In this New York townhouse, warmth and minimalism come together in a carefully curated design. Given full creative freedom, Chelsea Reale and Diana Rice of SISSY+MARLEY Interiors transformed this home into a tranquil retreat, where a soft palette and rich textures create a sense of calm. Photographed by Marco Ricca, the space balances refined details with thoughtful functionality, effortlessly accommodating the family’s love for cooking, entertaining, and relaxing.
From SISSY+MARLEY Interiors… There’s nothing quite like the excitement of starting a project when clients are genuinely excited about the work you create. We’re especially grateful when we’re entrusted with full artistic control and creative direction—a rare gift that we deeply appreciate. It’s a true privilege to design a home for a family, a place where they’ll grow, make memories, and build a life together. From the outset, it was clear that the creative vision for this space was ours to shape. Our clients had been following our work for some time and dreamed of having a home designed by our firm. So, when it came time to purchase their new home, they knew exactly who to turn to.
As a busy young family, the couple wanted their new home to evoke a sense of calm throughout. They envisioned a warm, neutral palette with layered textures and a mix of materials. The custom kitchen was designed to accommodate many shared meals, while thoughtful millwork throughout the home added a sense of refinement and functionality. Above all, the goal was to create a space where everything had its place—a beautifully organized home that fosters tranquility.
Knowing how much the family enjoys cooking and entertaining, we focused on creating a layout that could easily accommodate their large extended family and friends. One of the key changes was opening up the small kitchen on both ends, which allowed us to add a built-in breakfast nook. Custom doors were also added to allow the kitchen to be closed off when entertaining, keeping the space flexible and functional.
The flooring heavily impacted this transformation. The dark, heavy wood was lightened by bleaching and staining, which instantly brightened the space and gave it a more organic, airy feel. Plaster finishes in the entry and living room added texture and warmth, while the addition of travertine elevated the design to a new level of sophistication.
It truly takes a village to bring a beautiful vision to life, and we are incredibly fortunate to have a talented team who helped us realize this dream. With their support, we were able to create a home that not only reflects the family’s lifestyle but also their love for each other and the memories they’ll continue to build in this space.
Discover the talent behind the story… Interior Design: Chelsea Reale and Diana Rice, SISSY+MARLEY Interiors · Photography: Marco Ricca · Interior Architect: Studio Ater · Builder/GC: STM Interiors
