Pro Spotlight: How to Create a Modern Urban Retreat

B Interior

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Who: Sharon Blaustein of B Interior
Where: New York City
In her own words: “In New York, there is so much movement and urban color going on outside. You should complement that with a serene interior.”

Imagine leaving all your worries at your front door. Picture a calm living room that welcomes you home and a peaceful bedroom that beckons you in. Visualize colors that soothe, lights that softly glow and plush rugs that cushion your feet. “In the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city, it’s about creating a quiet, Zen-like space,” says Sharon Blaustein, owner of B Interior in Manhattan. “You want to come home, let out a deep breath and say, ‘Ahhh.’”

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A lifelong love. Blaustein has always been interested in interior design. “As a little kid, I used to flip the furniture in my room every two weeks,” she says. As an adult, she went into accounting and business administration, but rediscovered her real love when designing her first apartment. She has never looked back. “I returned to my childhood passion,” she says with a laugh.

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Seeking simplicity. A self-described minimalist, Blaustein lets the bones of each space shine. “I like the decorations to come from the architectural features, so I keep the decor clean and the colors quiet,” she says. At the same time, she likes to add warmth to modern spaces. “I mix in textures and patterns with fabrics and lighting,” she says.

Ready to create a haven at home? Blaustein shares her tips below.

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1. Choose Calming Colors

Muted hues soften any space. “I always like a monochromatic palette with a pop of color,” Blaustein says. “You want to make it as tranquil as possible inside.”

The view beyond the Tribeca penthouse seen here embraces both glittering buildings and blue sky. “It’s all about the outside,” Blaustein says. To complement that scene, she created a cocoon in the bedroom with warm grays, off-whites and earth tones. The bright purple orchid and dark desk chair provide small splashes of visual contrast, while a fuzzy rug cushions bare feet.

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2. Use Natural Materials

Bring in sleek stone, wood, suede and metal to “make a place modern while keeping it cozy and inviting,” Blaustein says.

A feature wall accentuates the living space of the Chelsea penthouse seen here; the richness of the white oak is emphasized by the deep graphite stain. Honed Pietra gray marble hugs the fireplace, while the muted brown tones of the suede armchairs and rustic wood flooring warm the space. Wool rugs and a hammered-bronze coffee table add natural elements.

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3. Layer Your Lighting

Create a mix of lighting, with focused task lighting where needed and soft ambient light elsewhere “to make the space feel more intimate,” Blaustein says. “And always choose a warm white bulb.”

In the SoHo apartment seen here, two LED chandeliers float above the dining table, with dimmers setting the mood. Recessed can lights in the ceiling shine a path to the deck just past the glass doors. Cotton sheers on the windows both add privacy and help diffuse the always bright lights of the city, as well as provide a romantic look to offset the steel skyscrapers right outside.

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More: For more information on Sharon Blaustein and examples of her work, visit B Interior’s Houzz profile.

This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.