This Historic NYC Townhouse Has a Fascinating Past

Once a parochial school and convent, this landmarked building is now a residential retreat. Here’s how one designer created a family home that’s both serene and chic.

December 16, 2020

By: Lauren Oster

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Photo By: Aaron Thompson

Photo By: Qualls Benson for Time Equities Inc.

From Church to Condos

The stately red brick building at the corner of Prince and Mott streets in New York City's Nolita neighborhood was built in the 1820s; back then, it housed both the school and the convent of Saint Patrick’s Old Cathedral. Two centuries later, it's The Residences at Prince — but its original atmosphere is still palpable.

When designer Juliet Gold was called in to reimagine the building’s five-bedroom townhouse, she kept that vibe in mind. “The space felt somehow sacred to me,” she says. Join us for a look at how Juliet made this home heavenly with her colorful, contemplative transformation.

Big-City Ingenuity

So, how difficult was it to bring modern comfort to a quirky, landmarked space? “One learns to improvise,” Juliet says. "I engaged the New York Couch Doctor [specialty movers who 'perform surgery' on beloved furnishings that can’t be squeezed through doorways or into elevators] to disassemble the sofas, move them into the living room and reassemble them. The room cried out for larger sofas, but without taking such a step, there was no way to wrestle a 10-foot sofa (never mind two of them) into the living room.” If your heart is set on a seemingly impossible arrangement, in other words, don’t give up too easily. “There is always a solution!”

Elemental Entertaining

The geometric decanters and gleaming accessories Juliet chose for the stealthy wet bar behind an accordion door in the living room prove that minimalism and hospitality can go hand in hand.

Eating Clean

Recessed lighting, a clean marble-topped peninsula and understated cabinetry (with no hardware) make the kitchen feel expansive and crisp. If you're lucky enough to have a space that can be as uncluttered as this one, count your blessings and keep it that way.

How to Step Out of the Hustle

Nolita is one of the most energetic neighborhoods in the City That Never Sleeps, and this gorgeous home stands at one of its busiest corners — so cultivating a sense of serenity here is no small feat. That said, this isn’t Juliet’s first rodeo. “I strive to create a soothing and calming atmosphere starting at the entry, and [use] neutral paint tones and textured wallpapers,” she explains. “Also, I favor lots of aromatherapy candles, such as lavender and chamomile. Adding in cozy blankets and throws, house plants, a great AV system and mood lighting all help create spaces and moods that invite my clients to escape far from the madding crowd, and unwind.”

Going Downtown

As an NYC-based designer with working knowledge of the city’s many aesthetics, Juliet was intent on developing a cozy space that reflected its neighborhood’s history and spirit. “In the middle of Soho/Nolita, there is a different vibe than, say, in the Upper East Side,” she says. “It’s more artsy and fun than glamorous and luxurious.” Need a theme that will pull your home together? Think about where you are.

Gorgeous Bones

Dramatic, historic features like this ceiling call for understated partners that let them take center stage. “The moment I saw the raw space, I was excited by the vaulted ceilings and large windows in the double-high living room,” Juliet says. “I wanted to preserve the sense of an expansive space and to feature the exposed brick and massive wood beams. I sought light features that would be beautiful but not steal the show from the architectural elements [and I eventually chose the Flos Viscontea pendants].”

Start Big

To approach design as Juliet does, begin by casting your room’s star; supporting players will then fall into place. “I generally start sourcing the largest item in the room,” she says. “It acts as an anchor, and I can then source the remaining items around this key piece. So, for the dining room, I started with the marble dining table. Next were the chairs. I then added the luxurious suede wallpaper and a Gino Sarfatti chandelier to bring it all together.”

Next-Gen Relaxation

Want to cultivate a spa-like space comparable to this one? “I love white bathrooms,” Juliet says. "I feel they are clean, pure and elegant. A lovely soaking tub is indispensable.” Build on those basics with a few power moves. “Add a steam machine to your shower; it’s not nearly as difficult or expensive as you might expect. Dimmable lighting is a must, along with candles and a good audio system.”

Staging a Getaway

When Juliet envisions the perfect bedroom, she’s quite literal (and technical) about it. “To feel restful, it must actually be restful! A great mattress is the crucial first step. Mattresses are very personal; I prefer that my clients try out mattresses themselves. For myself, I prefer latex mattresses, but one type does not fit all. Splurging on some luxurious bedding is money well spent. Lastly, I am a huge fan of blackout shades!”

Learn More : The Best Online Mattresses of 2023

When to Say 'When'

When it comes to knowing when a space is finished, Juliet references Mies van der Rohe’s contention that “less is more” — “he was certainly onto something,” she notes. “The walls and ceiling here are unique and wonderful, and I wanted to give them a big share in the design. It helps that my personal design aesthetic is minimalist and uncluttered.” In other words, if you find yourself wondering if you’re done decorating … stop.

This Historic NYC Townhouse Has a Fascinating Past

Related To:

Shop This Look

From Church to Condos

Big-City Ingenuity

Elemental Entertaining

Eating Clean

How to Step Out of the Hustle

Going Downtown

Gorgeous Bones

Start Big

Next-Gen Relaxation

Staging a Getaway

When to Say 'When'

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