Photo: Courtney Payne
New York City is one of the most exciting, culturally diverse, biggest and busiest cities in the world. The hustle and bustle never stops in this bright and amazing city. It is a visual feast for the eyes.
Photo: Courtney Payne
Photo: Courtney Payne
It offers endless world-class shopping and restaurants.
Photo: Courtney Payne
And amazing architecture.
Photo: Courtney Payne
New York City is also the place that more than 8.5 million people call home.
While on a recent visit to this amazing city, I had the opportunity to take a peek into one family’s home in the Upper West Side neighborhood of Manhattan. My friend Maggie, who I have known since our days at the University of Kansas, has called New York home for many years. Raised in Lawrence, this Kansas native moved to the city shortly after graduation where she began a career in graphic design and working as Associate Art Director at Martha Stewart’s Everyday Food Magazine. Two years ago, as a married and a busy stay-at-home mother to two active kids, Maggie started a new venture as the author of the popular blog Rock, Paper, Skillet.
In her Rock, Paper, Skillet space, this “New York mom with Midwest sensibilities,” helps out those of us with busy, hectic lives to be a little more laid back by sharing meals, ideas and shortcuts.
I had the opportunity to do a little cooking with Maggie while on my visit. As a fellow busy mother of two, I am always on the lookout for a healthy, yummy and easy snack for the kids (and myself!) Maggie stepped up to the challenge by introducing me to her delicious and super-simple Cookie Dough Protein Balls. Be warned, these little guys are addictive!
Photo: Jill Chittum
Photo: Courtney Payne
Maggie also very generously let me share her beautiful home with you!
Photo: Courtney Payne
As you approach the front door you are greeted by the family’s “New York Wall” featuring art and illustrations of New York City.
The family’s lovely home was originally two apartment spaces that a previous owner converted into one home. The 2300 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath home offers two living spaces and a spacious eat-in kitchen. A generous Master bedroom boasts his and hers closets and en suite bath. With the work already completed prior to moving in, the family, who have lived in the space for 7 years, added paint and wallpaper to make the space their own.
Photo: Tara Brungardt
A classic crystal chandelier warms the space of the apartment’s entry hall.
Photo: Tara Brungardt
Photo: Tara Brungardt
Two Bamboo chairs from Ballard Designs, upholstered in a fabric from B&J Fabrics in the city’s Fashion District, flank a cabinet in the entry hall.
Photo: Tara Brungardt
The family’s “Modern-Traditional” style begins in the home’s front room which provides a light-filled space for the family to both work and relax.
Photo: Courtney Payne
A focal feature in the room, this Starburst Mirror, is a favorite of the homeowners. This piece, purchased together by the couple, has been with them longer than any other piece in their home.
Photo: Tara Brungardt
Photo: Tara Brungardt
The mirror hangs on a wall covered with Cole & Son Mimosa wallpaper. A sofa from Room and Board, similar Here, anchors the space.
Photo: Tara Brungardt
Photo: Tara Brungardt
Photo: Jill Chittum
Photo: Courtney Payne
The custom acrylic coffee table from Plexi-Craft holds one of Maggie’s newest cookbook acquisitions, all marked with new recipes to try.
Photo: Courtney Payne
Photo: Tara Brungardt
Photo: Courtney Payne
The wall above a desk located in the room is decorated with Kansas artwork and a letter board from Letterfolk.
Photo: Courtney Payne
The cozy Media Room holds a sectional sofa, leather ottoman and brightly colored upholstered chair creating room for the entire family to gather.
The Cow Clock hanging in the space came from a furnishing and home decor store once owned by Maggie’s mother in Lawrence, Kansas.
Photo: Tara Brungardt
The Kitchen is Maggie’s favorite room in the home. It’s light-filled space provides the perfect spot for her to create her delicious recipes for her blog.
Photo: Tara Brungardt
A large island provides additional seating.
Photo: Jill Chittum
Photo: Courtney Payne
Photo: Courtney Payne
A large Farm-Style dining table from West Elm (similar Here) with seating also from West Elm, sits along the kitchen’s back wall.
Photo: Courtney Payne
Photo: Courtney Payne
Photo: Tara Brungardt
Photo: Courtney Payne
A buffet table along a wall next to the dining area provides storage and displays an antique silver tea set which is a family heirloom from a great-grandmother.
Photo: Tara Brungardt
Photo: Jill Chittum
A sunburst clock from Design Within Reach provides both art and function above the buffet table.
Photo: Tara Brungardt
The message on the kitchen letter board from Letterfolk is changed frequently to reflect changes and highlights in the family’s lives.
Photo: Courtney Payne
Photo: Tara Brungardt
A powder room off the kitchen is papered in Cole & Son Frutto Proibito Wallpaper. A gold bamboo mirror hangs above the sink. The paper featuring a monkey design adds a bit of whimsy to the space.
Photo: Courtney Payne
Photo: Courtney Payne
The spacious Master Bath with double vanity, walk-in shower and tub, is painted in a serene color palette and features a beautiful mosaic tile floor.
While life in the city can be challenging at times, Maggie noted such inconveniences as having to only buy what you can carry (i.e. groceries), having to walk out in all of the elements to get anywhere and sharing space, “You are always sharing space with others, be it in the subway, bus or out on the streets,” she said. City life can also be pretty great. “We have anything and everything at our fingertips here,” she said. She also loves the diversity and culture New York has to offer.
In her neighborhood of the Upper West Side, Maggie enjoys the proximity to Central Park and Riverside Park. The neighborhood also has amazing resources for children, such as art and music classes, playgrounds, family-friendly restaurants and events.
Maggie and her family have created a peaceful and beautiful retreat above the busy New York City streets. Creative use of space and thoughtful, personal touches have turned this apartment into a welcoming family home.
I am so thankful to Maggie and her adorable family for sharing their home with Brookside On Main!
