A Forever Home in the Heart of Manhattan: Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos’ Upper East Side Townhouse
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, the dynamic duo of daytime television, have found their sanctuary amidst the bustling energy of New York City’s Upper East Side. Their five-bedroom, six-bathroom townhouse, purchased in 2013, has been meticulously transformed into a haven that reflects their individual tastes and celebrates their shared life. Working closely with renowned designer William Sofield, they have curated a space that seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern sophistication, creating what Ripa affectionately calls her "forever home." The townhouse isn’t just a residence; it’s a testament to their enduring love, family bonds, and evolving aesthetic sensibilities.
The tour of their home begins in Consuelos’ personal retreat, a cigar lounge that embodies a unique blend of 1970s New York cool and 1920s Parisian elegance. Dark walls, a plush black leather couch, and striking photographs of Formula 1 cars set the stage for an atmosphere of masculine refinement. A state-of-the-art ventilation system ensures that the lingering scent of cigars doesn’t permeate the rest of the house, making the lounge an ideal setting for both intimate gatherings and lively cocktail parties. This carefully designed space caters to Consuelos’ passion for cigars while remaining a welcoming and functional area for social events.
In stark contrast to the dark hues of the cigar lounge, the couple’s bedroom serves as a tranquil oasis bathed in natural light. White walls and light-colored furniture create a serene and airy ambiance, reminiscent of a luxurious European hotel. This is Ripa’s favorite room in the house, a space where she finds solace and inspiration. It was here, at a desk by the window, that she penned her 2022 memoir, "Live Wire: Long-Winded Short Stories," a testament to the room’s calming and productive energy. The worn-out chair, a casualty of countless hours spent writing, has since been reupholstered, a tangible reminder of the creative energy that permeates this space.
While their three children – Michael, Lola, and Joaquin – have grown and flown the nest, their presence remains palpable throughout the home. Their childhood bedrooms remain untouched, preserved as time capsules of their younger years. This conscious decision speaks volumes about the importance of family in the Ripa-Consuelos household. It’s a testament to their close-knit bond and the enduring memories created within those walls. Further solidifying this familial connection are three large-scale portraits of each child’s iris, painted by artist Marc Quinn, hanging in the hallway outside the master bedroom. These captivating works of art serve as a constant reminder of their children, their unique identities, and the unwavering love that binds them.
The heart of the home, the spacious kitchen, pulsates with warmth and activity. It’s the scene of countless family gatherings and lively dinners with friends, particularly their cherished Sunday Chinese food feasts. A hidden lazy Susan in the center of the dining room table facilitates the sharing of dishes, a testament to their love of communal dining and effortless entertaining. Ripa playfully refers to herself as "lazier than most Susans," highlighting the practicality and conviviality that this feature brings to their gatherings. The kitchen itself is a testament to the couple’s evolving design preferences, showcasing their appreciation for both function and aesthetics.
The kitchen’s design reflects a collaborative effort between the couple and Sofield. Consuelos personally visited quarries with Sofield to select the perfect white stone for the kitchen island’s countertop, a testament to his growing engagement with interior design. The "not quite opaque, mildly translucent cabinets" offer a glimpse into the organized world within, while simultaneously adding a touch of intrigue. Consuelos’ appreciation for the elegant white plastered range hood, which transforms a utilitarian appliance into a work of art, demonstrates his evolving aesthetic sensibilities. Ripa playfully attributes this shift in taste to their move uptown, suggesting it has "turned him into a gentleman."
This townhouse isn’t just a collection of rooms; it’s a reflection of the couple’s shared journey. The thoughtful design choices, from the intimate cigar lounge to the light-filled master bedroom, and the preserved children’s rooms, speak to their individual personalities and shared values. The bustling kitchen, the heart of the home, embodies their love of family and friends, while the carefully curated art and décor throughout the house showcase their evolving aesthetic sensibilities. This Upper East Side townhouse is more than just a home; it’s a testament to their enduring love story, their strong family bonds, and their shared appreciation for beauty and comfort. It is, as Ripa declares, their "forever home," a sanctuary in the heart of Manhattan.
