In New York’s Upper East Side, nestled within a stately prewar building from 1938 designed by Rosario Candela, lies an unexpected gem—a pied-à-terre blending bold 1970s glam with timeless elegance. Colleen and John Cook, a married couple who primarily reside in Rumson, New Jersey, transformed this three-bedroom Manhattan apartment into a personal retreat. Colleen, the executive director at the Holmdel Theatre Company, always dreamed of a city apartment, and she and John finally found their perfect retreat, thanks to a friend’s recommendation of interior designer Crystal Sinclair.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Location: Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, New York City
Architecture: Rosario Candela
Interior Design: Crystal Sinclair Designs
Photography: Nicole Franzen
A Broadway actress herself, Sinclair brought not only a professional touch but a flair for the dramatic that’s evident in every inch of the Cooks’ apartment. To capture the vibrant energy of New York nightlife, she looked to Studio 54 for inspiration—a legendary Broadway theater and nightclub where icons like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Andy Warhol once partied. This slice of New York history became the creative springboard for her designs, lending a distinctive, retro vibe to the apartment’s aesthetic.
The apartment’s centerpiece and starting point was a black-and-white marble fireplace cover, its checkerboard pattern evoking classic city elegance while setting the stage for the interior’s disco-infused vibe. Sinclair recalls the instant appeal of the marble checkerboard pattern: “It was bold yet classic, and it gave us the foundation to infuse some real personality into the space.” The design revolves around strong visuals and a bold color palette, playing up contrasts with darker hues and pops of metallics for a striking atmosphere.
Sinclair’s playful, Studio 54-inspired touches are especially evident in the living room, where a disco ball dangles above, ready to fill the room with sparkles as light hits its surface. “What will people in Central Park think at night when the disco ball starts moving?” Sinclair jokes, referencing the room’s view overlooking the park. This humorous, dramatic centerpiece perfectly sums up the atmosphere she’s created—a space that doesn’t take itself too seriously but offers undeniable sophistication and style.
Throughout the apartment, Sinclair’s eye for merging textures and patterns is unmistakable. The use of plush velvets and sleek metallics contrasts with the structured architecture of Candela’s original designs, while warm wood tones balance out the glitz. In one of the bedrooms, a statement headboard upholstered in deep emerald velvet commands attention, its rich color adding a sumptuous feel to the room. Mid-century furniture pieces, some vintage and others custom-made, contribute to the feeling of retro luxury while staying true to the Cooks’ tastes.
Sinclair also found creative ways to add function without sacrificing style. The primary bathroom features Carrara marble countertops with brass fixtures, evoking old Hollywood elegance. Custom cabinetry with a high-gloss finish provides ample storage while adding a modern edge. As Colleen and John spend weekends here, Sinclair prioritized making the space feel cozy yet well-equipped, maintaining a balance between New York glam and practical comfort.
The apartment’s open layout was a perfect canvas for Sinclair’s mix of bold, expressive design and functional living. The kitchen, small but stylish, includes marble countertops and custom-built cabinetry that integrate seamlessly with the overall design. A plush dining area just off the kitchen invites easy entertaining, with moody lighting and pops of color that add warmth and character.
Crystal Sinclair Designs has transformed this prewar apartment into an elegant, eccentric oasis for the Cooks, an extension of their artistic, vibrant lifestyle. Colleen and John can now step into New York’s dynamic world with a pied-à-terre that serves as both retreat and expression. At night, as the disco ball spins and reflects the city lights, the apartment comes alive, paying homage to a bygone era with a modern twist.
With Sinclair’s signature style and thoughtful details, the Cooks’ pied-à-terre embodies both nostalgia and contemporary glamour, echoing the high-energy charm of New York City itself.
