Some collaborations begin with a single piece. This one began with a vision. For Salon Art + Design, Newel joined Jason Saft of Staged to Sell Home to help transform one of New York’s most remarkable historic interiors into a welcoming, imaginative VIP lounge.
In Matt Harrington’s photograph above, the crimson mohair sofa sits beneath the historic portraits, with a velvet wingback chair at the left and Kar Studio’s ivory Cave cabinet in front. The deep red upholstery and pale sculptural cabinet create a striking contrast against the room’s dark woodwork.
A Vision Takes Shape
When Jason approached Newel’s Jake Baer about designing the lounge, we were immediately excited. The setting was the Board of Officers Room, designed by Herter Brothers in 1880: a space defined by rich mahogany paneling, historic portraits, and an extraordinary decorative ceiling.
It started with a walk through our Long Island City warehouse. Jason brought an incredible eye for how pieces from different periods could work together. Moving through the collection, he saw connections between shapes, colors, textures, and materials, imagining how each selection would contribute to the room as a whole.
Our team worked alongside him to help bring that vision to life. Watching pieces from across the warehouse come together at the Armory was one of the most rewarding parts of the collaboration.
The Dalmatian-patterned velvet tête-à-tête shown with Jake and Jason brings a playful mix of black-and-white pattern, rounded upholstery, and fringe to the lounge.
A Historic Room, Reimagined
The photograph below brings two of Jason’s most unexpected selections into focus: the 1969 Sunball chaise by Ris & Selldorf and an Art Nouveau carved wooden dancing figure. The chaise’s yellow shell and dark cushions sit beside the figure’s flowing form, set against the room’s rich wood paneling.
The Sunball chaise and an Art Nouveau dancing figure: a striking conversation between eras.
Craftsmanship, Character, and Collaboration
In the photograph below, the Syrian center table’s geometric inlay fills the foreground, with rows of varied seating and the crimson sofa beyond it. The view captures Jason’s approach to mixing intricate craftsmanship with bold color and different furniture styles.
Geometric inlay and an eclectic mix of seating within the historic Board of Officers Room.
Jason’s creativity, enthusiasm, and attention to the overall experience made him a wonderful partner. He brought distinctive pieces together with confidence and purpose, creating a room that felt welcoming and full of life. We are honored to have been part of Salon Art + Design and grateful to Jason, the Salon team, and our Newel team for making it possible. Jason brought the vision. Newel loved helping bring it to life.
Shop the Room
Bring a piece of the lounge home. To purchase any of the furnishings below, contact Newel at [email protected] or (212) 758-1970 and reference the item number.
