An Architect’s Cozy Corner in Chelsea, NYC

In this urban space, we can see touches of the Dominican Republic through moody, abstract local art, but the colors are darker than typical Dominican apartments. “We’re traditionally from there, but we’ve lived in New York for 15 years so this is home now.”

Expressionist work from a young contemporary Dominican artist and a small urn from Turkey

Jean Santelises’ Chelsea apartment is an unexpected departure from the color that abounds in his home country of the Dominican Republic, and yet it’s one that mixes with the drama and energy of New York, his adopted city buzzing below.

“I’m definitely a book lover. My dream home would have a huge library. In the meantime we have a little corner right next to the window where we have a collection of books that we’ve read and small travel pieces that we’ve purchased.”

An architect by trade, Santelises moved into his two-bedroom apartment with his husband in the heart of Chelsea four years ago. Contrary to many city apartments, his is filled with natural light that drifts in through wide windows in the living room and bedrooms. This advantage gave Santelises the chance to make a streamlined, yet bold decision when it came to color: he painted his walls a rich slate, which gives the space a cozy and sophisticated feel.

A small bookshelf is handy for entertaining and is topped by a Warhol photo.

A small bookshelf is handy for entertaining and is topped by a Warhol print.

“The apartment is so bright with so many windows that it allowed us to really darken and make it dramatic,” he said. Aside from the deep hue, the drama also comes from his striking collection of contemporary Dominican art. He describes his home as warm and inviting but very modern in its colors, language and lines.

Light filters through the trees outside and keeps the bedroom bright yet cozy

Light filters in through the trees outside and keeps the bedroom bright yet cozy

The home’s open kitchen and living room provides an easy flow for a regular crowd of friends that drops by on the fly or come over for all sorts of celebrations. “It’s sort of the center of a very large group of friends,” he said, and it is here that he and his husband host secret santa, Thanksgiving, and Fourth of July parties for their adopted New York family.

The kitchen cabinets are paneled in gray wood veneer, keeping to the streamlined and clean look of the home

Santelises proudly displays objects that tell his personal story, whether it is objects purchased on his travels or his collection of books. “All apartments should be warm and inviting no matter the style, that’s always very important, that people enjoy living in them. It becomes a background for life.”