A Designer's Personal Touch in an Iconic Emery Roth Building
Interior designer Sarah Lederman has meticulously curated her family's residence within a historic Emery Roth building on the Upper West Side, creating a unique living space that seamlessly blends classic architecture with contemporary design. This endeavor also served as a showcase for her new wallpaper and textile collection, Three Fates, which draws inspiration from diverse global cultures and local New York City influences. The project, completed within an impressive six-month timeframe, highlights Lederman’s talent for integrating personalized elements, vintage treasures, and custom furnishings into a cohesive and inviting environment.
Emery Roth's architectural marvels, particularly his twin- and three-tower structures on the Upper West Side, are highly sought after for their distinctive charm and historical significance. These buildings rarely have available units, and their co-op boards are known for their rigorous selection processes, as famously illustrated by Madonna's rejection from the San Remo in 1985. It was precisely this rarity and prestige that motivated Sarah Lederman to secure a duplex in one of these iconic buildings, intending it to be her permanent family home.
Lederman, a native of the Upper West Side, now resides on the same street as her parents and even shares a building with her brother. She humorously describes their arrangement as a 'magical family bubble' within the bustling metropolis. The duplex she shares with her husband and two daughters retains its original Emery Roth layout, featuring public areas on the first floor and private quarters on the second, providing a clear and logical separation of living spaces that caters to the family's needs.
Upon moving in, Lederman found the apartment to be in remarkably good condition, requiring minimal structural alterations. Her design approach focused on enhancing the existing character rather than undertaking an extensive renovation. Within a mere six months—a notably swift period in the design industry—she introduced new wallpapers, fresh paint, carpeting, and decorative elements. While she downplays the extent of the work, the stunning final result speaks volumes about her design acumen and efficiency.
Concurrently with decorating her new home, Lederman launched Three Fates, her wallpaper and textile line, in March. This collection, heavily featured throughout her apartment, is a testament to her passion for travel. Drawing inspiration from recent trips to Bhutan, Morocco, Japan, and Peru, she meticulously documented patterns and architectural details to adapt into her designs. Local inspirations, such as exhibits at The Met and various architectural elements within New York City, also played a significant role in shaping her creative vision.
The creation process for Three Fates involved collaborating with an artist who hand-watercolored Lederman's mock-up designs. These intricate artworks were then digitally printed onto textiles and wallpapers, resulting in a collection characterized by earthy color palettes and evocative names like Sirocco and Amphora, the latter inspired by ancient Greek pottery seen at The Met. This method ensures that even with digital printing, the textures and nuances of the original hand-painted designs are preserved, preventing a 'flat' appearance.
Lederman's apartment served as an ideal proving ground for her new textile line. Numerous pillows feature Three Fates fabrics, as do two upholstered Ward Bennett-inspired swivel chairs. The powder room's green wallpaper is also one of her distinctive patterns. The seamless integration of these new designs with other imaginative elements, such as an Art Deco rug in the entryway, an Egyptian woven tapestry above the living room sofa, and custom ceramic lamps with hand-painted shades in the bedroom, creates a harmonious and natural aesthetic. Friends often don't even realize these are newly launched products, underscoring how organically Three Fates fits into Lederman's personal style and home environment.
