The Upper West Side, with its iconic Emery Roth buildings, is a treasure trove for prewar enthusiasts. When Sarah Lederman, an interior designer and textile enthusiast, found herself in the coveted position of acquiring a home in one of these buildings, she embraced the challenge of creating a space that reflected her unique style and love for travel. Lederman's journey began with a desire to preserve the building's original charm while infusing her own creative vision. She embarked on a six-month renovation, transforming the duplex into a harmonious blend of vintage finds, custom pieces, and her own textile designs.
One of the standout features of Lederman's home is her collaboration with an artist to hand-watercolor designs, which were then digitally printed as textiles and wallpapers. The color palettes are earthy, with style names like Sirocco that evoke vast natural landscapes. The collection, named Three Fates, draws inspiration from Lederman's travels to Bhutan, Morocco, Japan, and Peru. She captures the essence of these historic places through intricate patterns, translating them into her design practice.
The home serves as a living laboratory for Lederman's textile creations. Nearly all the pillows are in Three Fates fabrics, and she even upholstered two Ward Bennett–inspired swivel chairs. The powder room showcases her Celestia wallpaper, a testament to the tactile and organic feel that hand-watercolored designs bring. Lederman's attention to detail is evident in the powder room's green wallpaper, a custom pattern that adds depth and character.
The living room exudes elegance with limewashed walls and custom white oak millwork, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Vintage finds and custom pieces, such as a sculptural banana fiber chandelier by Pinch London, add a touch of whimsy. The dining area features a hand-painted white oak table and Svenskt Tenn chairs, creating a sophisticated ambiance. Lederman's love for travel and architecture is further reflected in the bedroom, where walls upholstered in honey-colored linen by Rose Tarlow set a cozy tone, complemented by custom ceramic lamps with hand-painted shades by Alvaro Picardo.
What makes Lederman's home truly remarkable is the seamless integration of her textile designs into the overall aesthetic. The Three Fates patterns complement the Art Deco rug in the entry, the Egyptian woven tapestry over the living room's sofa, and the custom ceramic lamps with hand-painted shades in the bedroom. Her friends, unaware of the recent launch of her textile line, often fail to notice the intricate patterns that feel so natural in her element. Lederman's ability to create a cohesive and captivating interior space is a testament to her talent and creativity, making her Upper West Side apartment a true masterpiece of design.
