Photos by Sean Litchfield
Imagine what a designer who’s worked as a wardrobe stylist for Lady Gaga and created interiors for Lucy Liu and Bobbi Brown could do for a suburban home. That talent is Nicole Fisher, who tackled those A-list gigs and more before founding her own firm, BNR Interiors, and helping clients like the owners of this Larchmont house.
As mom to a toddler and a dog, Fisher understood the needs of this young family with a taste for very modern design that’s also kid-proof. The family lived on the property for a few years before building new. “When it came time to renovate, the scope was so major that the architect recommended rebuilding instead of remodeling. They wanted to touch almost every inch of the house,” says Fisher.
Their mandate for the new interior: contemporary, streamlined, and warm. The latter was achieved through generous helpings of wood and texture, with white oak flooring throughout. The design follows a less-is-more approach, with a few showstopping pieces of furniture commanding attention and a striking staircase of steel and wood anchoring the center of the open floor plan without blocking the view. Fisher worked closely with her clients to learn their vision and assess their likes and dislikes, and then, she says, “They really let me bring it to life.”
– Dining Room Drama –
A massive live-edge acacia-wood dining table seats a crowd and acts as a statement piece. “That was our favorite piece. It’s 14 feet long and weighs 800 pounds. I think there were 12 people getting it in there,” she says with a laugh. The Phillips Collection table sits under a black mobile-like chandelier from Peck Lighting and it’s surrounded by chairs from Nest Home in Rye.
– Art of Living –
This light-filled sitting room flows into the eating area and kitchen. A plush sofa from ABC Carpet & Home, chairs from Arteriors, and a coffee table from Bernhart ground the room’s neutral palette. Custom abstract art by Rebecca Stern brings in the only color. “The scale worked perfectly,” says Fisher. “We kept everything else really muted and made the art the stand out.”
– Black and White All Over –
“The kids have really started gravitating toward the island, which has comfy leather barstools,” says Fisher of the seating that wraps around the island, per the client’s request. Being conscious of fingerprints and mess, she decided to go dark on the cabinetry, balancing the choice with white-quartz countertops on the island. “It’s not what you would expect in this style of house.”
– Family Time –
Velvet woven poufs imported from Israel lend a playful touch in the family room. The kids can hang out and watch TV seated on chairs from Mecox in South Hampton. They are covered in a treated tweed, to make the whole space kid-friendly. Art is by Linda Colletta.
– Master Class –
“This had to be their private space to get away — really clean and comfortable, nothing fussy,” Fisher says of the Zen master bedroom. “They didn’t even want throw pillows.” The upholstered bed looks custom, but it’s from Restoration Hardware and has storage underneath. A giant paper-lantern chandelier fills the lofty ceiling; a bench from Align adds texture.
– A Polished Bathroom –
In the master bath, handmade clay tiles cover the walls up to the ceiling. “A big variety and differentiation in the handmade pieces add so much depth and character.” The Kohler tub sits on a polished marble floor; the shower is finished with stainless penny tile from Tile Boutique in New Rochelle.
– Round Table –
At the center of the open plan, the breakfast table from Restoration Hardware serves as the family’s casual spot for eating and overlooking the staircase. The chenille chairs are from West Elm.
– The Team –
Designer: Nicole Fisher, BNR Interiors
Architect: Yestadt Architecture
Construction: Elwart Construction
