I admit that I am a groupie for a number of designers whose work consistently makes me swoon. Rafael de Cardenas is a New York based designer who is definitely on my rock star list. De Cardenas manages to combine uber-luxe materials, rarefied mid-century furnishings, and art, all without a hint of stuffiness.

Known for his love for and dramatic use of color, this New York apartment is a study in soothing but sophisticated neutrals. De Cardenas keeps boring at bay through the use of layers of texture as in the blonde herringbone floors and trompe l’oeil malachite ceiling in the same soft neturals. Of course, he can’t resist jolts of color, as in the fabulous electric blues in the Inigo Elizalde carpet and graffiti inspired Assume Vivid Astro Focus wall covering in the stairwell.

Photos via Architectural Digest

The blonde herringbone floors and faux malachite painted ceiling is neutral done the right way.

Custom dining table and chairs by de Cardenas. A pair of Campana Brothers chairs in electric blue against classic lacquered paneling are the perfect foils.

The unexpected blast of color in this graffiti inspired wallcovering by Assume Vivid Astro Focus on the stairwell ceiling is totally fabulous.

Creamy nude leather on the Joseph-Andre Motte armchairs against the electric blues and browns in the Inigo Elizalde carpet in the unbelievably chic master sitting area.

Rafael, consider me a groupie for life.