Small but very sophisticated: a New York architect created an impressive English apartment (Photo)

New York architect and interior designer Juan Carretero has a tendency to mix traditional design details with bold works of art. The design of this apartment was no exception.

The creative credo of the designer is an eclectic approach to the design of spaces that combine old and new, careless and elegant, but always with a share of humor.

In this apartment, Juan Carretero created a very convenient movement from room to room, in each of which there were “wow” factors. To achieve a balance of traditional design with modern elements, he included in the interior new and antique works of art, some family relics.

The interior has large bookcases up to the ceiling. “Nothing decorates a room better than books,” says the designer.

Cabinets from Farrow & Ball's Down Pipe combine with Vibieffe sofas and an 1860 round armchair from German-Austrian furniture maker Michael Thonet. To achieve his final vision of the interior, the designer had to make some convincing touches.

The contrasting background (dark floors and shelving, light walls and ceilings) made the interior very expressive, and the spectacular textures of textiles and furniture fill the space with comfort. The designer believes that this technique works great in rented apartments: if you don’t have the opportunity to repaint the walls, make the rooms individual through multilayer textiles.

“I brought the boundaries of modern design with bolder colors and art a little closer to the traditional classic look of walls and doors,” says Juan Carretero, “I think that such a mixture has brought a little European sensuality to the space.”

The designer believes that the apartment is a reflection of the lifestyle of customers: traditional, but very playful. The work of Juan Carretero can be described as classically modern and multi-layered with everything interesting, cozy and witty.