House Tour: French Mid-century modern interior design for an apartment in Manhattan, New York City

Providing views of the Hudson River, this space with a French mid-century modern interior is the home of an American couple in their late 20s who work in healthcare and technology.

Matt McKay Interior Design

The homeowners met Matt McKay, founder of McKay, through a New York City-based gallerist who is also a longtime friend of the interior designer, and they clicked immediately.

The couple’s interest to start a collection and learn about contemporary and vintage makers convinced Matt to jump on the project.

“We began with gallery visits in New York and mixed in a few Paris flea market finds to balance the budget,” says Matt. “I love to work this way with clients; for me it develops an interesting narrative.”

French Mid-century modern home

Transforming the originally dark and moody bachelor pad into a bright and inviting home was one of the top priorities for the renovation. It didn’t stop there, however.

At night, the space needed to be ideal for entertaining and reflect a sultry atmosphere.

This contradicting ambiences were achieved through the use of a soft and neutral color palette, combined with textural wall coverings and finishes, as well as curved furnishings.

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Mid-century modern living room

Within the expanse of the French mid-century modern interior, featuring Venetian plaster walls, a harmonious conversation unfolds among a myriad of vintage treasures.

Notable among them are the sideboard crafted by Guillerme & Chambron, the intricately carved wood side table designed by Jean Touret — a cherished gem for the interior designer — the distinctive Paul Frankl cork coffee table, a delightful pair of lounge chairs draped in Metaphores fabric, and the distinguished Karl Springer Onassis chairs adorned with Zak+Fox upholstered seat cushions, among a tapestry of other exceptional pieces.

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Mid-century modern bathroom

McKay custom designed the sofa with a Holly Hunt fabric, and the game table in a green Edelman leather.

Tobia & Afra Scarpa chairs and a custom banquette by McKay surround the Pierre Yovanovitch table in front of the cane screen room divider by Quincoces - Drago from Six Gallery.

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Emerald quartizite kitchen counter

With its emerald quartzite counter and backsplash from BAS Stone that match the Thomas Hayes barstools, the eye-catching kitchen is one of the stars of the show.

“Only a few weeks away from the initial install, the clients finally agreed to redo the kitchen and guest bathroom, and the site went back into construction,” remembers Matt.

“The wood and emerald quartzite used in the custom kitchen and the dovetail joinery really tie the open living space together.”

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European designer furniture

Designed as a peaceful refuge in the heart of the city, the primary bedroom features Loro Piana fabrics and Bennet Schlesinger lamps while the more colorful office is a mix and match of a Calico wallpaper, Poul Henningsen desk, Eames and Mario Botta chairs, Stilnovo lamp by Shigeaki Asahara, USM storage unit and Mitchell Denburg carpet.

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French mid-century modern interior

Throughout the apartment, Matt wanted to reflect the vibe of 1960s European interior design with a focus on the spirit of French artists including musician Serge Gainsbourg, painter Henri Rousseau and actress, singer and model Brigitte Bardot.

The home is also infused with influences from German textile artist Anni Albers.

Through this project, Matt wanted to pay tribute to and revive an irresistible era of irreverence.

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