Project: Sullivan Street Townhouse
Architecture: White Arrow
Location: Soho, New York City, New York, United States
Area: 7500 ft2
Year: 2023
Photo Credits: Thomas Richter – White Arrow
Nestled on leafy Sullivan Street in Soho, the Sullivan Street Townhouse spans 7,500 square feet of nearly 200 years of layered history. Originally built in 1832, this landmarked home reveals traces of its past at every corner—from federal molding to mid-century finishes. When White Arrow joined the project, they merged the family’s eclectic antiques with new custom pieces, creating a seamless balance between storied heirlooms and comfortable contemporary living.
Curating Eclectic Antiques and New Commissions
First, White Arrow surveyed the family’s notable antique collection, which ranges from Chippendale chairs to art deco lamps. Then, they sourced and commissioned furniture that complemented each piece’s patina and provenance. For example, they paired a 19th-century mahogany dresser with a custom-made linen-upholstered bench, ensuring both contrast and cohesion. Moreover, statement lighting—such as hand-blown glass pendants—casts a warm glow that highlights each room’s architectural details without overpowering the antiques.
Integrating Art, Design, and Family Life
Next, the designers crafted bespoke cabinetry and shelving to display the family’s art collection. Consequently, paintings and sculptures sit at eye level in the sitting room, while a pair of walnut bookshelves flanks the carved marble fireplace. In addition, durable upholstery fabrics and pet-friendly rugs make the Sullivan Street Townhouse truly livable for four teenagers and their dogs. As a result, each room feels both museum-worthy and inviting for daily family routines.
Furthermore, White Arrow introduced carefully chosen wallpapers and textiles to layer color and pattern. For instance, a hand-printed leaf motif in the dining room echoes the street’s greenery, while velvet draperies in the master suite provide dramatic contrast against restored plaster walls.
Ultimately, the Sullivan Street Townhouse stands as a testament to thoughtful layering—where history, design, and family life converge. By uniting antique treasures with custom commissions, White Arrow breathed new life into a historic Soho landmark, creating a home that honors its past while embracing the present.