How I Curate My Space: Christine Gachot’s Playful New York Apartment
The American interior designer CHRISTINE GACHOT invites us into her uptown Manhattan home, where vintage pieces meet unrestrained fun. By NATASHA BIRD
There is a disco ball hanging from the ceiling of Christine Gachot’s powder room.
Not, perhaps, the detail you might expect from one of New York’s most respected interior designers. But then again, maybe it is. The founder of Gachot Studios, whose luxurious residential and hospitality projects have earned a devoted following, has no interest in spaces that feel too precious. She is drawn, instead, to homes that tell an enticing story and leave a little room for spontaneity.
“It’s a very grown-up apartment,” she says of the uptown Manhattan rental she shares with her husband, fellow designer John Gachot, and their family. “For the first time it felt like we had a proper home in the city. Doors on the bedrooms, proper bathrooms, a large kitchen, real closet space. Room after room.”
After more than two decades living downtown on Bond Street, moving uptown initially felt like a gamble. The couple worried they might miss the creative energy and unpredictability of lower Manhattan. Instead, they found themselves embracing what the new neighborhood had to offer.
“People are drawn to the authenticity of these residential neighborhoods and the sense of community they offer,” she says. “Uptown feels exciting again.”
As renters, they were spared the upheaval of a full renovation. Instead, they approached the apartment as an opportunity for layering on the canvas. Vintage lighting to better suit their furniture, special art pieces and thoughtful finishing touches to speak to their personalities.
LOUISE ROESpina beechwood stool
LOEWE PERFUMESCucumber large scented candle, 2120g
LA DOUBLEJPrinted woven cushion
REFLECTIONS COPENHAGENShadow crystal and onyx tray
“We want the house to feel like there’s always space for one more at the table or crashing on the sofa”
In the powder room, Gachot abandoned any sense of restraint, to delightful effect. “The room was so wonderfully over-the-top that we decided to lean all the way in,” she says. Alongside the disco ball hangs a sign reading, ‘Don’t judge – it’s a rental!’
“It doesn’t always have to be perfect,” she says. Gachot’s priority is creating rooms that feel inviting, rather than staid. The family is close-knit, with sons, cousins and friends constantly passing through. She intends for her design decisions to reflect that.
“It’s important to us that there’s enough room for everyone,” she says. “We want the house to feel like there’s always space for one more at the table or crashing on the sofa.”
Unsurprisingly, the living room is a great place to experience this philosophy. Anchored by a wood-burning fireplace, it has been arranged with gathering in mind, rather than for pure aesthetics. There is a seat for everyone and, when there isn’t, it’s got so many lovely tactile finishings, guests simply settle on the floor.
L'OBJETTimna large porcelain bowl
LOEWE PERFUMESOrange Blossom scented candle, 330g
NATALIA CRIADOEar silver-plated and stone plate
LAGUNA~BBerlingot Litro Murano glass vase
“I love watching the constant chatter among the children: the debates, the laughter, the way they move from seat to seat talking about their interests, dislikes and, of course, the latest gossip.”
Her own favorite spot is on an Ole Wanscher armchair positioned by the fire. During the colder months, this is certainly where you’ll find her. “Whether I’m reading a book, on a Zoom call or just catching up with John, that’s my spot,” she says. “It feels a little old-ladyish sometimes – you know how everyone’s grandmother had her chair – but I kind of love that I have mine.”
Gachot’s preferred wall color is Farrow & Ball’s Wimborne White: “A neutral foundation allows the process to evolve more naturally,” she says. “It’s easy to add to, rearrange and change as the home grows with you.”
It’s the objects she places against that backdrop that tell the real design story. Gachot describes herself as a lifelong collector. “This home is really a curation and reflection of my life with John and our family.”
Among her most treasured finds are small collections of Just Andersen silver and vases and the tiny curiosities she affectionately calls “smalls” – objects that may have little practical purpose but carry emotional weight.
CHRISTOFLEVertigo medium silver-plated bowl
LOUISE ROEDrape glass vase
BRUNELLO CUCINELLIFringed cashmere blanket
ASTIER DE VILLATTE+ John Derian printed ceramic mug
“Watching people make new connections, or hearing that friendships were formed at one of our gatherings, is meaningful”
“It’s especially lovely when friends and family remember my fondness for them and add to the collection themselves,” she says. “It’s really the thought and sentiment behind these objects that make each one feel like a story.”
Gachot hosts frequently, whether for charity events, family celebrations or impromptu gatherings, and approaches hospitality with the same level of consideration she brings to interiors.
“I want people to feel comfortable,” she says. “I want them to get to know me a little better through the flowers, the scent, the music, the food and wine.”
“John creates place-card holders with little drawings tailored to each person,” she says. “It makes everyone feel incredibly special.”
“Watching people make new connections, or hearing that friendships were formed at one of our gatherings, is meaningful to me.”
And as much as she enjoys the party itself, she also cherishes the aftermath. “The late-night dance party of dishwashing and wine with John,” she laughs. “Early in our relationship, we agreed that we wanted to be that home.”
If the apartment ever became theirs permanently, she admits it would undergo a complete redesign. For now though, she enjoys making a rental feel bold and unpredictable.
Case in point, a provocative Marilyn Minter artwork that looks like a mouth on glass hangs in the foyer. “It was almost a dare to myself,” she says. “And it’s turned out to bring me such joy every single time I walk through the door.” And she’ll keep making eye-catching changes, tweaking the experience here and there. “I’m a designer,” she says. “It’s never finished.”
TRUDONDiffuser - Abd El Kader, 1L
LOBMEYRRothschild Stars set of two crystal wine glasses
CABANASet of two scalloped ceramic dessert plates
