When Susanna Maggard purchased her prewar one-bedroom apartment in Carnegie Hill, the space needed significant work. However, as an experienced interior decorator, she saw opportunity rather than obstacles.
She envisioned transforming the 600-square-foot Upper East Side home into something special — a true “jewel box.” Still, every design decision had to consider one very important resident: her dachshund, Angus.
Designing Around a Beloved Companion
At the heart of the living room sits a wood-burning fireplace that fills the space with warmth during winter months. Most mornings, Maggard enjoys her coffee beside the fire while Angus, now 16, relaxes in his favorite WallyBed nearby.
Although light wood floors run throughout much of the apartment, Maggard chose indoor-outdoor carpeting for the living room. The decision balanced beauty with practicality — the material cleans easily and resists stains, an important feature in a home with a senior dog.
A Bold Yet Practical Color Story
Maggard carried a cohesive palette of greens and pinks throughout the apartment.
An olive green cotton-velvet sectional anchors the living area — a shade she notes cleverly disguises pet hair. Pink accent pillows and brass sconces add warmth and contrast.
The rosy tones continue into the bedroom, where textured pink wallpaper envelops the space. A mirrored dresser displays English pink lusterware, while an upholstered headboard ties together the room’s color story.
At night, Angus often claims the bed for himself, curling up comfortably on top of his dad’s pillow.
Smart Spaces for Work and Rest
Between the bedroom and bathroom, Maggard carved out a custom office nook with built-in storage and a tailored desk.
Although Angus typically follows her from room to room, he prefers to supervise her workday from the heated tile floors in the bathroom — his version of a cozy command center.
A Jewel-Box Kitchen With Modern Comforts
The petite kitchen embraces bold design choices. Lacquered navy cabinets, brass hardware, a mirrored backsplash, and mint-colored appliances — including a SMEG toaster — create a vibrant yet polished look.
While many homeowners prefer open-concept kitchens, Maggard chose to preserve the apartment’s traditional prewar layout. She blended historic charm with modern convenience rather than chasing trends.
Even Angus has a dedicated cabinet stocked with treats, food, medication, and wee-wee pads — a small but meaningful detail that reflects his importance in the household.
A Home Built on Love
Maggard successfully achieved her goal of creating a jewel-box apartment in Upper East Side. Yet beyond the carefully curated colors and thoughtful layouts, the home tells a deeper story.
Every corner reflects the love she has for Angus.
After years together, she views each day with him as a gift. And in this thoughtfully designed space, both style and devotion coexist beautifully.