The Vintage Treasures and Modern Soul of Interdisciplinary Designer Barry Goralnick
Barry Goralnick‘s Chelsea Loft is featured in Aspire Design. The current issue delves into the personal and professional style of Barry Goralnick. This renowned architect, interior designer, and product designer reveals his one-of-a-kind style in the home he shares with his husband, composer Keith Gordon.
In this iteration, Goralnick gutted and redesigned both bathrooms and did minor changes architecturally. The rest of the re-do was mostly decorative. He repainted with new colors, wallpapered walls and ceilings, added new countertops, the gilded mirrored backsplash, and new and hardware in the kitchen. Most the furniture and carpets were changed to incorporate more of my signature designs.
Goralnick treats his apartment as a laboratory for my product design. With an eye to that, he approached completely redecorating his home, using techniques, color schemes, pieces, and juxtapositions that are of a distinctive vision – an approach that would require a trusting client with a shared sophisticated vision.
He also made a game out of it, putting most of his existing furniture online or on consignment. As each piece sold, he replaced it with his own designs or vintage pieces that fit his vision. It all ties together with a vivid color scheme and a delicate balance of pattern and scale.
Many of Goralnick’s clients tell him that they don’t want their home look “done” or “decorated.” Yet, there is a lot of artistry in understanding what things complement each other and work well together. There is scale, proportion, color, pattern, and period to consider. As in all of the creative arts, one must master the fundamentals, before you can break the rules and establish your own voice. One of the biggest obstacles people impose on themselves is the fear of making a mistake. A key factor is that your home is the stage set for your life. Include things that are meaningful, things that expand your world in the way that you want to live, to entertain, and to raise your family. It will evolve over time as needs change and taste evolves.
In many ways this loft is a palimpsest of his life. He started collecting art when he was in his teens. All of the art has personal meaning. There is no rule about the monetary value or origin. Important works are mixed with paintings and photographs that friends have created. In the living room photo, one image is a valuable 19th century painting of an actor playing Hamlet is balanced by a pretty, but inexpensive classical painting purchased in a country antique shop.
Goralnick’s approach to furnishing is the same. No period dominates. From French 40’s and Mid-century to Neo-classical and Modern, all the selections create a dialogue.
In all, the effect of a well-curated and ordered randomness is the goal Goralnick aims to achieve. To accomplish this goal successfully, it requires an innate sense and trained eye.
Goralnick’s Chelsea Loft in Aspire Design is a feast for the senses.
Aspire Design | Barry Goralnick | Spring 2025
