Establishing her design firm in 1993, Sara Bengur, a prominent New York-based interior designer, has earned accolades for her exceptional work. With a portfolio ranging from Washington, D.C., to the French West Indies and her hometown of Istanbul, Bengur’s reputation in the industry is well-established. Intrigued by the New York Design Center’s Access to Design program, a platform connecting clients with designers, she decided to participate. Much to her surprise, the inaugural inquiry turned out to be from a celebrity, leading to an instant project acquisition.
In an unexpected turn of events, Michael C. Hall, renowned for his role as Dexter in the TV show of the same name, and his wife Morgan discovered Sara Bengur’s portfolio and reached out for design assistance. Expressing their desire for a space that exudes sophistication and playfulness with a vibrant touch of color, the Halls had recently relocated from the West Coast to a residence in the iconic El Dorado cooperative on Central Park West. Although initially attempting to decorate on their own, the couple soon found themselves overwhelmed during fabric and furniture searches, prompting them to seek Bengur’s expertise. The instant connection and shared laughter during their first meeting solidified the collaboration.
After a stint in the United Kingdom while Michael C. Hall was filming the Netflix series “Safe,” the couple developed an affinity for English country house decor. They aimed to infuse a similar aesthetic into their New York residence, a classic six apartment in the El Dorado. Enamored with the casual elegance, florals, layered design elements, and a love for vibrant colors, the Halls collaborated with Sara Bengur to experiment with various color combinations. Countless hours were spent on the living room floor surrounded by bags of samples and color swatches to achieve the desired look.
TOUR MICHAEL C. HALL’S COLOR-DRENCHED NYC APARTMENT BY SARA BENGUR
Entry Hall: 
In the entry hall, a vintage Italian console by Roberto Aloi stands beneath a pair of Ai Weiwei drawings over wooden stools from Clic Gallery. The vintage Hans Wegner chairs by Fritz Hansen add to the welcoming atmosphere.
Living Room: 
The living room features a custom Beauvais rug based on an antique Oushak design, setting the tone for the decor. Casement windows display a pair of photographs by Alejandra Laviada, and the vintage Murano cocktail table by Lunapark complements the walls painted in Benjamin Moore’s Wasabi.
Library: 
In the library, vintage Paul McCobb chairs surround a 1950s Italian table on a Tulu rug from Double Knot. Turquoise walls harmonize with custom millwork, and the custom sofa and curtains don fabrics by Missoni. The walls are painted in Aqua, and the millwork is in Cotton Blue, both by Ressource Paints.
Kitchen: 
The kitchen features a backsplash with tiles from Solar Antique Tiles, a vintage Stilux pendant, and Houtlander stools from Nested NY, creating a sleek and vibrant culinary space.
Dining Room: 
Vibrant pink pigment painting by Bill Kane contrasts with purple walls in the dining room. Vintage Richard Schultz chairs for Knoll, a Suzani, and Moroccan rug from Double Knot, along with unexpected art like “Kitty and Horse Fisherman” by Corey Arnold, contribute to the eclectic ambiance. The walls are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Amorous.
Overall Aesthetic: 
The apartment combines sophistication with playfulness, utilizing colors and patterns inspired by British country homes. The decor reflects the couple’s love for creative design elements layered over time, resulting in a comfortable and visually engaging living space.
The vibrant palette, featuring bold hues like pistachio, purple, and turquoise from Ressource Paints, might seem like the starting point for the project, but it was actually the last element addressed. Designer Sara Bengur follows a systematic approach, beginning with soft furnishings—rugs, upholstery, and furniture—before finalizing the color scheme. She commissioned statement rugs for the library and living room, drawing inspiration from Art Deco and antique Oushak patterns. The eclectic mix of furnishings includes reupholstered favorites and new acquisitions from Milan, Rome, and the U.K., incorporating vintage treasures like an Italian highboy by Roberto Aloi and an Erik Mattson cabinet from Sweden.
Michael C. Hall and his wife, Morgan, passionate art collectors, played a crucial role in the design process, infusing each space with carefully chosen artworks. Notable pieces include a Chinese abstract ink-brush painting by Lan Zhenghui above the fireplace and two drawings by Ai Weiwei in the hallway. The kitchen and bathrooms underwent extensive renovations, overseen by Amy Lopez-Cepero of Ampersand Architecture. Hall particularly appreciates the guest bath with its ceiling adorned in a Dorothy Draper tropical print, describing it as an “oasis within an oasis.” Despite Hall’s filming commitments, the couple remained actively involved in every decision, praising designer Sara Bengur’s collaborative spirit, expertise, and taste for achieving a remarkable result.
