For a new row house overlooking the Tappan Zee, designer Natalie Brown of Safavieh created a look that’s both relaxed and elegant.

Rustic wood, white upholstery and blueand-white accessories help to create a relaxed, coastal feel in this fourstory riverfront home.

A deep blue accent wall and a sunburst mirror draw the eye in the reading room. In the entrance hall

A glance out the window suggests you’re in Paris, where limestone facades topped by mansard roofs lead the eye down a boulevard to the banks of the Seine. But this “city” is of recent vintage, built on the site of an old Chevrolet plant in Tarrytown, New York, and that river at the end of the street is the Hudson.

Step inside one of these four-story townhouses, and you immediately understand the appeal of suburban townhome living, a trend that’s gaining momentum throughout the New York metro area. This unit is spacious and light-filled, packed with amenities and remarkably sound-proof. A private elevator makes the vertical layout easy to take. Not only are the river views fantastic, the train to Manhattan is a mere two-minute walk. “I thought I’d miss having a large yard,” says one of the homeowners, “but I sure don’t miss the maintenance, and everything our family needs is right here.”

The couple has a summer home in Montauk, and they wanted their new main residence to have the same coastal, if not quite so casual, look. Designer Natalie Brown from Safavieh’s Hartsdale store was happy to oblige. “I describe the design theme as a coastal chinoiserie. It works well here because of the Tappan Zee views and the abundance of natural light,” she explains. Using navy blue as the grounding color, Brown delivered, creating a suburban waterfront home that’s both relaxed and sophisticated.

A French Country bench, zebra rug and abstract painting provide a warm welcome.

The dining area is a study in symmetry, but the choice of furnishings give it a relaxed vibe.

In the living room, a bank of oversized windows and deep moldings add architectural interest, as does the street view of Parisianstyle facades. The choice of furniture—low, linear and uncluttered— enhance the sense of spaciousness.