The Chairish Podcast: Anna Brockway's Pied-à-Terre Is Pure Chairish Hosted by Chairish Inc. | Release Date: February 4, 2025
Introduction
In this special episode of The Chairish Podcast, co-founder and President of Chairish, Ana Brockway, takes the reins as a guest host alongside Steele Mark, Editor-in-Chief of Veranda. Together, they delve into the captivating design journey of Ana and her husband, Greg Brockway, as they transform their New York City pied-à-terre into a stunning personal sanctuary.
Anna Brockway’s Lifelong Love Affair with New York City
Ana opens with a heartfelt recount of her first memorable experience in New York City:
Ana Brockway [02:08]: “I was left unattended for almost two days in New York City to kind of explore the city on my own... It was such a great experience for me and confidence building... I kind of vowed at that moment that someday I would come back and live there.”
This pivotal moment in her childhood ignited a lasting passion for NYC, leading her to attend Columbia University and eventually purchase her dream apartment in a Rosario Candela building overlooking Central Park.
Purchasing the New York Pied-à-Terre During the Pandemic
The journey to acquiring the apartment was influenced heavily by the COVID-19 pandemic:
Ana Brockway [03:13]: “We started snooping around and were able to afford things that before we wouldn't have been able to afford, honestly.”
Ana and Greg seized the opportunity as real estate values dipped during the pandemic, allowing them to purchase the apartment out of probate—a process that took considerable time but ultimately secured their ideal space.
Collaboration with Interior Designer Elizabeth Cooper
Once the apartment was secured, Ana sought out the expertise of Elizabeth Cooper, a renowned interior designer based in both New York and San Francisco:
Ana Brockway [09:46]: “I really wanted to work with somebody who I could talk to and share ideas with locally, but also who I knew had resources and connections in New York.”
Their longstanding professional admiration and shared vision led to a harmonious and productive collaboration, culminating in the apartment's breathtaking redesign.
Design Process and Inspiration
Researching the Apartment’s History
Ana and Elizabeth conducted extensive research into the apartment’s past designs, examining listing photos from previous owners to inform their renovation choices:
Ana Brockway [13:42]: “The apartment hadn't changed hands a lot, but it had nine lives... We spent a lot of time going through that and getting ideas.”
This deep dive allowed them to honor the space’s history while infusing it with modern elements.
Choosing the Perfect Color Palette
A standout feature of the redesign is the vibrant chartreuse walls:
Elizabeth Cooper [17:11]: “Anna stayed loyal to her vision of the chartreuse green... we went with it because it has a high gloss finish. It’s beautiful and reflective and light during the days.”
Ana’s dedication to the chartreuse hue, combined with Elizabeth’s expertise, created a lively and welcoming atmosphere that complements the natural light from Central Park.
Architectural Features and Design Elements
De Gournay Panels and Staircase Design
The apartment boasts exquisite De Gournay patterned wallpaper, particularly in the foyer and staircase area:
Ana Brockway [22:02]: “We decided to use the Hippolyta's Forest pattern... It was a great idea to splurge because it is so special.”
The spiral staircase, enhanced with a crisp white underside and a stunning Art Deco railing, serves as a dramatic focal point, seamlessly blending vintage charm with contemporary elegance.
Lighting Solutions in a Historic Building
Working within the constraints of a historic building, Ana and Elizabeth opted for wall sconces and existing lighting fixtures to maintain authenticity while ensuring ample illumination:
Elizabeth Cooper [26:08]: “We focused on existing lighting... The Galerie Delampe sconces with straw-colored silk shades create a beautiful warm glow against the chartreuse walls.”
This strategic approach preserved the building's historic integrity while enhancing the apartment's aesthetic appeal.
Embracing Vintage: Sourcing Through Chairish
A significant portion of the apartment's décor is comprised of vintage pieces sourced from Chairish, adding unique character and personal touches:
Ana Brockway [32:05]: “The whole apartment is mostly vintage from Cherish with a few exceptions... It's a great way of using vintage and adding character to spaces.”
From antique mirrors to mid-century chairs, each piece tells a story and contributes to the apartment’s cohesive and curated look.
Creative Space Utilization in a Compact Apartment
Despite the apartment's modest size, Ana and Elizabeth masterfully maximized the space through thoughtful design:
Ana Brockway [37:18]: “We carved out little niches... I use the dining table as a desk, and Greg works upstairs while I’m downstairs. It allows us flexibility without feeling cramped.”
The dual-level layout and multifunctional furniture ensure that the space accommodates a busy family of five, providing both functionality and comfort.
Personal Touches and Artistic Elements
Art and personal collections play a pivotal role in the apartment’s design, showcasing Ana’s relationships and artistic inclinations:
Elizabeth Cooper [31:28]: “The biggest statement moment of the mirrors is the custom mirrored wall in the dining room... It reflects the park view and the beautiful fireplace.”
Additionally, bespoke art pieces and unique vintage finds from Chairish infuse the space with personality and charm.
Shopping the Look: Bringing the Design Home
For listeners inspired by Ana and Elizabeth’s design, Chairish offers a curated collection mirroring the apartment’s aesthetic:
Ana Brockway [39:16]: “You can shop the look of your beautiful apartment on Cherish. We have a collection that goes with it and restock similar pieces regularly.”
This feature allows interior design enthusiasts to recreate aspects of the pied-à-terre in their own homes.
Conclusion
Ana Brockway’s New York pied-à-terre exemplifies the perfect blend of vintage charm, modern design, and personal storytelling. Through meticulous research, collaborative design efforts, and strategic sourcing from Chairish, Ana and Elizabeth transformed a historic duplex into a vibrant and functional family home. This episode not only highlights the beauty of thoughtful interior design but also underscores the importance of personal connections and historical appreciation in creating a truly unique living space.
Steele Mark [39:30]: “Thank you so much for sharing it with us.”
Ana’s journey serves as an inspiring blueprint for interior design professionals and enthusiasts alike, showcasing how passion and expertise can turn a cherished space into a breathtaking home.
For more insights and to explore the pieces featured in this episode, visit Chairish.