ball pieces inject a sense of playfulness into the transitional space. “The staircase is one of my favorite parts of the house,” Farrar says. “It’s not just a way to get from one floor to another—it’s a journey, with something to discover at every turn.”
While the home is undoubtedly family-focused, the primary suite offers a serene retreat for the parents. The bedroom, bathed in soft, neutral tones, features a large-scale Helen Frankenthaler painting above the bed. Its fluid, abstract forms add a sense of calm and sophistication to the space.
The en-suite bathroom feels like a spa, with its freestanding tub, heated marble floors, and oversized windows that flood the room with natural light. A small Richard Serra drawing, hung near the vanity, adds a meditative touch. The couple’s walk-in closet, designed with custom shelving and soft lighting, is both functional and luxurious.
Despite challenges like a tight timeline and switching contractors mid-project, Farrar delivered a home that feels cohesive, personal, and full of life. “Their love of art, music, and family is embedded in every detail,” she says.
From Damien Hirst’s Butterfly Grid to Jason Woodside’s playful mural in the playroom, each piece of art was chosen with care to reflect the family’s passions and personality. The home isn’t just a showcase for their collection; it’s a space where their love for creativity and connection can thrive.
Photos: Sarah Elliott
Stylist: Katja Greeff
