When news of Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman’s longtime NYC pied-à-terre going on the market hit The New York Times, it caused a sensation. We were not surprised! The listing represented the culmination of Vesta Home's collaboration with the Woodward/Newman family and Noble Black and Jennifer Stillman at Douglas Elliman Real Estate to prepare the legendary couple’s 1120 Fifth Avenue property for its next chapter.From selecting paint colors and pavers to custom window treatments, rugs and furniture, Vesta’s NY Creative Director Christina Slater shares how she married original details and the iconic couple’s memorabilia from the past four decades with modern furnishings.
The “wink” to the hidden pink bar: Finding the hidden pink bar during the staging process was a surprise. “We could imagine the parties that they hosted,” Christina says. “A light bulb went off that we should use our pink Sally lounge chairs in the space as a playful nod to its past.”
Shifting the space to neutral: Our goal was to shift the home's aesthetic from a personal, signature style to a more universally appealing environment. A substantial change was the neutralization of the color palette. The previous dining room's deep cranberry tones were rich and dramatic, but we aimed for a more serene atmosphere that would appeal to a wider range of buyers by softening the colors to light, neutral tones.
Oversized custom rugs were created throughout the home. Not only do they bring warmth and comfort to each room, their scale helps make the spaces feel larger, more cohesive and balanced. We made sure to avoid overly specific patterns, opting for subtle, classic designs. “Every decision we made was aimed at maximizing the home's potential and making it accessible to as many buyers as possible,” Christina explains. “The result is a curated space that invites future homeowners to envision their own style within the framework of the design."
Making vintage wallpaper feel fresh: One of the most captivating features of this home was the original wallpaper in the foyer, which reflected the character of the home’s renowned owners. We wanted to honor that legacy, but also felt it was important to modernize the space. To strike that balance, we kept the wallpaper in place, but introduced contemporary elements to refresh the overall aesthetic. A key addition was a sleek, modern console that complements the wallpaper’s intricate design, along with an organic-shaped mirror above it. The soft curves of the mirror and the minimalist style of the console deliver a fresh, current vibe; this fusion of old and new not only references the home’s history but also adds a layer of sophistication and relevance that is attractive to a broad range of buyers.
Accentuating the positive: One of the most remarkable features of 1120 Fifth Avenue is the panoramic view of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park. It’s a buyer's dream. Our goal was to highlight this aspect while also showcasing the functionality and flow of the space. In the main living area, we honored the home's history by keeping Paul Newman's piano exactly where it’s been for the last 40 years. Its placement is both nostalgic and presents a sense of continuity while also drawing the eye toward the heart of the room. To balance the focal point of the piano, we added a modular sofa. Its sleek, low-profile design helps lengthen the room and creates an inviting, comfortable seating area that flows with the overall layout. The sofa is anchored on a custom rug for instant warmth and texture.
Perhaps the most impactful change we made was installing a wall of mirrors. Strategically placed, they reflect the breathtaking view, amplifying the sense of space and bringing the natural beauty of the outdoors into the room. They elevate the experience of the view, making it feel even more awe-inspiring. The result is a space that feels both timeless and connected to its surroundings, perfectly capturing the essence of the 1925 building by architect James E.R. Carpenter.
Creating airier spaces: The family had created a truly unique home with a distinct character, says Christina, “including a stunning four-poster bed, which we were sad to part with.” In fact, it went on to auction at Sotheby's, a testament to its value! As beautiful as it was, the tall bed frame contributed to a sense of lower ceilings, which wasn't ideal for conveying the home’s expansive potential. To heighten the space and enhance sightlines, we made several key design choices. We replaced the four-poster bed with a lower-profile version, allowing the nearly 11’ ceiling to feel higher and the room to breathe more freely.
Curating collected “moments”: Working closely with the family over the course of two years, we took great care in preserving the elements that made this home special while creating a modern, tailored space. Meaningful pieces, such as Paul Newman's beloved piano, the globe in the office, the original bookshelves and select pieces of art, were gracefully integrated into the design. These items served as important links to the family’s legacy. The globe in the office, in particular, held a special place as a symbol of their travels and experiences, and we made sure it remained prominently on display. Likewise, we preserved the original books in the office, rearranging them in a more intentional way that allowed the space to feel organized and purposeful without losing its deeply personal touch.
One of the most significant areas we considered was the family’s cherished "wall of memories," leading to the primary bedroom. Filled with photographs and mementos, the wall is a living history of the family’s journey. We made a conscious decision to preserve this wall, recognizing how vital it was to the family, while also ensuring it fit seamlessly into the flow of the home. By rearranging and editing the space around it, we were able to create a more streamlined environment without sacrificing the warmth and emotional connection these memories brought to the home.
Take advantage of these styling “secrets”: When staging the nearly 3,000-square-foot apartment, we focused on details that made it feel both timeless and fresh. Our favorite styling secrets—strategic color choices, custom details, thoughtful layering—transformed the space, with every element contributing to the home’s unique personality and charm:
- Painting the trim in the living room a darker tone—a subtle change that made the built-ins “pop” and created strong architectural contrast, highlighting the room’s features and adding definition to the space
- Using hits of navy to refresh the original wallpaper in the kitchen, bridging the gap between the home’s past and its updated, contemporary life. This use of color modernized and brought a sense of cohesiveness throughout the home
- Installing custom drapes that draw the eye upward and emphasize the height of the ceiling in the primary bedroom (they gently “kiss” the floor and soften the room).
Love the elegance of this interior? Bring this look home with you and shop the furniture pieces that bring this space to life—shop the collection.
Credits:
- Staging Design: Christina Slater, Vesta Home
- Photography: Evan Joseph
- Listing Agent: Noble Black and Jennifer Stillman, Douglas Elliman Real Estate
- Project Management: Bonnie Bruckheimer, Vesta Home
