VERANDA

VIEW POINT GOLDEN TOUCH

Jack Levy began with subtle, repeated elements "to give consistency." Even basic components such as doors were custom designed. "Some of them have glass panels to allow the light," says Levy, "but diffuse the actual view." Custom-made, Art Deco influenced molding was added for pattern and cohesion. A scrolling motif repeats on Regency style side chairs and on custom-designed carpets.

Two large sofas in an unusual back-to-back arrangement, separating them by a narrow table both useful and elegant. While one sofa embraces the view, the second ignores it. Even so, a mirror above a bar faces that sofa so the sky is reflected.

Playing into the sophisticated sense of scale are two huge Robert Longo portraits. Contrary to what might be expected, Jack did not place them on the longest wall, which is visible from the foyer.Thus visitors first see the serenity of the subtle hues of the living room before encountering the intense portraits.

A subdued, unifying, color scheme echoes from room to room. Warm white, ecru and yellow, highlighted by rich gold, harmoniously color walls, carpets and furniture. In the library, golden brown upholstery and a gold-accented carpet set off the electrifying colors of two Andy Warhol silkscreens and a ceramic jar by Venini. Beneath a bronze sunburst mirror in the master bedroom, even the linens glow with a restrained Midas touch. The sunburst motif repeats in the dining area's twin chandeliers and. the library's Helios lamp, then is restated in unusual crystal sconces adapted as light fixtures in the master bath.

Gold also glistens in striped fabric on the dining chairs. "There is a surprising mix of mid-century with 1940s French Moderne," points out Levy. At first an open terrace, the dining area was glassed in, then, some years ago, completely integrated into the apartment. Though the slightly raised area is narrow, there is no sense of constraint because uninterrupted windows frame the dazzling view.