This jewel box Manhattan apartment is a collage of patterns inspired by antique fabrics

'For so many years our home design has been subject to spilled drinks, popcorn in the sofa, and various dogs,’ Jill Lasersohn explains. ‘But now the kids have left the nest and my husband Jack and I bought this Manhattan apartment, we can finally live like grown-up adults’. 

Jill arrived in New York City from the Midwest some 30 years ago and met her husband Jack not long after. They made their full-time home in the Hamptons, but with their two daughters now grown up and living in the city, the couple decided it was time to invest in a pied-à-terre. 

‘We were visiting our girls and taking advantage of museums and shows so we wanted a home that felt like a sanctuary we could stay without having to bring a suitcase – a hotel suite in the city. It’s 600 square feet with one bedroom and one bathroom and we refer to it as our little jewel box,’ Jill says. 

Jill Laserohn is the owner of one of the largest private European textile collections in the world and her toiles, in particular, have inspired a collection from Schumacher – and several of the designs are beautifully showcased throughout the Upper East Side apartment. 

‘I began by collecting 18th-century French and English silks and toile de Jouy, getting to know the best dealers in New York, the UK, and France. I’ve gradually worked backward, slipping into the 17th and 16th centuries, and now I’m extremely proud of my 15th-century pieces,’ she elaborates. 

‘Day to day, I have to be a botanist so I can recognize certain flowers. I have to know about the dyes used. If I’m looking at an old master I have to know about the sitter and the painter. Every day I go down this huge and magical Alice in Wonderland research hole and I can’t wait to wake up each morning and do it again,’ Jill enthuses.

‘We bought the apartment from a lovely elderly couple and although it was well-appointed it was in a time warp. What I thought would be a quick, easy cosmetic turnaround became a total gut project – much to Jack’s chagrin,’ Jill says.

‘For the interiors, I worked with Marshall Watson, who I’ve known for over a decade. We felt that decorating with black was a must, against which we layered pops of rich golden ochre and the perfect green (which is not too cool or warm). My three 18th-century chairs were regilded but in good enough condition to use. The custom sofa pulls out into a sleeper and was one of the most expensive purchases of the entire apartment but we love it.’ 

Despite being heavily involved in the redecoration of the apartment Jill says she still has a ‘pinch me now’ moment when she views her surroundings.

‘The wallcovering in the bedroom is called Chariot of Dawn Toile Panel Set and was remastered from my original toile de Nantes from the 18th century, which was itself inspired by Aurora, a fresco painted by Guido Reni in Rome in 1614 (both were eras in which anything neoclassical was the toast of the town).' she explains. 

Jill continues, 'I was thrilled that Schumacher chose this and reimagined it, blown up 13 times. It’s very dramatic. When your eyes pop open in the morning you feel like you’re up in the clouds with these beautiful goddesses.'

'This is very much a “tuxedo” of an apartment and every time I walk in and see my collection decorating it I get goosebumps,’ she says with a smile. 

Meet the owner

Jill Lasersohn shares her style inspiration

Describe your style in three words.

English, neoclassic, traditional. 

What's your favorite building?

Marie Antoinette’s Le Hameau de la Reine at Versailles… for so many reasons. 

Who's your design hero?

Jacques Garcia. On a totally other oeuvre I also have to mention Diamond & Baratta… so much fun!

What are you reading at the moment?

We just returned from a wine tour of Bordeaux and I’m fascinated with Eleanor of Aquitaine and just started reading about her. 

The best give you've ever received?

Besides my daughters, it’s the ability to collect and indulge in textiles, travel, and study. I’m very aware of how fortunate I am to have a passion, the means, and a supporting partner. 

Is there a luxury you'd struggle to live without?

Travel. 

Tell us your words to live by.

‘To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom,’ Socrates.