A catastrophic pipe burst at fashion designer and philanthropist Kay Unger's SoHo residence turned into an extraordinary opportunity for an interior design renaissance. Facing extensive flooding that damaged her nearly 4,900-square-foot apartment, Unger collaborated with renowned AD100 Hall of Fame designer Jamie Drake. What began as a plea for help transformed into a creative partnership, breathing new life into her home with a vibrant palette and sustainable practices.
Unger's apartment is a testament to sophisticated entertaining, featuring a seamless flow between its various spaces. Jamie Drake meticulously curated a display on one of the living room walls, showcasing sketches from Unger's academic days at Parsons. These included portraits of Unger herself and the Duchess of Windsor, created by the late Michael Vollbracht, a dear friend of Unger's. This thoughtful inclusion infused the space with a profound sense of personal history and emotional depth. Complementing this arrangement are Unger's striking red leather Corbusier chairs, positioned atop an Edward Fields area rug, with a reupholstered sofa and chairs in Glant Textiles' luxurious Couture Melange No. 3.
Jamie Drake observes Unger's remarkable optimism, noting her ability to find positivity even in the direst situations. He viewed the flooding not as a setback, but as a chance to innovate. Unger, having resided in the apartment since 2004, had resisted extensive redecorating. The incident, however, provided the perfect impetus. A significant focus of their work was the kitchen, centrally located within the apartment. Drake and Unger completely redesigned and reimagined this crucial space.
The newly conceived kitchen, a dual-zone hub for the home, now boasts a captivating lipstick-red custom range hood in its elegant open area, alongside a discreet, functional workspace hidden from view. This bold design choice marked a significant shift in Unger's personal aesthetic. While her fashion collections always embraced rich colors, her home interiors had traditionally maintained a neutral tone. Drake, known for his masterful use of color, introduced a vibrant spectrum. Unger, initially hesitant, fully embraced this colorful transformation, admitting she can no longer imagine living without it. Many visitors have inquired about the specific Benjamin Moore Pink Damask eco-paint used in her primary bedroom, a shade that Drake describes as an "embrace, a gentle kiss."
Throughout this extensive and intricate project, the duo continually sought ways to enhance both beauty and functionality. A focus on environmentally conscious design was a cornerstone of their collaboration. Features like formaldehyde-free PureBond plywood in the kitchen cabinetry, a rug crafted from repurposed leather scraps, and tables fashioned from recycled corrugated cardboard underscored their commitment. A particularly enchanting light sculpture, composed of thousands of reused plastic bottles, illuminated the dining area, showcasing their dedication to innovative sustainability.
Drake admired Unger's eclectic art collection, inherited partly from her mother and partly acquired over time, which he described as containing "really important pieces." A delightful aspect of their long-term project was the re-envisioning of these artworks' placement. They strategically relocated pieces, such as five Andy Warhol "asses" from the main bedroom to the foyer hallway, and rearranged Mary Corse ceramics from a square configuration to a linear display. Drake emphasizes that this rearrangement not only revitalizes one's interaction with cherished possessions but also offers a fresh perspective.
Unger, a seasoned fashion designer who constantly travels, has a profound appreciation for aviation. Her office is a personal museum housing a vast collection of airplane models, including a striking papier-mâché piece by an Israeli artist suspended overhead. She finds inspiration in the form of planes and their symbolic representation of freedom and exploration.
This extensive renovation transcended mere aesthetic upgrades; it was an act of transformative resilience. The collaboration between Kay Unger and Jamie Drake turned a moment of crisis into an extraordinary display of design ingenuity, sustainability, and personal expression, resulting in a home that truly reflects Unger's evolved taste and optimistic spirit.