Explore Stacey Bendet’s Dakota house to experience the ideal fusion of art, luxury, and daily functionality. Here, breathtaking elegance and the comforting embrace of family life collide.
The Home and Those Who Live There
The legendary Dakota on Manhattan’s Upper West Side is home to fashion designer and Alice + Olivia founder Stacey Bendet. Along with her husband, Eric Eisner, and their daughters, Eloise Breckenridge, Scarlet Haven and Athena Belle, as well as the pets.
Only a few months ago, the family moved in following an extensive three-and-a-half-year makeover. Bendet was inspired to continue working on the project because of her love for the historic site, even in the face of many obstacles.
A Warm Welcome
The first thing you see when you walk into Stacey Bendet’s house is a stunning portrait of her three daughters, which was created by family friend Julian Schnabel.
But upon closer inspection, one finds baskets on the ground, each labeled with the name of a member of the family—even the family cat, Princess, and dog, Blue, have their own baskets.
Stacey Bendet’s flat embodies this lovely contrast, since it is both magnificent and functional, providing a safe haven for families.
A Storied Location
Bendet talks on her fascination with the legendary Dakota, which has housed a number of well-known people throughout the years, such as Yoko Ono, John Lennon, and Leonard Bernstein.
While some may find the Gothic grandeur of the Dakota frightening, Stacey Bendet has created a living room that achieves a balance between elegance and enjoyment for the whole family.
In addition to preserving the building‘s splendor, Bendet explains, “I wanted a place that felt grown-up and was fun for friends and family.”
The owner didn’t want a big, adult-only apartment where it was impossible to jump on the couch. There, her kids perform flips and cartwheels. She intended a lived-in feel to it.
The Renovation Journey
The area was once made up of two different homes, one with a disco ambiance from the 1980s and the other with what Stacey Bendet refers to as “practically a dirt floor.”
Restoring and upgrading the original characteristics while combining them into one cohesive residence was the aim. Bendet explains, “I wanted to recreate the beautiful mahogany woodwork, and all of the fireplaces had to be restored.”
In an effort to revitalize the area, she worked with interior designer Louise Kugelberg to create a distinctive yet peaceful setting.
An Eclectic Interior
Kugelberg characterizes the design of the house as her interpretation of a worldwide aesthetic, blending diverse cultural influences into a cohesive and unique style.
The interior features hand-painted tiles by Lola Schnabel, incorporated in a 12-foot-long dining table.
A modern artworks by Francesco Clemente and Jorge Galindo, and Spanish rugs from the 1930s that originated from the Ritz Hotel in Madrid.
The room is a tribute to Stacey Bendet’s idea and Kugelberg’s execution, fusing various components into a sumptuous, cohesive whole.
Art and Functionality
Art is a big part of the interior design of the house. One corner wall is covered in a set of twelve color lithographs by Claes Oldenburg, while the living room is home to a large fresco by Francesco Clemente.
Stacey Bendet tells a funny story about friends who thought Princess’s scratching post was an original Haas Brothers artwork.
The house creates a space where high culture and daily living coexist by effectively combining art and functionality.
Exquisite artwork, such as a powerful picture by Julian Schnabel, decorate the walls of Stacey Bendet’s house.
Fusing fine art with functional details like labeled family baskets for daily necessities.
Stacey Bendet’s home blends art and practicality in a beautiful way. Her family can live and play in this lively room, which also features modern paintings and gorgeous Venetian chandeliers.
Family Spaces and Personal Touches
One of Stacey Bendet’s favorite rooms has a blue-and-white striped theme that makes it reminiscent of a circus tent.
This room has several meanings: it alludes to Bendet’s first major hit as a fashion designer, striped bell-bottom pants, and it mirrors the colors of Portsmouth Football Club, which is owned by Eisner’s family.
Her daughters gather here to watch TV; it’s reachable from the living room as well as Eisner’s study, which Bendet lovingly refers to as his “man cave.”
The study has a leather couch and walls with embossed leather, which is in keeping with Eisner’s more somber style.
The daughters’ distinct tastes are reflected in their bedrooms. Athena Belle’s room has a loft bed, a ladder, and a chair wrapped in teddy bears. It is blue, avoiding her hate of pink.
Scarlet prefered a canopy bed in her room. While Eloise’s room, which was originally decorated with block-printed wallpaper, briefly went all white.
Stacey Bendet’s commitment to creating a unique space for her girls is apparent in every room, with personalized touches that cater to each daughter’s preferences and interests.
And if there are more of these teenager hissy fits from those three eccentric angels in that magnificent Schnabel portrait? “I want everyone to appreciate their rooms, but we can have a conversation if someone wants to paint her room black.
Making this unique for each member of the family is what Stacey Bendet most enthusiastic about, ensuring that every room reflects individual personalities and fosters a sense of belonging.
More than just a place to live, Stacey Bendet’s Dakota house is a reflection of her artistic vision and her love for her family.
It’s a place where style and daily living live alongside one another, where art and practicality coexist, and where each family member’s individuality is evident.
A gorgeous, opulent, yet cozy and welcoming home that genuinely feels lived in is the ultimate product.
Inspired by Stacey Bendet’s blend of elegance and functionality? Let your house represent the distinct personalities and demands of your family, whether you’re remodeling or simply adding a few new features.
Explore your own creative home design ideas and bring a touch of personalized luxury to your living space.
