Designer Transforms East Harlem Apartment Amid Pandemic Relocation

Designer Scot Meacham Wood faced unique challenges relocating his residence to East Harlem in the spring of 2020, amidst the global pandemic. He relied heavily on online sourcing for his belongings, and found himself living in the partially-furnished space while it was being set up.

Adapting to a New Space and Pandemic Needs

Wood spent months in his new apartment, occupying his time by ordering fabrics and upholstering walls, including vibrant yellow gingham panels in the bedroom. "I adore mixing patterns, so it was actually really fun to play with the fabrics in the space," he explained.

Functional Design Solutions

The dining room was repurposed as a "Zoom room" and office due to pandemic restrictions, featuring a comfortable sofa and dining table. A solid green Benjamin Moore wall was chosen to allow for flexibility in its function. Wood also addressed his extensive book collection (over 1,200) by strategically placing shelves and bookcases throughout the apartment, connecting the rooms with a cohesive color palette.

Blending Styles and Color Harmony

Drawing on his decades of experience as a textile designer, Wood emphasized the importance of color and pattern consistency. “The trick is to either use the same color family or the same pattern family to make everything look cohesive,” he shared. Details like the gingham headboard and sunshine yellow sofa complemented the overall design, creating a summery, Hamptons-inspired atmosphere.