“Nothing could go into this apartment that didn’t complement the ceiling. The ceiling was black, so I could have black accents, but white and gold was all it could be” - Lucinda Loya.

Housed inside a former Chapel at New York’s Gramercy district is interior Designer Lucinda Loya’s 4,000-square-foot family home outfitted strictly with a trichromatic black, white and gold interior. The elegant, simple and sophisticated style is a reflection of Loya herself, one of the most sought after interior designers based in Houston Texas, known to set trends in both the fashion and interior design world. “For this particular project, I want to highlight my passion for fashion, as well as other elements that may remind me of New York City”. Loya says.

It was love at first sight after coming across the spacious apartment during Loya’s search for a family pied-à-terre in Manhattan New York. The building, built in 1883, is named the Clapton Chapel and once belonged to famous guitarist Eric Clapton who purchased the building in the late 60’s as his personal rehab center and practice ground. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment is full of character with an original black-painted vaulted ceiling, spiral black staircase, original chandeliers, ceiling crests, and medallions painted in gold leaf on the 26-feet high ceiling left over from the original Chapel.

The unique spiral staircase had previously existed in the building and winds up to a loft area with a guest bedroom cladded with a black-and-white damask aligning to the theme of the home. The open concept living room was perhaps the biggest challenge for Loya, as the large, 54-foot-long space needed to be segregated into kitchen, living space and dining space. A Matador “Suit of Lights” gold and white bullfighting suit that was purchased directly from Spanish bullfighters hangs by the side of the living room. “It was a gift to my husband, and was the first item purchased for the apartment which confirmed the colour palette” says Loya.  

Perhaps the most prominent piece of art in the apartment is the oversized portrait of Andy Warhol hanging between two symmetrical windows in the living room. The piece by Alex Guofeng Cao is made of pixelations of tiny black-and-white images of Mao Zedong, the Former Chairman of the Communist Party of China, as Warhol was obsessed with Mao. Custom white bar chairs with a chain-link design are reminiscent of purse straps, inspired by Loya’s love for fashion. A pair of gold chairs with white outlines by Mexico-based designer Pedro Friedeberg adds a hint of whimsy and playfulness to the space.

A playful “I LOVE U” installation painted in iridescent gold leaf on the front door was commissioned by a local artist. “It is to pay homage to my love for the City, as well as my family” says Loya, introducing yet another personalized touch to her stylish apartment that brings together all the things she loved.

The master bedroom is another harmonious blend of gold-damask wallpaper paired with contemporary art and furniture pieces inspired by couture. The custom quilted headboard is reminiscent of the signature Coco Chanel handbag, while white Louis Vuitton Vintage Hardside Luggage Suitcases are used as the support for the bedside tables on either side of the bed.  

Today, Loya continues to challenge the industry’s status quo with her enthusiasm, flair, and creativity. Her current project includes working with the Boston Celtics National Basketball team on their new, 80,000-square-foot practice facility that will be opening soon.