In New York City, Rafael de Cárdenas has reimagined a six-story townhouse, weaving in a rich tapestry of medieval floral motifs. Owned by a large family recently returned to the city from Texas, the home boasted grand proportions but felt notably somber. Cárdenas was tasked with a singular mission: to breathe light into the space and transform it into a warm, inviting sanctuary for modern living.

While the designer had collaborated with the family before, a project that could have easily been routine became an opportunity to create something truly singular. Granted total creative freedom by his clients, Cárdenas saw a chance to push boundaries and surprise them. For the renovation, he reached back through time for inspiration: “I found a 15th-century medieval pattern,” he explains, describing a woodblock floral print discovered in an antique volume. ”'I became obsessed with it, and with the idea of giving the space a sense of history without it feeling overdone. I struggled with how to incorporate it, as it isn’t my usual style—but I was determined to make it work”, he told Architectural Digest.

Consequently, the entire residence revolves around this central motif, which unfolds across the various rooms—a space rich in historical design references and bespoke contemporary pieces by the designer himself. In a previously underutilized area, he conceived a sophisticated bar, envisioned as a vibrant hub for entertaining and gathering. A rift-sawn oak counter, crowned with a Calacatta Valgi marble top, defines the space. Here, our upholsterers meticulously installed upholstered wall panels, along with a custom banquette handcrafted in our New York ateliers.

On the upper floors, where the atmosphere shifts toward intimacy, the family can gather in a cozy, hushed parlor, anchored by a stone fireplace and the melodic notes of a grand piano. The curated furniture selection pairs a shimmering metal coffee table by Vincenzo De Cotiis with a bespoke, chocolate-toned banquette upholstered by our artisans. At the windows, our seamstresses have left their signature touch: straight-pleat drapery, crafted with the exacting precision of traditional techniques.

In the adjacent rooms, the teenagers’ private quarters are revealed. For the eldest daughter, the designer opted for a sage green palette, moving away from conventional feminine tropes. The space gains a sense of depth through “Beach” wallpaper by Gracie, its tones subtly echoing the Roman shades crafted by our seamstresses in a Nîmes linen by Dedar. The nursery also reveals a meticulous sense of composition, where our teams took great care to coordinate the window treatments with the room’s ethereal atmosphere. At the heart of this setting, the crib is distinguished by a custom canopy—a bespoke piece created in our workshops to mirror the delicate nuances of the ‘Lantern Parade Dusk’ wallpaper by Kit Kemp.

“I'm greatly inspired by the craftsmanship of Jouffre's teams. Our studio relies on their expertise and continues to learn more from doing so. Jouffre is our go to for the details they bring to each of our projects.” - Rafael de Cárdenas

Photos © William Jess Laird