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Transforming a West Village Town House: A Unique Design Journey
As a renowned fictional character once remarked, “Anything is possible. This is New York.” This sentiment resonates strongly with Francis Toumbakaris, a Greek immigrant whose diverse background includes a former career as a ballet dancer as well as experience as a handyman and general contractor. Now at the helm of his own design firm, Francis Interiors, Toumbakaris is showcasing what is possible through his latest endeavor: an intricate renovation of a five-story townhouse in the West Village.
The project tells a rich story, with each of the townhouse’s floors reflecting different aspects of a narrative that stretches back to the early 1900s. “Every level represents a piece of my journey; it’s like a unique vignette,” notes the homeowner, who is the chief marketing officer of a tech company. “It’s an incredibly special and magical space.”
This comprehensive renovation of the 1861 townhouse—deemed a “forever home” by its owner—involved a remarkable transformation characterized by luxurious de Gournay and Phillip Jeffries wall coverings, Murano light fixtures, Scalamandré velvets, and elegant marble mantels. The rapid pace of the work was equally impressive, as the entire project was completed within just 11 months, featuring a significant overhaul where the house was brought “down to the studs.” “I practically lived on site,” exclaimed Toumbakaris, who is also a member of the AD PRO Directory.
The collaboration between Toumbakaris and his client exemplifies a strong partnership based on mutual trust and understanding. Their professional relationship has flourished through five projects over the past several years. Reflecting on their earlier work together in 2018, Toumbakaris highlighted how their initial endeavor involved designs that were straightforward and commercially available. In contrast, this latest project provided the client with a much more personalized touch; equipped with a signed checkbook, she allowed Toumbakaris to interpret her design vision fully. “For this client, I feel as though I can express her soul,” he explained, highlighting the chemistry that fuels their creative collaborations.
The process was notably efficient, requiring only two vintage shopping excursions and fewer than ten design meetings. This seamless workflow is partly attributed to the client’s decisiveness—she identifies as a type A maximalist—along with her unwavering faith in Toumbakaris’s expertise. “I am involved in every key decision,” she conveyed, “but we understand each other’s design perspectives intuitively.”
A Testament to Collaborative Design
The successful transformation of the West Village townhouse stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a designer and a client share a unique rapport. Through a marriage of vibrant history, timeless elegance, and modern sensibility, this project illustrates the boundless potential of interior design in one of the world’s most iconic neighborhoods.
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www.architecturaldigest.com