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    • Homes

    Author Brenda Cullerton’s New York-style loft blends modern influences and rustic elements in a gamut of kaleidoscopic shades

    NOV 23, 2020 | By Tasneem Merchant
    The living room has pivoting windows accented with Lyonese silk curtains, 19th century slipper chairs in fabric from John Derian Company and an antique screw top Indian chest given away as dowry in its past life; Photographs by Marco Bertolini/Living Inside
    Each of the three doors near the teal lounger (a 19th century relic), the 18th century green cabinet and the carpet from Morocco leads to a different room; Photographs by Marco Bertolini/Living Inside
    Cullerton's boudoir is an “eggplant” hue that reflects Russian influences—from the art and gilded frames on the wall to the trinkets strewn on the cabinet. The bedspread features delicate gold embroidery and sequin work; Photographs by Marco Bertolini/Living Inside

    Brenda Cullerton is a champion of the “love at first sight” phenomenon. That is exactly what happened when she first saw this New York property that she now calls home. “I’ve always felt a house is more than just walls and windows or a financial investment. It’s a relationship. I could feel the chemistry from the moment I walked in here,” she explains.

    The 2,300 sq ft, 19th-century space has three large bedrooms and two vast living areas, a deliberate step to retain the open nature of the original structure. Cullerton was keen on not “apartmentalising” the spacious property, allowing it to grow and evolve as she and her family did.

    Her residence is a colourful melee of the cities she has travelled to, especially in the Middle East, and also has aspirational value for the country she wants to visit—India. “I’ve been obsessed with exploring new places. It has a huge impact on me and I bring a piece of those places home. I have seven picture books on India and they too, have influenced me a lot,” Cullerton avers.

    Seen here are two Syrian pieces (mirrored artwork on the wall and balloon-like piece by the window), an 18th century French tole with tiny gold rosebuds, an Indian chest, a 19th century American mercury glass-painted vase and—Cullerton’s favourite—the carousel from an antique fair; Photographs by Marco Bertolini/Living Inside

    Creative arch In order to build on the relationship she had with her abode, Cullerton took it upon herself to decorate and renovate it. She and her husband put their backs into it and even changed the layout of one room to incorporate high arches and custom-made, colourful glass panes.

    The dining setting features an 18th century English oak refectory table; Photographs by Marco Bertolini/Living Inside

    “The doors leading into the different boudoirs are bespoke, while the handblown panels are all in the requested shades.” She also adds, “I was inspired by a lot of other accommodations while refurbishing the residence. I had an entire journal of images to refer to.”

    Near Cullerton’s library is a wooden French bureaux that holds hundreds of old family photographs; Photographs by Marco Bertolini/Living Inside

    Few of her favourite things For Cullerton, her oasis is the perfect getaway to indulge in several, much-loved pastimes. “My husband and I are fond of cooking, something we indulged in even when the kids were young. We also love to entertain,” she elaborates. Even so, the house is her sanctuary where she can write in peace. Though she is fond of all aspects of her haven, her heart belongs to her boudoir, especially the corner with the bed.

    A fiery red painted bathroom features this figurine from Sarajo, a store in New York specialising in Indian objects; Photographs by Marco Bertolini/Living Inside