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[Oznell]

Fred Astaire lived in a classic, 7 room 1906 New York apartment in the 1950's.   I've drooled over Fred's modern L.A. house in the past, but had never seen designer Garrow Kedigian's reno of Fred's former Manhattan digs.

Kedigian made some interesting choices--  instead of trying to reproduce some black and white Art Deco fantasy of where Astaire would live, he lacquered the walls a soft tan color, and went for comfort.

Love the huge painting over the velvet banquette, which echoes the blues and browns used throughout the apartment.

Designer Kedigian is known for a quirky, sumptuous traditionalism.  He likes color, and select luxe touches like the fringe on the chocolate banquette.

Looking through from living room into the combo dining/music room with piano beyond:

Kedigian created an "enfilade"--  where you can look from the living room, through the dining/music room, right into the blue library...

So now we're in that 'middle' space, the dining/music room.  Perhaps surprisingly informal, there's an intimate round dining table with banquette and flamestitch chairs in one corner, and a piano nearby.  One suspects that Fred would like that. 

 This is a terrible, somewhat distorting photo below, but at least it's lighter, and shows the size and scope of the room.  Note:  See the green velvet banquette next to the round glass dining table?  Kedigian salvaged material from Astaire's old velvet curtains, and upholstered that banquette with them!

Speaking of dining, the kitchen is small!  Nevertheless, I think the repurposed walnut cabinetry looks rich. 

(I do like a stainless steel all-in-one drainboard--  we kept our vintage one when we did a light kitchen update too.)

The blue library -- inviting, and my fave in the house.   The designer's decision to go with lacquered walls in both the living room and library, suggests to me that he wanted to make the most of whatever natural light the apartment gets.  Lacquered walls help bounce light around, and in the evening, bring glamour.

The hints of a Greek key motif in the rug is so clever.  It's subtle, but it brings to mind the Art Deco era, which in turn is inextricably associated with fabulous Fred Astaire.

Forgot to say-- I like all the apartment's divided light windows-- an advantage of a 1906 building.

Kedigian admitted to keeping 9 pillows on the bed in the master.  Beautiful lush fabrics, but I doubt that Fred would be so impractical...

Old books, studio pottery--  nice little realistic bookshelf vignette in the jewel-box bedroom.  The amount of shelf space and storage in the various rooms is impressive.

Even if Garrow Kedigian hadn't done an interesting job of renovation, it's just so fascinating to see this apartment where Fred lived--  he's my all-time favorite performer, and the epitome of breezy American elegance, so this was a treat. 

It was mentioned that this is the only apartment in the building that has a long, Juliet balcony-- I'm quite sure Astaire must have danced out there on starry nights....

[bargainsgirl]

Beautiful!  I could live there!

[Vivian]

I would dance from room to room à la Fred.

[kaydee50]

Is there a view of Central Park??!!!

[Sooner]

The music/dining room is my favorite! The dark woodwork is stunning!

[Group 5 minus 1]

Thank you so much.big fan of Astaire.

[bmorechick]

Oh I could live there too!  So interesting to see these turn of the century buildings mimic European apartments.  I live in a house with an acre of yard but believe me, I'd ditch it all for a doorman!  Hubs...not so much.  

[Group 5 minus 1]

For his first audtion the scout(?) said "Can't act,Can't sing, Slightly bald,dances a little."

Wrote that on the card I sent to son and D-I-L on the birth of our grandson.

The grandson plays several muscial instruments. But,is a chemist.

What's my point? My son has never forgotten that quote.

[spiderw]

Stunning elegant apartment and filled with so much appeal.  I love all the space.  The furnishings and decor in the rooms are lovely,  l especially am drawn to  the library!  This is a place I could easily be comfortable in and enjoy every room.  The location suits me fine also!!!!

[manny2]

I have to say the soft tan falls flat to me. Overall not a fan.