Pad proud: Patrick McMullan's posh spot

Celebrity photographer Patrick McMullan's candids of Hollywood royalty are plastered across magazines, newspapers, websites, just about everywhere - except the walls of the one-bedroom apartment on West 14th Street that he uses as a photography studio/entertaining venue.

In fact, you're more likely to find photographic evidence of other people's artistry hanging in the living room. One day, it might be Shepard Fairey's reproduction of a famous Keith Haring photo. Another day, it could be a portrait of President Barack Obama by famed fashion photographer Terry Richardson.

"I like to showcase other people's photography," McMullan said on a recent afternoon as he surveyed the pure white walls of the living room - his "blank canvas." "I celebrate other people. That's what I do as a photographer."

Niki Cheng, owner of eight BoConcept franchises in the city and New Jersey, designed the space for McMullan, who wanted it to be an evergreen, but constantly changing.

"He wanted a white box," Cheng said. "That way, he can easily change things."

And change it he does.

There's a screen that descends from the far corner of the ceiling - flanked by lights and tripods - which McMullan uses as a backdrop for photo shoots. But a video projector from the other end of the room can turn it into a movie screen, with Meridian speakers for theatrical sound.

With a dining table that extends to seat 22 people, McMullan can instantly morph the room from his workspace to his party spot. A sectional sofa from CB2 against one wall can seat a casting call of models - or be broken apart and reshaped for business meetings or lounging with friends.

"The whole apartment is designed around this chair," McMullan said. "It's classic but modern."

It was a gift from his friend, Geoffrey Bradfield, a well-known high-end interior designer who created the piece.
"I feel powerful in this chair," McMullan said.

The first thing McMullan did to the place was add a deck on the back, off the kitchen. "This is everything to me," he said. "This is where I get my day started."

He called it a "meeting ground" for him and his staff, a place to enjoy a cup of coffee, talk business or chit-chat.
"Everyone loves it out here," he added.

And you know what else is cool?

"Google is right there," he said, pointing to a building beyond the backyard.