Upper East Side Elegance: A Light-Filled Mother-Daughter Home

Perched in a quiet Upper East Side enclave, this apartment offers sweeping East River views and a light-filled retreat from the city. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the space in natural light, highlighting soft pastel accents that lend warmth and a gentle, cosy glow. Crown molding, white oak floors and layered textures bring subtle elegance, while feminine touches make it a home tailored for a mother-daughter duo.

Lucy Harris, the New York–based designer behind the project, says: “The home is a unique and striking balance of serene and bold energy that reflects the client’s love of good design. She carefully studied our presentation and always had thoughtful questions and reflections. She learned to trust her instincts for design and colour which was fun to watch, and she especially enjoyed learning about furniture designers and the history of decorative arts through this experience.”

The palette leans towards earthy blues and greens with accents of warm purples, reds and oranges, while layered textures — from silk-and-wool rugs to sheepskin counter stools and travertine side tables — anchor the airy, bright interior. Eclectic, playful touches, such as a paper lantern in the study or polished brass detailing on chairs, add character without overwhelming the serene atmosphere.

Open-plan living links the kitchen, dining and living areas, balancing functionality with refined style. A sectional sofa provides comfort for family evenings, while curated artworks and heirlooms introduce personality and narrative throughout. “A sophisticated, refined sense of beauty while still being a comfortable and approachable space for the clients to enjoy on a day-to-day basis,” Harris notes, summarising the duality of aesthetic and practicality at the heart of the design.

The apartment’s layout ensures privacy for the bedrooms and en suites while maintaining flow through a central gallery spine. Every design decision — from material choice to furniture selection — was tailored to create a harmonious home where light, colour, texture and family life coexist. “The result is a very special, personalised home because the client enjoyed every minute, every presentation and every design decision,” Harris reflects.

This Upper East Side apartment proves that careful layering of soft pastels, tactile materials and personal details can transform a city apartment into a serene, lived-in sanctuary. It is simultaneously striking, welcoming and deeply personal — a space designed to be enjoyed every day.

Credits

Interior design by Lucy Harris Studio, Instagram: @lucyharrisnyc 

Architecture by Gerner Kronick + Valcarel Architects and Deborah Berke Partners 

Developing by Lightstone

Photography by Read McKendree / JBSA Images, Instagram: @readmckendree

Styling by Katja Greeff and Katie McLennan, Instagram: @katjagreeff and @ktmclenn

Production by Karine Monié, Instagram: @karinemonie