That's Rather Hideous examines questionable decisions in interior design as revealed in listing photos. Nominees, please, to tips@curbed.com.
What is it about the East 50's that inspires design so, well, hideous? Today, two contenders. At top, on East 54th Street, an $849,000 (chopped from $975,000) pad that, according to the broker babble, was "inspired by the elegance of turn-of-the century Europe... The marble-floored foyer with its presentation shelving and sculpted glass door leading to the bedroom suite features an arched entrance to its classic mirrored space for entertaining. Lalique-inspired window panels discretely keep out the city sights while letting in the city lights. Black and white marble flooring defines the dining area, which contains a ten-foot long hidden cabinet for fine china and crystal." We'd call it paean to the decorating touch that is Donald Trump, but then, we don't sell apartments for a living.
Meantime, down on East 53rd, a $1.675 million apartment with decidedly less over-the-top broker prose ("The washer dryer is another plus"). Yet still delightfully hideous in its own way. Overall, a slight edge to the more northerly listing.
· Listing: 320 East 54th Street [Century 21 NYC]
· Listing: 411 East 53rd Street [CBHK]