R
obert Passal is one of a new—or perhaps ancient—
breed of decorator who curates as well as composes. Many
of his interiors are marked by the seamless integration of the
owners' art collections, which Passal has often had a hand in
acquiring and orchestrating. Passal does not merely hang a
perfunctory ornament
above the sofa, he
ensconces the sofa
beneath the art work;
at times, the latter
has primacy. Passal
is the decorator of
choice if you want to
live with art, with the
emphasis on living. He
is exquisitely aware
of how art serves to
distinguish a space
beyond mere good
taste, although his
extreme good taste
would suffice.
Passal's own apartment is his prototype for how to cohabit
with a large, eclectic array of works. The dining room/study
is his gallery, but this does not mean that Passal has given
short shrift to comfort. A capacious brown velvet banquette,
HYLAND
