Daphne Javitch and Pali Xisto Cornelsen: the coolest couple on the lower east side

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SOFA CUSTOM DESIGN by Pali of reclaimed pine and linen from La Madrid COFFEE TABLE Repurposed from a trestle barn table from John Derian RUG Natural Hemp Carpet by Michael Trapp $825 michael-trapp.myshopify.com BENCH Thick Topped Weathered Teak Long Bench by Michael Trapp $485 michael-trapp.myshopify.com CHAIR Pierre Jeanneret from Chandigarh Project

Domino contributor Frances Tulk-Hart explores life, love, and sharing a home.

photography and words by    FRANCES TULK-HART

The Girl:

Daphne Javitch

, a holistic lifestyle guide

The Guy:

Pali Xisto Cornelsen, an interior & furniture designer

The Place:

Their Lower East Side apartment

What’s your love story so far?


It’s a romantic dramedy.

How many years together?


We met in 2010…

First item you bought together?


Our sofa. Pali was living in Milan and designed it remotely.

Dream item you want to buy?

Pali: A Rothko painting. Daphne: An infrared sauna. 

Favorite room in the house?


Pali: We spend most of the time in the kitchen.  Daphne: But I love the bathroom.

THEIR STYLE STORY

“Our design approach has been very collaborative,” says Javitch. “Before Pali moved in, all the books were lined up against the wall in piles. It was cool looking but impossible to access. So he designed the credenza and placed it exactly where I had the books lined up in the first place; in a way he was just completing my thought and elevating it at the same time. For seating I used to have a slipcovered sofa and a daybed, but they didn’t work well together and the space didn’t feel right, so Pali designed a large-scale custom sofa, which is a hit among our friends who love to spend the night. My old sawhorse dining table top was repurposed and is now our coffee table, to go along with the sofa. On a recent trip we found the most amazing linens from a weaver in Oaxaca, Mexico, and we just bought a much-needed Børge Mogensen lounge chair, but it hasn’t arrived yet. Our individual tastes complement each other very well; the more we do together, the more we realize that. Our apartment is a work in progress!”

HOW DO YOU DESIGN YOUR INTERIORS; IS IT A JOINT PROJECT?

“PALI HAS IDEAS, I SHUT THEM DOWN AND THEN AGREE WITH HIM 1-3 MONTHS LATER.”

“SHE REFINES MY IDEAS; IT’S A COLLABORATION.”

TABLE Prototype marble table with Douglas Fir base designed by Pali LAMP Scandinavian Light Fixture in Teak and Rope by Fog & Morup1stdibs.com CHAIRS “Les Arcs” Leather Side Chair by Charlotte Perriand 1stdibs.com

WHAT MOOD ARE YOU TRYING TO ACHIEVE AT HOME?

“SEINFELD VIBES.”

Favorite objects and why? What’s their history to you? 


We have an Italian Stilnovo lamp from the ‘50s, a cool eBay find. And the sofa has a chic reputation, but we’ve slept a family of four on it.

What places have you traveled that inspire your interiors? 


Oaxaca, Antwerp, Brazil. 

Home is? 


Our favorite place. 

Do you entertain at home?


So much. Sometimes we’re not even here when it happens.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR HOME?

“THE LIGHT, THE EASE, THE AIRINESS. IT FEELS LIKE VACATION.”