Designer Hillary Wallace uses country charm to soften the hard edges of a contemporary New York City loft. Hillary offers techniques on working with large open spaces.

Cosy Chaise

She may be a partner in a prestigious New York City law firm, just in her thirties, who's earned the prize of a spacious loft in TriBeCa. But she's also a girl from Oklahoma who loves flea markets and vintage furniture, collects old watering cans, and prizes her grandmother's hand-stitched quilts. When Kelley Parker bought this renovated industrial loft in downtown Manhattan, she turned to designer Hillary Wallace to help her reconcile the two disparate styles and make sense of the long, narrow space. Hillary began by treating the overall shell as one uniform backdrop, with creamy walls, seagrass carpets, and cotton curtains on iron rods. She then carved out three different "rooms" through the use of furniture and cosy seating arrangements, needlepoint area rugs, and clusters of artwork on the walls.

Pictured: Feminine details such as velvet drapes, a crystal floor lamp, and a cosy chaise create the mood of a private retreat.



Elegant Dining Room

A large custom-made table anchors the dining area, which also serves as a foyer of sorts.

Tip: Scale furnishings accordingly. To create a large enough dining table, Hillary had one built on-site. A wall-length cupboard brings the bedroom down to scale.



Room Within a Room

In the living area centred around the fireplace, Hillary found an antique mantel to bring age and character to the sleek stone surround, and used a linen-covered sectional, armchairs, and a bold faux-pony ottoman to create an easygoing seating group.

Tip: Treat the overall backdrop the same, as Hillary did here with paint, carpet, and curtains, then use furniture, area rugs, and art to create "rooms." An L-shaped sectional and sofa anchor two separate seating areas in the living room; needle-point rugs and arrays of photographs and plates help define each space.



Plate Display

At the end of the room, opposite the open kitchen, bookshelves and a faded floral sofa with leather club chairs offer a more intimate nook.

Pictured: Transferware plates and platters found on eBay create an instant collection above the sofa covered in Ralph Lauren floral.



Brick Arch Bedroom

In the bedroom, Hillary used pieces such as a small chandelier, dressing table, and chaise as a feminine counterpoint to the rustic brick wall. The result is a home that feels just like its owner--a little bit of country nestled inside the big city.

Tip: Light the way. Hillary installed recessed fixtures throughout for even lighting, then added warmth with chandeliers, wall sconces, and lamps.

Pictured: An arch built into the original brick wall in the bedroom serves as a "canopy" of sorts for the iron bed.



Painted Bureau Bar

"A large room such as a loft should feel like one harmonious space," says designer Hillary Wallace. "Still, you need to create intimate moments within that space."

Pictured: A painted bureau serves as a bar handy to the kitchen.



Antique Cupboard

"I wanted a place that felt warm and lived in, not brand new."

Tip: Add texture to warm a new space. Antiques and a mix of textiles take the edge off shiny and new.

Pictured: An antique cupboard displays the homeowner's collections of quilts, pocketbooks, and more.



Slipcovered Dining Chair

Tiny buttons "like a corset" and crochet trim add charm and detail to the slipcovered dining chairs.