2BR on the Upper West Side

Artist David Michalek and dancer Wendy Whelan’s home demonstrates the age-old decorating maxim: It’s all in the mix. In this lofty abode, East meets West, high meets low, custom meets off-the-shelf, and new meets very old. Whelan has lived in the two-bedroom, two-bath apartment for 15 years, and Michalek “migrated in,” as he puts it, in 2004. Combining their belongings was surprisingly easy: His earthy, California vibe complemented her flea-market-chic aesthetic perfectly. “He brought more nature into my realm,” adds Whelan, noting how Michalek even had the polyurethaned floors stripped and then waxed to reveal the wood’s natural beauty.

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Design Within Reach (341 Columbus Ave at 76th St; 212-799-5900, dwr.com)
When Michalek and Whelan got engaged, they asked for gift certificates for this store, in lieu of setting up a traditional wedding registry.

Gotham Gardens (325 Amsterdam between 75th and 76th Sts; 212-877-8909, gothamgardens.com)
The couple purchases their plants and floral decor here.

Frames for You (136 W 72nd St between Columbus and Amsterdam Aves; 212-874-2337, framesforyounyc.com)
“We have all of our framing done here,” says Whelan. “David is always in there, deciding on the frames for our artwork.” The shop offers ready-made frames in two sizes (5"x7" and 8"x10") and customizable options in just about any material and size.

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