Collector's Touch(2)

With its 20-foot vaulted ceiling, clerestory windows, and arched doorways and fireplace niche, Christopher’s living room belies the fact that it exists in a condominium. Architectural elegance notwithstanding, Christopher made the space his own with a timeless tea stain on the previously all-white walls, warm hardwood flooring that replaces the original 1970s-vintage white marble tiles, and a heavily carved marble mantel that he substituted for the unadorned modern original. Then he filled the room with his collection of antique portraits, bought for their look more than price or provenance: “Some of my favorite pieces are the ones I’ve made the least money for,” he says. The portrait above the fireplace, for example, cost $50 at a Tulsa estate sale. “They said it was grandpa,” Christopher laughs. “He’s all bunged up but I love him that way.” Dressmaker details on the casual ticking-covered sofa, along with its much more elegant Fortuny-covered pillows, soften the space and keep it current.

Sources:
Sofa (“Knole Sofa’’): Baker, 800/592-2537, bakerfurniture.com.
Side chairs; chest; trumeau mirror; Italian brass sconces; fireplace: owner’s collection.
Sofa and chair fabric (discontinued): Brunschwig & Fils, 212/838-7878, brunschwig.com, trade only.
Coffee table: Allan Knight, 214/741-2227, allanknightasso.com, trade only.
Carpet (sisal): Stark Carpet Co., 212/752-9000, starkcarpet.com, trade only.
Bench in front of fireplace: Trouve, 866/730-9777.
Bench fabric (“Pia’’/Cafe #4417-85, by Manuel Canovas): Cowtan & Tout, 212/647-6900, cowtan.com, trade only.
White vase with flowers: White House Interiors and Flowers, 480/990-7040, whitehouseflowers.com.