Inside the Manhattan Oasis Paige Pettit Calls Home

Rip & Tan: As someone who’s always known they’d work in interiors, what was the process of creating your personal dream home?

Paige Pettit: I’m always taking mental notes on dream pieces I’d love to own. I keep them in mind and if I’m still loving them over time, I know they’re the piece I want to invest in. I sort of do the same thing with my wardrobe: I only invest in pieces I’ve been loving for a while and know I won’t get sick of quickly!

When we moved into this apartment, the key features I loved were the original white oak herringbone floors (which we had refinished), and I knew I wanted to redo the fireplace with an antique mantel in a Nero Marquina marble—real classics that I knew would be great layering pieces.

Rip & Tan: How would you describe the aesthetic of this space? Was there anything in particular that inspired its direction?

Paige Pettit: For the living room, I wanted the bigger and more permanent (and expensive items) to be rooted in a traditional style that would stand the test of time, like the herringbone floors and the fireplace. Then I wanted to take risks with more modern items like the lighting and the shearling lounge chairs. I just love a mix of traditional and contemporary, feminine and masculine, the hard and the soft.

Rip & Tan: Can you tell us more about your general process? What do you find most exciting about a new project?

Paige Pettit: My design philosophy and process really start with the client. I want to create one-of-a-kind spaces that speak to their personality, desired style, and what they’re looking for. I take what they love and filter it through my own style lens: overall, I want their spaces to feel elegant and refined, while still feeling modern and fresh.

The most exciting thing about a new project for me is envisioning and sourcing for that particular space and mood. It usually starts with a specific furniture piece or light fixture and that really sparks the whole creative process for me for the project. 

Rip & Tan: From crisp tones paired with earthier hues and an expert layering of varying textures, you’ve achieved a real balance in the space. Do you have any tips for those hoping to create a similar warmth in their own homes?

Paige Pettit: A great place to start would be a natural sisal or jute rug. The colors and textures of the materials are a great base to layer other fabrics and styles onto. I think everything looks great against the sisal and jute, whether it be linen or velvet fabric, different types of marble, or mirrored and metal finishes.

Rip & Tan: Your general approach relies on a masterful use of soft neutrals—what’s the secret to using these shades in a way that feels fresh and intriguing?

Paige Pettit: For me, it’s about contrast. Having a pure white linen sofa can look great against a creamy fabric that has more texture, or maybe it’s a natural marble that has varying tones to it.

There are so many different shades to play with when it comes to neutrals. I think the key is to play with different types of materials and keep layering them to create something really inviting and interesting.

Rip & Tan: With a little one on the way, do you find your interior priorities or sensibilities changing? 

Paige Pettit: I knew having a baby would change things for me, but I just have to live with knowing not everything is going to be perfect all the time, and that’s okay. Having fabrics that are washable, or getting the sofa in a slipcover style so it can be washed is key. Also, items like the marble coffee table work as there are so many variations of colors in it that if he colored on it, or spilled it’s really hard to see. 

I have to say I did try to purchase items that I thought were really cute and chic though, brands like Konges Slojd make the best kids’ toys that come in the cutest colors and patterns so you don’t even mind them being out in the house! For the other unsightly items, I try to keep them in baskets or a cabinet with doors so it’s easy to hide them when you have company over.