An 18-inch porcelain figure presides within the living room. The sculpture was purchased at Pearl River Mart, a SoHo department shop that specializes in Chinese goods. "Only in a town like New York do you have access to numerous pieces, so many one-of-a-kind bits and rare finds," says Vern.
A 100-year-old Lebanese rug adds a graphic element that Vern finds attractive. "It's a crude quality which makes it more sophisticated," he says. "It has soul, and it has depth and you can't necessarily get that same depth in a rug that is new."
Two recycled aluminum side tables lend a hint of warmth. "They've a built-in stain resistance with their metal surfaces, thus removing the need for coasters," says Vern. "They are also easy to move when you want the couch to slip out and have a reflective surface which helps extend the visual plane."
"Books populate the whole unit," says Vern, that picked titles that celebrate New York, its own history and culture. "I collected them all throughout the journey," adds Vern, who snatched up novels while he shopped for additional apartment furnishings.
Flooded with daylight, the flat requires few light fittings besides desk lamps that Vern purchased at Haus Interior. "The shop is run by a woman who is up and coming from the area of design," says Vern. "She has limited square footage, but everything in her shop is carefully thought out."
An Italian-made sofa, upholstered in charcoal gray, converts into a chaise. "I really like the low lines of it along with the polished chrome legs," says Vern. "It's a great looking couch. The simple fact that it's added capabilities is just fantastic."
The couch converts to a bed, ideal for overnight quests. Vern, whose own one-bedroom New York City apartment comes with a sleeper couch, considered it a must-have. "It's so critical in New York to have things which in fact serve several purposes," he says.
A leather chaise, bought at Oly in Tribeca, serves as both seats for business and a place to relax and enjoy the view. "I can envision someone lying on this chaise longue and reading the Sunday New York Times or taking a rest, falling asleep to the views of the Statue of Liberty and the Hudson River," says Vern.
Vern topped the chaise with a baby alpaca wool throw blanket and Olympus field binoculars. "You can just waste away your day, looking at the ships going by," says Vern.
When entertaining guests, the party can easily spill in the kitchen and dining room into the living space. Additional seating is provided by window chairs.
Walls of windows offer a bird's-eye view of the southern tip of Manhattan. The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island along with the UNICEF Headquarters building (a nonprofit organization near and dear to Vern's heart) are one of the historical landmarks visible from HGTV Urban Oasis.
"Those are among the most crucial items in the whole unit to me," says Vern of candle shots he put in the corner of this room. Vern decorated the landmark Cipriani for the 2009 UNICEF Snowflake Ball, an iconic New York City event, and integrated the accessories into table configurations. "All those faces are faces of kids UNICEF has helped," he adds.
Purchased in a store on the Upper East Side, a circa-1970s glass and chrome pub cart doubles as an end table in the living space. Vern appreciates its dual function. "I simply think it's so good looking," he states.
A iron figurine, seen and snatched up in the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market, stands guard over the living area. "I love the nature of it along with the patina of this," says Vern. "To me, it felt so authentically New York."
A driftwood mirror, set under the console, balances the room's industrial-style features. "It's an organic quality to it," says Vern. "It is about balancing out the overall aesthetic."
HGTV Urban Oasis combines luxury with the most recent technology. A Samsung 3D Blu-ray Disc Player features 3D capacities and brings online content into the TV display via web-connected Samsung software.
The winner of HGTV Urban Oasis 2010 will obtain a Samsung Starter Kit which includes two pairs of 3D Shutter eyeglasses along with a Monsters Aliens 3D Blu-ray movie disc.
Escaping Elephants, a shameful photograph by artist Matthew Pillsbury, makes a statement in the living area. Pillsbury, that specializes in long-exposure photography, captured a late night image of dioramas in the Museum of Natural History, located near Central Park. "If you look closely in the bottom right corner you will understand the subtle outline of a security guard who was making his rounds at that space," says Vern. "It's mysterious and ethereal -- I love that quality relating to this picture."
Proving that small spaces can indeed be lavish, Vern sprinkled the living room with opulent touches, such as velvet and wool-blend felt pillows.
A wrought-iron flag brace, circa early 1900s, holds court in a far corner of the flat. The rusted artifact, rescued from a construction scheduled to be demolished, finds new life for a candle sconce. "It has such unbelievable, beautiful detail," says Vern.
Contemporary Asian-style ceramic dinnerware and bottles of IZZE sparkling juice invite guests to sit back and relax. Vern served up color in small dollops to maintain all eyes focused on the spectacular viewpoints.
A Deco-style three-tiered side table complements wire-brushed walnut floors. "The wood flooring has depth and warmth, and that I desired that at the unit," says Vern. "I needed it to feel as though it was a home."
The apartment takes on added glamour as the sun sets along with the huge lights of town glow in the night sky.
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