Homeworthy visited the stunning New York City apartment of renowned wedding and event planner, Augusta Cole. Her luxurious space not only serves as her home but also as her creative studio. After first visiting the Upper East Side apartment, she was instantly captivated by its charming original architectural features, particularly the grand stairway that greets you as soon as you step foot inside, the large windows, and the working fireplace.
“I love the old bones and all the character,” she says, explaining her love of historic homes. “I grew up in old homes and I think they just ooze storytelling and gravitas – the scale of the ceilings and the molding – I think it’s just a beautiful blank canvas for us to build on.”
Augusta’s design style is effortlessly chic and refined, with a soothing palette of greens and warm tones that create a serene retreat. A testament to her ability to blend elegance with functionality, her apartment is ideal for both comfortable living and entertaining.
As we enter, Augusta highlights the welcoming entryway. Next to the intricately carved fireplace sits a beautiful demi-lune table holding multiple potted Myrtles under her Murano sconces, and a reupholstered antique dining chair waiting in the corner. “It was less beautiful when we found it and we kind of gave it an upgrade facelift,” she says of the chair, exemplifying her passion for preserving and elevating historic pieces.
The main living area, or “entertaining floor,” as she calls it, showcases her knack for multi-purpose design. This space transforms effortlessly from a cozy gathering spot to a vibrant party hub. “We really needed to make sure that this one room could multitask, and I think the layout kind of flows beautifully for that,” she says.
One of Augusta’s favorite spots is the dining room nook, featuring heirloom furniture with personal upgrades, like the linen-skirted wood dining chairs designed by her mother, and the matching dining table with a beautiful white tablecloth strewn across it.
As for her advice on throwing a seemingly effortlessly chic dinner party? “Preset your table the night before… have your stuff pre-ironed… and just have fun with it. Don’t take yourself seriously.”
Unlike most apartments in New York City, hers has its own “entertaining pantry,” or bar, that is packed with character. Quipping that the bar is bigger than the kitchen itself, Augusta filled the space with her stunning glassware collection – from porcelain painted teacups, to Murano glasses, to cut crystal Waterford that her husband found on auction.
Upstairs, she takes us into the bedroom that features stained glass windows and a soothing lavender palette. Personal touches abound, from a handmade chaise to a vanity with a prized Murano lamp. The built-in bookshelves display cherished collections and family photos.
