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Only Celerie Kemble could overhaul and style a five-story townhouse in Manhattan in just nine months. The journey began in 2022 when Kemble, having been divorced for several years, was renting a residence with her three children: sons Rascal and Wick, and daughter Zinnia. Although she was taking her time in the home-buying process, her partner, Stephen Roesler, encouraged her to consider a townhouse listing in the often neglected East Side area of Murray Hill, conveniently close to the Morgan Library. Initially, the property seemed unimpressive—it was strikingly narrow and not reflective of her personal taste. Even her close friend, Bronson van Wyck, reacted to the listing with skepticism, stating, “You don’t want to live in a dollhouse. Twelve feet wide isn’t worth canceling my lunch for.” Still, Kemble recognized it was time to begin her search, and with the support of van Wyck, the two ventured to see the house. They were greeted by a spacious, 19th-century Italianate design featuring high ceilings, original crown moldings, and a remarkable eight fireplaces. Upon reaching the second floor, van Wyck urged her, “Offer full asking.”
The dining room showcases walls adorned with a custom finish created by Cheron Tomkins.
Bordallo Pinheiro Strawberries Pitcher
1960s Saturated Abstract Oil on Canvas
Thus began the transformation. Since the 1990s, Kemble has helmed the New York branch of Kemble Interiors, a firm established by her mother, Mimi McMakin, in Palm Beach, Florida. The duo has been instrumental in creating some of the most exquisitely designed homes, private clubs, and hotels on the East Coast. Kemble attributes their success to a network of highly skilled builders, artisans, and craftspeople they collaborate with, many of whom they have known for years. Regarding the rapid transformation of her new home, she humorously noted, “We were like the Amish. We all came together to raise the barn.”
Her vision for the renovation embraced a blend of feminine elegance with a hint of theatricality, merging elements from old Florida with the artistic flair of Tony Duquette. Reflecting on her design influences, Kemble mentioned her admiration for figures like Addison Mizner and Polly Jessup in Palm Beach, recognizing how those styles have subtly infused her own aesthetics over the years. “I also admire the works of designers like Oliver Messel and Joseph Urban, who drew inspiration from theatrical set designs. I wanted to create a space for the furniture, art, and decorative pieces I had amassed long before this house became available.” While her aesthetic choices may seem formal, Kemble’s true gift lies in crafting a space that feels inviting and accommodating for her teenage children and the many friends who visit. “By tearing down the drywall and removing the existing clean lines, my intention was for the house to reflect a sense of reality—where perfection has been stripped away, and no false pretenses remain.”
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www.architecturaldigest.com