Celebrity Home: Diane Von Furstenberg's Manhattan Penthouse

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“When I was young, I lived like an old woman and when I got old, I had to live like a young person.”

- Diane Von Furstenberg

Her words neatly sum up the energy and playfulness her home. And although I usually do not like such opulent displays, in this case the sheer exuberance of it is infectious. It has been designed as a space to relax and be happy in, as seen from the positive words painted on the walls - Wisdom, Transformation, Joy. What a lovely idea! I'd like that for the times when I come home, jaded and exhausted. It would be nice to prop my feet up and read the reinforcing words to myself.

What strikes me about the interiors is how intensely alive they feel. Books and photographs crowd every surface of the penthouse. It is crammed with memories from her eventful life. The colour palette may not be to everyone's liking but it's perfect because it's a true reflection of Diane's personality. It is her space and no one else's.

A massive staircase cuts through the double height space; the curtain of steel cables studded with Swarovski crystals reflects light throughout the space.

Surrounded by Franz West chairs, the Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann table in Von Furstenberg’s office/living area often does double duty as a desk and dining table. A Joan Miró etching, a Francesco Clemente painting, and family photographs are displayed on the windowsill.

Diane von Furstenberg Home plates, tumblers, and flatware from Bloomingdale’s set the table for a luncheon in honor of artist Anh Duong

An Andy Warhol portrait of the designer is displayed near vintage chairs and a treelike table

Above a vintage Salvador Dalí sofa is a Duong self-portrait; the sconces are by André Dubreuil, and the tables are by Alexandra von Furstenberg.

A Moroccan patchwork coverlet decorates the bed

In the guest room is a Bert Stern photograph of Elizabeth Taylor; the carpet is a Von Furstenberg design for the Rug Company

The terrace, planted with grasses, sedum, moss, and phlox, is a collaboration between French landscape designer Louis Benech and Town and Gardens. 

The building has been refurbished by Amale Andraos and Dan Wood—Rem Koolhaas protégés and founders of the architecture firm WORKac. They merged the pair of Victorian redbrick buildings acquired by Diane in 2006 and added the rooftop lair containing a live/work space and, above that, a 900-square-foot master suite with a terrace.

All images and details courtesy Architectural Digest. Read the original article here.