The One With The Turquoise Sofa in The Penthouse

In October 2020, my parents were working on renovating our rental penthouse, a design my father had crafted years ago. During the early months of the pandemic, with no tenants, they worked within tight budget constraints. They asked for my supervision, particularly seeking my input on color schemes and furniture placement.

The first major decision was reupholstering the L-shaped sofa, which would set the tone for the entire interior. Initially considering purple suede, we realized it clashed with the cool-toned white walls tinged with powder blue. I proposed a turquoise suede, aiming to reintroduce warmth and counteract the room's cool ambiance. Positioned opposite a floor-to-ceiling window, the sofa transformed under sunlight, its suede texture reflecting light, adding a touch of psychedelic allure to the area.

To complement the revamped sofa, we integrated artworks—primarily Ivan Acuna pieces—adding my own painting to balance the scale and add personal touch. Grey tones accented with copper hues harmonized with the room's warm yet understated aesthetic. Additionally, we repurposed furniture from both my parents' and my own homes, including a forest green coffee table that perfectly aligned with the envisioned color scheme, contributing to the overall success of the space.

Moving to the dining room, my parents initially purchased mustard yellow seats, which I insisted complemented the vibe of the dining area. Despite initial hesitations, the vibrancy of the chairs breathed new life into the room, enhanced further by the presence of Ivan Acuna's artworks, their golden hues resonating with sunlight, creating a space that felt naturally cohesive and inviting.

The master bedroom, though semi furnished, gained character from a wine cabinet that once stored my doll collection and a vintage carpet my father acquired decades ago. The room's aesthetic was anchored by another Ivan Acuna artwork, its bold colors seamlessly integrating with the simple bed covers and furniture pieces, underscoring the room's tranquil yet refined atmosphere.

Throughout the penthouse, a blend of my and my parents' tastes—ranging from horse motifs to blue jars—underscored our collaborative efforts. Despite differing preferences, our shared commitment to revitalizing the space under financial strain during uncertain times ultimately paid off when the penthouse was leased in December, bringing much-needed relief amidst financial pressures.

Reflecting on this experience, I am grateful for the opportunity to infuse new life into a space that holds personal and professional significance for my family. With my parents deeply rooted in property management and architectural design, my role in styling and staging this penthouse marked a meaningful step toward pursuing my passion for interior design. Looking ahead, I eagerly anticipate further expirementing this field. The joy of selecting furniture, exploring with textures, and envisioning spaces with curated energy brings me satisfaction.