Imagine a home filled with the vibrant energy of spring, where vibrant cherry blossoms and lush greenery meet the eye. This is the vision that Samantha Stathis Lynch brought to life in an Upper East Side apartment just a stone’s throw from Central Park. “The first glimpses of vibrant greenery in a sea of urban grays are incredibly uplifting,” shares the talented founder of Samantha Ware Interior Design, based in New Jersey.
The transformation began with a cosmetic facelift, a burst of color and pattern to enhance the apartment’s two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Stathis Lynch explains, “The apartment’s canvas was initially blank – white walls, cabinets, and simple bathrooms. While it wasn’t ‘wrong,’ it lacked that touch of personality we were striving for.”
A kitchen renovation became a pivotal decision, as the existing melamine cabinets proved to be a paint challenge. Replacing them allowed Stathis Lynch and her team to maximize every square foot of the 1,400-square-foot layout. The kitchen’s star attraction? Fresh cabinetry crafted by Iron Oak, painted in the vibrant Shasta Daisy hue by Portola Paints.
The project took a bit longer than initially planned, but the result speaks for itself. Every inch of the space is carefully considered, from the bright yellows and shades of lavender to the soft pinks and natural greens that grace the home.
The living room’s floral Nanimarquina rug and apple green velvet sectional anchor the space, while the primary bedroom’s soft sage green grasscloth wallpaper creates a soothing ambiance. Stathis Lynch mentions, “The office, which also serves as a guest bedroom, was envisioned as a creative sanctuary. Maison C wallpaper and a dusty pink velvet sleeper sofa add to the room’s uplifted atmosphere.”
This design journey marks a significant departure from the apartment’s previous look, a stark contrast that evokes a sense of renewal and hope. “Just as the soft pink of blooming cherry blossoms inspires a fresh start, we aimed to capture that essence within these walls,” shares Stathis Lynch.
Entryway
Kirsten FrancisMarcy Cook Vreeland’s vibrant abstract floral artwork was the perfect addition to the entryway. According to Stathis Lynch, “It’s like this piece was created specifically for our design! Every color we wanted to incorporate is present in this masterpiece.”
Table: Made Goods. Lamp: Vaughn Designs.
Living Room
Kirsten Francis“The sectional needed to make a statement given the apartment’s single central living space,” says Stathis Lynch, justifying their choice of a vibrant apple green velvet sofa.
Sofa: Lee Industries, upholstered in Holland & Sherry velvet. Paint: Tailor Tack, Farrow & Ball. Ceiling light: Visual Comfort. Throw pillows: Schumacher. Vintage coffee table: Chairish.
Kitchen
Kirsten Francis