Manhattan Apartment Features Custom Art Garden
A custom artist-designed installation creates a new, immersive garden-themed seating area in a West Chelsea loggia.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Interior Decorating
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Artist Joana Vasconcelos has transformed a loggia in a West Chelsea apartment with a bespoke, garden-themed installation. Developed for former US ambassador to Portugal Randi Charno Levine, the space features palm tree-inspired sculptures and tactile, layered textiles.
Why it matters
Commissioning site-specific installations allows homeowners to unify interior design with personal artistic interests. By blending custom seating with sculptural elements, the project creates a functional yet immersive transition between indoor and outdoor living areas.
The installation project features a 4-meter-tall wrought-iron teapot sculpture as a focal point, mirroring works featured in the owner's 2023 exhibitions. It utilizes a custom mix of fringes, beads, and feathers integrated directly into the apartment's existing interior upholstery.
The players
Joana Vasconcelos
A contemporary artist known for her large-scale, intricate textile and sculptural installations.
Randi Charno Levine
The former US ambassador to Portugal and an art patron who curates public and private exhibitions.
Kelly Behun
A prominent residential interior designer known for integrating high-end art into modern home spaces.
The details
The installation transforms the apartment loggia into a garden of delights using abstracted sculptures that double as seating. Interior designer Kelly Behun coordinated the project by weaving existing apartment textiles into the art piece to physically connect the outdoor space to the home interiors. The installation creates a cohesive design narrative through the use of wrought iron, layered ruffles, and mixed-media textures.
Timeline
2023: Artist Joana Vasconcelos contributed a teapot to a curated exhibition.
A/W 2023: Randi Charno Levine attended the Dior show in Paris featuring Vasconcelos.
October 8, 2026: Wallpaper November 2026 Art Issue is published.
The Home Front
Integrating bespoke art installations into residential architecture reflects the growing trend of high-end homeowners serving as active collaborators in the design process. This approach moves beyond traditional decorating to treat the home as an evolving, museum-grade exhibition space.
For those considering large-scale art, focus on materials that can withstand your specific indoor or outdoor climate to prevent degradation of delicate textiles. Consult with a professional interior designer to ensure that structural additions, such as custom seating or sculptures, do not exceed your balcony or terrace load limits.
The takeaway
Large-scale art commissions can serve as both a statement piece and functional furniture in a home. For smaller projects, consider focusing on mixed-media textures or sculptures that incorporate your existing color palette for a seamless integration.
Further reading
Explore more ways to elevate your space in our Interior Decorating section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wallpaper*.
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