SOLEDAD'S SECRET(5)

All her life, Soledad has carried a torch for traditional style. “I wanted our apartment to be like the traditional home I grew up in on Long Island, but in a modern, sleek Manhattan loft,” she says. “I wanted it to look like people lived there. Nothing sterile. That’s the problem I’ve always had with modern—it’s not practical. Where are the people? We tried to eke out every traditional aspect of decorating we could, in a modern context.”

Designer Stephens redid the kitchen with cherry cabinets and red leather barstools. It opens up to one big public space, which can be closed off from the bedrooms and playroom.

Sources:
Cabinetry (Cherry): custom.
Countertops: Verde Ubabtuba polished granite.
Bar stools (“Presto Counter Stool’’/Russian Red Leather): Design Within Reach, 800/944-2233, dwr.com.
Refrigerator: Whirlpool, 800/253-1301, whirlpool.com.
Faucet: Rohl, 800/777-9762, rohlhome.com.
Cooktop: Sub-Zero/Wolf, 800/222-7820.
Range hood: owner’s collection.
Wood flooring: 3.25-inch birch flooring with a satin poly finish.

Photograph: Bruce Buck