When designer Chrissy Ritter first toured her client’s classic pre-war building on the Upper East Side, the beautiful original architectural details — including graceful proportions, beautiful moldings, and high ceilings — told her immediately how to decorate the space. Built in 1928, the 1,300 square-foot apartment contains two bedrooms, two baths, and an eat in kitchen… all transformed into an exquisite and timeless jewel box through Chrissy’s impeccable vision.

We are delighted to welcome Chrissy to The Glam Pad today for a tour, complete with styling by Kimberly Power and photography by Hayley Ellen Day. Welcome, Chrissy!

Q:  What was the vision for the decor? Your inspiration?

A:  The clients had a few key pieces they wanted to keep (e.g. their dining table and living room sofa) but were ready for a full refresh. We updated the kitchen and powder room, and from there, layered in new fabrics, paint, wallpapers, rugs, antiques, art, and lighting to really bring the space to life.

They had a clear vision from the start: traditional, elegant, timeless, but also colorful with some personality. They wanted the space to reflect them, and I think that’s exactly what we achieved. This particular client and I had really aligned on the apartment vision from the beginning, so the whole project flowed really naturally.

Q:  Are there any particular fabric/wallpaper patterns, pieces of furniture, paint colors, antiques, etc.?

A:  The foyer mural—Les Oiseaux by Schumacher—was a jumping-off point. The clients told me they were open to a pink entryway, which is not something you get to hear everyday! So that got me excited from the start.

My clients also love green, we used different shades throughout the apartment—nothing too matchy, but enough to create a sense of continuity. Chartreuse, avocado, forest, celadon, Kelly… no green shade was spared. In the primary bedroom, they wanted something softer and more tonal, so we went for a calmer direction there.

We scored some amazing pieces at auction, like a set of Weinmann botanicals framed in leather and brass that now hang over the dining table, and a great pair of faux tortoise and leather side tables. We balanced those vintage finds with newer pieces, like the Bunny Williams leather and brass coffee table, which keeps it from feeling too period or precious.

And the artwork over the sofa came from a young artist we found on Saatchi. It is the perfect scale and brought the whole room together. I love when a piece of art can do that.

Q:  Were there existing pieces or specific direction the client wanted incorporated within the project?

A:  The client had pieces that were staying, like the dining table and sofa, some art. So instead of starting over, we built around what they had, rethinking the context with new textiles, color, and a mix of old and new. It was about honoring what worked, and refreshing everything around it.

Q:  Anything else you’d like to add?

A:  This was one of those dream projects where the space, the clients, and my own vision all came together really organically. The apartment’s architecture sort of told us where to go, and we listened. I think the end result feels layered, warm, personal, and timeless—which is always the goal.

Chrissy, thank you for joining us today, and for a lovely look inside this beautiful home!

To learn more, please visit Chrissy Ritter and follow @chrissyritter_llc on Instagram for ongoing inspiration.