The VNYL — New York, USA

This article details the seven-month-long gut renovation of Homepolish co-founder Will Nathan's 2,800-square-foot SoHo loft in New York City. New York-based designer Becky Shea led the transformation, aiming to create an industrial retreat that suited Nathan's bicoastal lifestyle and respected the building's early 20th-century landmark status. Shea, who shares an appreciation for history and architecture with Nathan, focused on organic modernism with industrial elements. The original loft was compartmentalized into seven small rooms. Shea's primary objective was to open up the space while maintaining the authentic SoHo design ethos. This led to the implementation of an open-floor plan, which significantly impacted the flow and functionality of the home. The kitchen, highlighted as one of Nathan's favorite areas, exemplifies this open concept with a large marble island, minimalist pendant lighting, and open shelving, contributing to an expansive feel. The master bedroom was designed to evoke a hotel-like serenity, with minimal furnishings including a low-profile bed, simple nightstands, and a basic rug that allows the wood flooring to stand out. A distinctive accent chair featuring a 1920s motif pays homage to Frank Lloyd Wright. A key feature of the master suite is a 15-by-8-foot dimmable glass wall separating the bedroom from the bathroom, which not only provides privacy but also showcases Shea's meticulous attention to detail. This glass, along with other elements throughout the home, was sourced to be American-made, specifically from an old factory in Detroit. The guest bedroom also benefits from the designer's efforts to maximize natural light, with changed windows to match the landmarked property's aesthetic and upgraded doors. Shea's design philosophy emphasized simplicity; for instance, the guest bedroom features a clothing rack instead of a full closet, a practical choice given Nathan's bicoastal living arrangement between Arizona and New York. Creative storage solutions are a hallmark of the loft's design. Shea ingeniously utilized space underneath the master bathroom floor for storing entertaining essentials and seasonal items. Another innovative storage feature is a 35-foot bench with a faux brick facade that runs across the living and dining areas, serving as both seating and concealed storage. An inviting sitting area was carved out of a small elevator vestibule, featuring a bench with an upholstered cushion from Stitchroom, a built-in bookcase, LVWood Hickory flooring, a NAFCO Studios table, and a black and white photograph from one of Shea's trips to Amsterdam. Both Nathan and Shea expressed satisfaction with the outcome, appreciating the open-concept design that encourages versatile furniture placement and unconventional spatial thinking. #SoHoLoft #IndustrialDesign #OpenConceptLiving #BeckyShea #Homepolish #OrganicModernism #InteriorRenovation #NewYorkCity #CustomStorage #AmericanMade

Llama Inn, a 65-seat Peruvian restaurant in Williamsburg, New York, is the brainchild of chef Erik Ramirez. Inspired by a trip to Peru and his family heritage, Ramirez, formerly a sous chef at Eleven Madison Park, opened Llama Inn to offer authentic Peruvian cuisine. The restaurant is situated in a vibrant, redeveloped part of Williamsburg's north side, an area that has seen an influx of new residential buildings and commercial establishments, transforming it from a once-sleepy neighborhood into a bustling hub. The restaurant's interior, designed by JFD Studio, contributes significantly to its lively atmosphere. It features overhead shelving adorned with a variety of tropical plants, creating a lush and inviting environment. Local artist Betil Dagdelen contributed decorative textiles, which were custom-commissioned for the space. These textiles, crafted using traditional Andean weaving and knotting techniques, add an authentic cultural touch and visual interest to the decor, reflecting the Peruvian theme of the restaurant. The menu at Llama Inn is celebrated for its inventiveness and bold flavors. Dishes such as quinoa with banana, avocado, and bacon, and red snapper tiradito prepared with persimmon, yuzu, and ginger, showcase Ramirez's creative approach to Peruvian cuisine. These unique combinations aim to surprise and delight diners, offering a fresh take on traditional ingredients and preparations. The culinary offerings are a central draw, complementing the vibrant ambiance. Beyond the food, Llama Inn is known for its unstuffy and welcoming atmosphere, designed to evoke the feeling of a corner barrio bar. This relaxed yet lively setting contributes to its popularity, with the restaurant consistently packed every night. Patrons seeking an immersive experience can opt for a seat at the chef's counter, providing a direct view of the kitchen operations and allowing them to witness the culinary artistry firsthand. For those looking for a refreshing drink, the Llama Del Rey is a standout offering. This pisco-based cocktail, described as a not-too-sweet, sangria-like concoction, is available on draft, adding to the restaurant's unique beverage program. During warmer months, Llama Inn expands its appeal with a newly added rooftop lounge, offering an additional space for guests to relax and enjoy their experience. The combination of distinctive decor, innovative cuisine, and a friendly, energetic atmosphere makes Llama Inn a prominent dining destination in New York. #LlamaInn #PeruvianCuisine #WilliamsburgRestaurants #NewYorkDining #ChefErikRamirez #RestaurantDesign #AndeanTextiles #RooftopLounge #CocktailCulture

The article details the collaborative effort between Brooklyn-based architecture firm Worrell Yeung and cooperative gallery and design studio Colony to renovate a 3,000-square-foot historic loft overlooking Union Square in New York City. The project aimed to transform the triangular-shaped space into a contemporary residence suitable for homeowners, including a concert violinist, and also function as a recital venue for entertaining guests. The loft, which occupies an entire floor, was revitalized by Worrell Yeung, focusing on its fundamental geometries and classic materials. Worrell Yeung initiated the renovation by exploring strategies that emphasized the loft's distinct characteristics and preserved original elements. A key aspect of the design involved creating unique volumes to define spaces within the open layout, such as a custom metal screen and bookcase near the front door and a circular bathroom. The renovation optimized the space to offer unobstructed views from the 14 northwest-facing windows, resulting in a light-filled open loft environment. The design team aimed to enhance the existing structure rather than completely redesigning it, focusing on subtle yet impactful changes. Following Worrell Yeung's architectural design, Colony, led by founder and creative director Jean Lin, took charge of elevating the interior through carefully selected textures, patterns, and colors. Lin emphasized creating an elegant home by layering textures, colors, and comfort, ensuring these elements complemented the loft's open nature while adding personalized touches. The collaboration aimed to bridge the gap between monumental architectural design and the intimate signatures of a home. The furnishing choices reflect both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The living area, designed to accommodate musical recitals, features substantial seating arrangements. These include a moss green Bristol Sofa by Poliform, a Gentry Sofa by Moroso, and a Seal Chair by Brdr Petersen, all strategically placed around a circular Lania Rug by Woven, near a Mason & Hamlin grand piano. These pieces were selected to provide comfort for guests and complement the expansive feel of the space. A multifunctional den was incorporated into the design, offering flexibility as a home office or a more private space. This den can be closed off using sliding metal and glass doors, which discreetly recede behind the entryway bookshelf when open. The den features a black desk paired with a Wishbone Chair by Carl Hansen, blending functionality with modern design. The private areas of the loft are accessed via a hallway, where a cylindrical powder room is a notable feature. The powder room's interior is adorned with sage Mutina Biscuit ceramic tiles and a single slab of forest green Cipollino Apuano on the floor, providing a striking visual and textural contrast. The main bedroom, situated at the narrow end of the triangular layout, is furnished with a green Dubois Bed by De La Espada, flanked by smoked glass Crux Pendant Lights by Allied Maker. Tonal Precipice – Alpamayo wallpaper by Flat Vernacular adds further texture to the walls, creating a serene and sophisticated atmosphere. The primary bathroom continues the theme of refined details, featuring a curved shower wall clad in white Mutina Biscuit ceramic tiles. The second bedroom, serving as both an office and a rehearsal space, includes a striped Arc Lounge Chair by Moving Mountains and Coven Wallpaper by Maison C, contributing to its dual-purpose functionality and artistic ambiance. This project marks the second collaboration between Worrell Yeung and Colony, highlighting their evolving design vernacular and their commitment to pushing the boundaries between architecture, interior design, and furniture, while prioritizing the client's needs and creating a truly bespoke home. #LoftTransformation #NewYorkCityLoft #WorrellYeung #ColonyDesign #InteriorDesign #HistoricRenovation #ContemporaryResidence #UnionSquare #ArchitecturalRenovation