By Ali Ikhwan 
When actor and singer Patina Miller, known for her captivating roles on stage and screen, and her husband, venture capitalist David Mars, embarked on a quest for a new home, two primary desires guided their nearly year-long search. "I need tons of light, and I need levels," the Tony and Grammy Award winner recalled, emphasizing her core requirements. Their previous residence, a loft in the vibrant Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, had served as a beloved sanctuary for the couple and their daughter, Emerson Harper. However, the growing family yearned for increased space—specifically, a multi-floored dwelling that would metaphorically and literally bring brighter days. Proximity to a park also emerged as a significant factor on their wish list, a detail that resonates with Miller’s active lifestyle, especially given her starring role in the popular Starz drama Power Book III: Raising Kanan, which was gearing up for its fifth season premiere.
The Search for a New Haven
The couple’s initial explorations spanned across lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, with a keen focus on finding a brownstone that would fulfill their evolving needs. Their search culminated in the discovery of a remarkable property nestled on a quiet Upper West Side block. "It was so spacious," Miller expressed, still conveying a sense of wonder at the find. The home’s inherent architectural grandeur—original crown moldings, elegant archways, and a magnificent, hand-carved staircase dating back to the late 1800s—sealed the deal. "I was immediately sucked in," she admitted, captivated by the historical charm and inherent character of the residence.
Partnering with Evan Edward for a Visionary Renovation
To bring their vision for the new home to life, Miller and Mars enlisted the expertise of Josh Evan Goldfarb and Michael Edward Moirano, the principals behind the esteemed architecture and interior design firm Evan Edward. The couple had previously collaborated with Goldfarb and Moirano on the successful outfitting of their Chelsea apartment, fostering a strong rapport and a seamless communication style that made engaging them for this ambitious project a natural progression. "High-impact minimalism" is how Goldfarb characterized the couple’s design sensibility, a principle that would guide the transformation of the historic town house.
A Master Suite Designed for Grandeur and Relaxation
One of the most significant transformations involved the creation of a sprawling, sun-drenched primary suite. This opulent retreat was achieved by combining several smaller rooms, resulting in a generously proportioned space designed for both functionality and indulgence. The suite includes a dedicated boudoir, envisioned as a glamorous space for red-carpet-ready preparations, and a soak tub so capacious that its installation required a crane. A particular point of pride for Mars is his wife’s writing alcove, featuring a "crescent-shaped Mezzaluna desk by Leon Rosen for the Pace Collection," which he described as "the greatest desk you’ll ever see in your entire life."
Miller elaborated on her aspirations for this personal sanctuary: "I wanted it to be larger than life. I wanted a place that I could escape to." The couple also sought to imbue the suite with the sophisticated ambiance of a Parisian apartment, a city they consider a second home. "Paris is where we would be if we weren’t in New York," Mars explained. This aspirational design proved so successful that the couple now finds themselves preferring their own home over luxury hotel stays in the city. "We go to these hotels here in New York City that are beautiful and renowned, and we sit there and we’re like, ‘Why are we here?’ We have a better room in our house, as crazy as that sounds," Miller mused.
Embracing Artistic Expression and Personal History
The design ethos extended beyond mere aesthetics, weaving in elements that reflect the couple’s passions and personal histories. In Mars’s office, a striking mixed-media artwork by Robert Mars, David’s brother and a pop artist, takes pride of place. This piece, a tribute to hip-hop royalty, features legendary MCs like Queen Latifah, Slick Rick, Rakim, and Nas. For Mars, a lifelong hip-hop enthusiast and business partner of Nas, this artwork represents his "Mount Rushmore of rap," a "hip-hop royal family." The artwork’s placement near Mars’s impressive Vladimir Kagan executive desk underscores the seamless integration of personal passion into the home’s design.
A Harmonious Blend of Old and New
The renovation carefully balanced the preservation of the town house’s historic character with the introduction of modern amenities and design elements. While many pieces from their previous Chelsea loft were thoughtfully integrated, the design team also introduced new, impactful furnishings. A 1950s Sputnik chandelier, a survivor of the move, now commands attention in the parlor. Similarly, a pair of teal curved RH sofas, which previously graced their former home, now anchor the parlor space.
The decision to incorporate a wall installation of vintage boom boxes was a particularly engaging point of discussion. Goldfarb proposed the idea, which immediately resonated with Mars due to his deep connection to hip-hop culture. Miller, initially hesitant, expressed an emphatic "Absolutely not." However, upon seeing the mounted collection of 26 portable radios, her perspective shifted dramatically. "I remember seeing them and thinking, They were right, this is insane! And now it’s our music room," she confessed, highlighting the transformative power of thoughtful design and a willingness to embrace new ideas.
A Symphony of Design Elements
The home showcases a curated selection of furniture and decor that speaks to the couple’s eclectic tastes, a testament to their shared appreciation for both classic and contemporary design. In the dining room, a custom Murano glass barbell fixture, comprising over 100 handblown components, suspends above a bespoke circular table fitted with a lazy susan. This dramatic centerpiece was inspired by a vintage auction find, and its scale was deliberately amplified to create a significant visual impact. Flanking the table are Verner Panton Series 430 chairs, reupholstered in a vibrant Misia fabric.
Throughout the residence, lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing the atmosphere. Beyond the striking dining room fixture, notable luminaires include a ribbonlike Gaetano Sciolari pendant in the entry hall, an A-N-D Iris pendant resembling a giant orb in the breakfast room, and a conical Carlo Nason "Birillo" floor lamp in the family room. The family room itself features an artwork by Aurel K. Basedow, flanked by a pair of 1960s J.T. Kalmar Tulipan sconces. A custom sectional, upholstered in a Chase Erwin fabric, is complemented by custom suede throw pillows and a vintage Outrigger coffee table by John Keal.
Creating a Welcoming and Tranquil Atmosphere
Despite the presence of numerous statement pieces and a palpable sense of drama, Miller emphasized her desire for the home to function as a "tranquil" cocoon, a space that feels both luxurious and inviting. This intention is reflected in the choice of a bleached-walnut Versailles parquet floor and a palette of warm sienna, blush, and aubergine tones that permeate the various rooms. "I’ve been in situations where you walk into a place and it’s too stuffy and you feel like, oh, I don’t belong here," she stated. "I want anyone who comes into our home to feel like they are welcome, that they belong." This commitment to creating an inclusive and comfortable environment is a hallmark of the couple’s approach to their living spaces.
The transformation of this historic Manhattan town house represents a successful fusion of architectural preservation, contemporary design, and deeply personal expression. Patina Miller and David Mars have not only acquired a new residence but have meticulously crafted a sanctuary that reflects their shared passions, their growing family, and their appreciation for beauty and functionality in equal measure. The residence stands as a testament to their discerning taste and their ability to imbue a grand, historic space with warmth, personality, and an undeniable sense of belonging.