The Upper West Side triplex, designed by Barker Architecture Office (BAAO) is a carefully renovated brownstone apartment just steps from Central Park. Serving as a pied-à-terre for an empty-nester family primarily based in Seattle, the space draws its inspiration from the natural tones of the Pacific Northwest, incorporating greens, blues, deep grays, and white oak throughout.
The project began with the integration of two separate units: a rear garden duplex and a front triplex. Previously connected only at the garden level, the design reshaped these spaces to create a cohesive home. The transformation included removing internal divisions to open sightlines from the front of the home to the rear garden. Private suites on different levels were carefully designed to allow flexibility and independence for visiting family and guests.
A Harmonized Ground Level
The garden level serves as the primary living area, integrating functionality and aesthetics. At the front, the living room centers around a working fireplace, with white oak shelving framing the street-facing windows. Adjacent to this, a custom tambour banquette, paired with a black wood table and oak chairs, creates an informal dining area.
In the kitchen, white oak reappears prominently in the island, which is topped with a terrazzo slab. Deep blue-green cabinets inset with brushed copper add depth and texture, complemented by a soapstone countertop. A glass door and sidelight in the rear facade open onto a newly constructed bridge, providing direct access to the outdoor garden without passing through the bedroom.
Elegant Private Spaces
The primary suite on the garden level balances richness and warmth. Deep blue-gray walls in the bedroom are offset by a slatted white oak headboard and integrated nightstands. The design flows into the bathroom, where oak slats meet soapstone, terrazzo, and white porcelain penny tiles.
A second family room on the lower level continues the home’s theme of material interaction. A teal blue wall, extending onto the ceiling, defines the sitting area, while a terrazzo-lined bar offers a functional yet visually appealing feature. Terrazzo tiles extend from the floor up the walls, ensuring durability and waterproofing in the below-grade space. A copper Japanese soaking tub offers a serene view of the garden through glass doors.
Thoughtful Design for Guests and Workspaces
The lower level also features a rear guest bedroom lined with mural wallpaper depicting a whimsical woodland scene. In the bathroom, wood-look porcelain tiles bring warmth to the shower area. The front of this level accommodates a dedicated work-from-home space, enveloped in mural wallpaper with a tree canopy motif. The accompanying bathroom adds a playful touch with a bright green faucet set against navy and white walls.
Upper Levels and Playful Details
The upper levels introduce a playful and relaxed atmosphere to the home. A loft-like sitting room includes a play area wallpapered in an underwater theme, concealed behind blue-gray shutters. Bathrooms on this level explore earthy tones, with tiles in forest green and ecru.
The front staircase, resurfaced and enclosed with a reeded glass wall, introduces a sense of privacy while maintaining light flow. These transitions between floors create a cohesive experience throughout the residence.
Garden Connection and Outdoor Integration
Barker Architecture Office carefully integrated the outdoor spaces into the home’s design. A two-level garden connects to the interior, thanks to the addition of the glass bridge and accessible doors. This direct connection to greenery increases the home’s livability and provides a peaceful escape within the city.
Architect/Interior Designer: Barker Architecture Office (BAAO)
Photographer: Gieves Anderson
Prop Stylist: Philippa Brathwaite
Living Room:
“Icarus” by Andrew Zimmerman (Sears Peyton Gallery)
Custom coffee table
Sofa: Benchmade Modern
Rug: Hatsu
Compass Chair from Industry West
Slit Side table by Hay
Disco Side table by Basta
“Pine Point” by Poogy Bjerklie (Sears Peyton Gallery)
Powder room:
Wallpaper by Anewall
Bedrosian porcelain penny tiles
Garden Bar:
Mirror by AYTM
Wall sconces by RBW
Dining:
“Inclination” by Karin Schaefer
Table by Lulu and Georgia
Buddy Chairs by BluDot
Bell Pendants by Normann Copenhagen
Kitchen:
Veronese Multicolore Terrazzo by Artistic Tile
Fantasy Soapstone by ABC Worldwide
Custom kitchen cabinets
Cedar and Moss flushmount lights
Primary Bedroom:
Chair by Lulu and Georgia
Cedar and Moss light fixture
Primary Bath:
Custom terrazzo vanity
Custom soapstone by RGNY
Precision sconces by Kelly Wearstler
Bedrosian porcelain penny tiles
Lower family room:
Gus Modern sofa
Coffee table by West elm
“Parish Hill” by Michael Abrams (Sears Peyton Gallery)
Copper soaking tub by Signature Hardware
“Enter Stage Left” by Karin Schaefer (Sears Peyton Gallery)
Rear lower bedroom:
Wallpaper by Rebel Walls
Slit side tables by Hay
Arch light by Hay
Front lower bedroom:
Wallpaper by Rebel Walls
Desk by Dims
A+R table lamp
Anthropologie rug
Hoist sconce by RBW
Front lower bath:
Tile by Heath
Sink by Nameeks
Vola Faucet
Chip sconce by RBW
Parlor room:
Acuario Wallpaper by Wallpaper from the Seventies
Cirkus Wall sconces by AGO
Parlor bath:
Zia porcelain tiles
Bedrosian porcelain penny tile
Venus sconce by Cedar and Moss
