New York-based design firm Crystal Sinclair Designs fills this Upper East Side pied-à-terre with 70s-inspired elements.

For many, work-life balance means retreating from work. But for Colleen Cook, executive director at the Holmdel Theatre Company, infusing her home with theatrical charm is a joy.

Located in a 1938 prewar building by late architect Rosario Candela, this 2,300-square-foot, three-bedroom apartment offers a blend of open and closed floor plans. The left of the entry leads to the living room, while the right hosts the dining room, kitchen, and third bedroom with a bath. Beyond the living room, a central hall connects to the primary suite and second bedroom/bathroom. The layout is practical but not without challenges, the radius wall in the dining room, for instance. 

“It was the last room to come together, and now it’s perhaps my favourite,” says Crystal Sinclair. “We began working with Colleen in early 2022, and the room revealed several surprises, given it hadn't been renovated since the ’60s.”

The biggest surprise being the dramatic disco ball in the living room. “When it’s on, the room just glitters – it’s pretty amazing,” says Sinclair.  “We always wonder what the people in Central Park think in the evening when the disco ball is in action.” Here, the disco ball complements a striking Thomas Trum paint and a white boucle sofa that Cook adores.

To reflect Cook’s love for Broadway, Sinclair drew inspiration from Studio 54, an iconic Manhattan venue known for its legendary ’70s events. “We wanted to create an elegant space with classic touches mixed with bold, more modern elements,” says Sinclair. “We sourced both new and old to get the right balance.” 

The design centres on a marble checkered fireplace hood, setting a playful yet cozy tone. “We went with vibrant colours, toned down slightly so they aren’t jarring,” says Sinclair. “We wanted the space to be exciting – so bold hues were a must! That said we painted the spaces with natural light white – to keep things bright.”

The team embraced contrasts and textures, opting for daring colours and an eclectic mix of materials like mohair, velvet, leather, linen, and various marbles. “We wanted to provide a classic backdrop to the fun furnishings/colours,” says Sinclair. 

Photo courtesy of Nicole Franzen