When British-born furniture designer Andrianna Shamaris embarked on a year-long hunt for a New York City apartment, she had two nonnegotiable requirements: The apartment had to be in estate condition and it had to have views of nature. She also made clear that she wanted a restoration, rather than a renovation, project. When she finally found the perfect place on Central Park South, she enlisted architect Thomas Leeser to help her achieve her vision of an organic-modern retreat.
The first order of business was reproducing the original moldings, which were in such bad shape they couldn’t be reclaimed. “I didn’t want the new moldings to be perfect,” Shamaris says. “Try explaining this to a contractor!”
The next step in preserving the character of the prewar home was to reinstall all the original crystal knobs on custom white resin doors, which hang on pivots rather than hinges. In another unique touch, the designer custom produced a wall covered in shell-encrusted teak to divide the kitchen and living room.
“I don’t like the bourgeois look or anything too minimal, as that style lacks warmth,” she says. “So, even though I might say less is best, having a few objects with a story behind them is far more interesting to me than a room full of objects.”
When Shamaris moved into the apartment, in 2008, the fireplace was sealed shut. She and architect Leeser decided to open it up, keeping the original black marble in front and painting the surrounding frame a strong white. “We left it very clean and wabi-sabi so that it blended into the wall,” Shamaris says.
As her apartment attests, Shamaris is a believer in the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection. In fact, she has curated an entire collection based on this simple aesthetic and sells it on her 1stDibs storefront and in her New York showroom.
The entire apartment is accented with pieces from Shamaris’s studio in Sumatra, where she lived for nearly a year after a stint in sales at Ralph Lauren's Bond Street flagship. During her travels around the world, she collected antiques along with design inspiration.
Tour Andrianna Shamaris's apartment at The Study, and shop her tables, seating and other furnishings on 1stDibs today.
Andrianna Shamaris Minimalist Petrified Wood on Stand
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
It’s fascinating how Mother Nature produces these stunning 40 million year old petrified wood with such contrasting and natural patterns throughout. Modern yet with so much history. ...
Metal
Andrianna Shamaris Minimalist Mahogany Wood Sculpture
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Minimalist sculpture hand carved from a single piece of reclaimed mahogany wood with beautiful patina. Set on a modern black metal 16 x 16" stand. Own an Andrianna Shamaris original.
Wood, Mahogany
Andrianna Shamaris Wave Bench in Charred Reclaimed Teak Wood
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
The teak wave bench represents a sleek, modern aesthetic, designed to provide comfort and durability. Solid reclaimed teak wood is hand carved into a wave design. Charred, sanded and...
Wood, Teak
Andrianna Shamaris River Rock Foot Sculpture
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful foot sculpture from Bali. Hand carved in solid river rock polished and stained. Great as an art object or a unique door holder. Pair available. Price and images reflect o...
Stone
Andrianna Shamaris Petrified Wood Table with Metal Base, Modern Design
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Rare tones on this one and a half thick petrified wood slab, resting on a minimalist metal base. Beautiful pale blue veins with a contrasting edge left unpolished. We have a collecti...
Metal
$23,000 / item
Andrianna Shamaris Rare Petrified Wood Log Bench
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Impressive, high quality petrified wood log bench. It’s fascinating how Mother Nature produces these exquisite 40 million year old petrified teak logs w...
Wood, Petrified Wood
Andrianna Shamaris Petrified Wood Slab Table with Metal Base - Organic Modern
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Rare tones on this one and a half thick petrified wood slab, resting on a minimalist metal base. Beautiful pale blue veins with a contrasting edge left unpolished. We have a collecti...
Metal
Andrianna Shamaris Impressive Rare Petrified Wood Sculpture on Stand
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Rare tones on this one and a half thick petrified wood slab, resting on a minimalist metal base. Beautiful pale blue veins with a contrasting edge left unpolished. We have a collecti...
Metal
Andrianna Shamaris Teak Wood Organic Sphere, 16-Inch, Modern Design
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Natural teak wood root sphere. The outer section is polished and the inner root left smooth in contrast. We have a collection available--all vary slightly in diameter. The price refl...
Wood, Teak
Andrianna Shamaris Mahogany Wood Sculpture, Organic Modern Design
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully carved sculpture made from one piece of mahogany wood. Dramatic yet understated, this piece is set on a modern black steel stand. Andrianna Shamaris. The Leader in Mod...
Metal, Steel
Andrianna Shamaris Ficus Wood Sculpture on Steel Base, Organic Modern Design
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Impressive sculpture from a single piece of ficus wood set on a modern black steel base. Fabulous in a residence, lobby or hotel project. This can also be removed from the base and h...
Steel
Hand Carved Wood Heart Sculpture by Andrianna Shamaris, Modern Design
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
A thick piece of organic wood hand carved into a heart shape. Both sides are unique. Polished with a natural oil revealing the beautiful wood grain. It’s all in the details. Own an ...
Wood
Andrianna Shamaris Charred Ficus Wood Ribbon Sculpture
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Impressive hand carved sculpture made from a single piece of reclaimed ficus wood and set on a modern black steel base.. Fabulous in a residence, lobby or hotel project. The Triple ...
Steel
Andrianna Shamaris Coffee Tree Sculpture
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Coffee tree sculpture. Bleached, sanded and set on a modern black steel base. Andrianna Shamaris. The Leader In Modern Organic Design.
Metal, Steel
Andrianna Shamaris Modern Organic Hand Carved Sculpture
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
An impressive ancient log hand carved into a tall sculpture whilst respecting the organic teak wood. We charred the smooth sections of this ancient teak root and left the inner secti...
Wood, Teak
Andrianna Shamaris Impressive Teak Wood Root Art or Coffee Table
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Impressive teak wood root art object. Carved from a single 6" piece of reclaimed teak wood. Hammered and burnt on the inside section. We left the flat sections smooth in the natural ...
Wood, Teak
Andrianna Shamaris Girl Upside Down Suar Wood Sculpture
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Hand carved from a reclaimed single piece of suar wood found in the jungle in Sumatra. We have added the butterfly details as shown in this beautiful piece of wood. Rests in a black ...
Wood
$6,400 / item
Andrianna Shamaris Teak Wood Ballerina Sculpture
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Hand carved from a single teak root, a beautiful ballerina dress. We left the bottom section raw in contrast with the top section which has been sanded and polished with a natural oi...
Metal
Andrianna Shamaris Minimalist Petrified Wood on Stand
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
It’s fascinating how Mother Nature produces these stunning 40 million year old petrified wood with such contrasting and natural patterns throughout. Modern yet with so much history. ...
Metal
Andrianna Shamaris Phallic Lingam Stone
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Century old stone from Sumatra. We have a collection of twelve. They look fabulous placed in a group as a sculpture. The price and images reflect the one shown. Used as a healing sto...
Stone
Andrianna Shamaris Minimalist Petrified Wood on Stand
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
It’s fascinating how Mother Nature produces these stunning 40 million year old petrified wood with such contrasting and natural patterns throughout. Modern yet with so much history. ...
Metal
Antique Statue from Borneo
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Antique male statue hand carved from a single wood log from West Borneo. Originally used to protect the home from evil spirits. The wood base was placed into the ground in front of t...
Metal
Andrianna Shamaris Torso made from Rare Ancient Wood
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
This impressive century year old rose wood with incredible patina and character has been hand carved whilst respecting the natural organic shape. Set on a minimalist black steel base...
Metal, Steel
Andrianna Shamaris Teak Root Wall Art or Coffee Table, Modern Design
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Impressive teak root art to hang on the wall or low Minimalist coffee table. hand-carved from a single 11" thick piece of reclaimed teak wood and burnt t...
Wood, Teak
Andrianna Shamaris Minimalist Teak Wood Sculpture
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Minimalist sculpture hand carved from a single block of century old teak wood. Finished with a natural oil revealing the beautiful wood grain. Set on a modern black metal stand 12” x...
Metal
Andrianna Shamaris Rare Palm Petrified Wood Slab
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful contrasting colors on this stunning palm petrified wood slab. Rare grey, blue and white tones. Polished on both sides. Perfect as a place holder for jewelry, a large coaste...
Wood, Petrified Wood
Andrianna Shamaris Teak Wood Male Torso
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Hand carved from a single reclaimed teak wood root with natural oil finish, a male torso. Shown on a black metal base. Own an Andrianna Shamaris original. Andrianna Shamaris. The L...
Metal
$5,900 / item
Century Old Antique Rice Pounder
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
The top of an original antique rice pounder taken from my private collection. We added hand cut mother of pearl shell into the center of this beautiful rare teak wood. Great as an ar...
Wood, Teak, Shell
Andrianna Shamaris Teak Wood Flower Sculpture
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Impressive hand carved flower sculpture carved from a teak root. Set on a modern 18" x 14" black steel base. Own an Andrianna Shamaris original. Andrianna Shamaris. The Leader In M...
Metal, Steel
Andrianna Shamaris Organic Mahogany Wood Circle Sculpture
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Minimalist organic circle sculpture hand carved from a single piece of reclaimed mahogany wood with beautiful patina. Set on a modern black metal stan...
Metal
Andrianna Shamaris Eternity Sculpture
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Impressive hand carved sculpture carved from a sono wood root. Set on a 18" x 18" modern black steel base. Own an Andrianna Shamaris original. Andr...
Wood