The Insider: Gallery Wall, Global Textiles Bring Bohemian Flair to Heights Rental

This article details the transformation of a previously raw, 1,200-square-foot loft space in Prospect Heights into a warm and inviting home, masterminded by interior designer Casey DeBois. The tenants, Geoffrey Lewis, a product developer for a real-estate tech firm, and Tze Chun, founder of the online art gallery Uprise Art, were drawn to the space's potential, particularly its expansive brick wall and oversized skylights, despite its initially terrifying appearance with temporary walls. The building owner agreed to remove most of these partitions, leaving only one wall on the lower level to create a private bedroom area. Debois, an alumna of the Fashion Institute of Technology with experience in designing both offices and residences across New York and California, faced the challenge of organizing the large, open space to prevent it from feeling cluttered while ensuring a harmonious flow. Her solution involved defining distinct areas through the strategic placement of area rugs, furniture, and art. The upper level encompasses the living, kitchen, and dining areas, while a few steps down lead to a den/TV space, two home offices, and the bedroom at the rear. To enhance the display of art, a crucial element given Tze Chun's background, the walls were painted Benjamin Moore's Simply White. Debois noted the space's gallery-like qualities due to its high ceilings, large walls, and abundant natural light from the skylights. The couple, having moved from a smaller West Village apartment, brought only a few pieces of furniture, necessitating the acquisition of mostly new or vintage furnishings. The design incorporates casual and quirky elements to add warmth, such as mismatched dining chairs, a diverse collection of artworks, and pineapple-patterned wallpaper from Hygge & West on the stair risers. An entry foyer was established near the front door with a bench and wall hooks, with the sofa back serving to delineate the entry from the living area. A neutral fringed rug from Pottery Barn anchors the living space, allowing vibrant accents like pillows, accessories, and art, including an abstract piece by Erin Lynn Welsh, to stand out. Uprise Art managed the installation of all artwork throughout the loft, and a modernist Wassily chair was sourced from Krrb. The kitchen, originally lacking in storage and counter space, was improved with the addition of a cabinet featuring a butcher block top for prep and storage, open shelving above, and a repurposed bookcase. The dining area features mismatched chairs from various sources like Craigslist and Furnish It Green, complementing a simple wooden table. The lower-level den/TV area showcases a salon-style art wall and a Moroccan rug from nuLOOM, providing a cozy ambiance. A leather sling chair from Urban Outfitters and a wood console from West Elm complete this space. In the bedroom, sheer curtains and white bedding soften the industrial aesthetic, with custom side tables from Brooklyn-based urbangreen completing the setup. The project highlights a successful integration of art and functional design within an industrial loft setting. #InteriorDesign #LoftConversion #ProspectHeights #CaseyDeBois #UpriseArt #VintageFurniture #ArtDisplay #Renovation #BrooklynHome #SpacePlanning

The latest collection from Arte, named L’invite, draws inspiration from French Haute Couture and fashion, offering a sophisticated range of wallcoverings. This collection, showcased at HIX, features six distinct designs that blend geometric patterns, Greek scenes, and elegant plain textures. L’invite adopts a neoclassical style, presenting a modern color palette that includes soft pastels, deep blues, vibrant greens, and various earthy tones. These designs ingeniously imitate natural textiles and textures, such as rattan, delicate lace, intricately woven paper, and traditional French Toile de Jouy. Crafted for both aesthetic appeal and practicality, the L’invite collection is designed to be washable, lightfast, and highly durable. These non-woven wallcoverings are suitable for both residential and commercial applications, particularly in areas with high foot traffic. A notable characteristic of the collection is its ability to create a trompe l’oeil effect, where each design appears layered and texturally rich. This gives the illusion of tactile elements like lace, natural fibers, rattan, and woven jacquard patterns, all contributing to a dynamic interplay of color and subtle light and shadow. Among the featured designs is ‘Le Sommet,’ a playful zigzag pattern that aims to evoke a sense of height and elegance through geometric motifs inspired by various global cultures. Its color options range from muted natural shades to bold blues and deep reds. ‘Le Papier Tissé’ is another design, capturing the intricate patterns found in woven paper. It highlights the fine structure of paper strips and natural fibers, with linear details providing subtle color nuances and delicate textural interest. This design is available in a soft palette of natural hues including lavender, pistachio, honey, and eggshell. ‘Le Rotin’ offers a convincing imitation of natural rattan with a tone-on-tone pattern, blending a contemporary hand-woven aesthetic with a hint of nostalgia. The design incorporates imperfect variegation of fibers, creating a nuanced play of light and dark shadows, which is further enhanced by the colored background. ‘Le Mythe’ transports viewers to the rich historical landscapes of ancient Greece, featuring stately temples and mythical narratives. This monochrome design reinterprets French Toile de Jouy, replicating its detailed, romantic fabric print on wallpaper. ‘Le Prestige’ embodies luxury with its layered patterned design, drawing inspiration from lace and jacquard woven textiles. Despite its delicate appearance, this design is durable and hardwearing, achieving a balance between elegance and resilience. It incorporates small, geometric shapes combined with relief inks. Finally, ‘L’Extase’ features intricate, closed geometric shapes in a mobile pattern, reminiscent of fine lace, instantly conveying a sense of luxury. Arte is recognized as a recommended supplier and frequently contributes to supplier news in the industry. #Wallcoverings #HotelDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryDecor #HauteCoutureInspiration #TextileInnovation #HIXEvent #ArteInternational

Bella Mancini of Bella Mancini Design undertook the task of furnishing a nearly 3,500-square-foot loft in Dumbo, Brooklyn, for a family of four. The objective was to create a space that offered serenity at the day's end while also accommodating frequent entertaining. The loft, situated in a former industrial building, already possessed significant character with its natural wood columns, exposed brick walls, and floor-to-ceiling windows. High-end white oak floors and a new developer's kitchen were also existing features, meaning Mancini's focus was primarily on furniture, custom millwork, lighting, paint, wallpaper, and soft furnishings. The design process was heavily influenced by the clients' lifestyle. With two preteen daughters, a husband who works from home, and a wife with demanding hours, the need for both relaxation and functionality was paramount. The couple's enjoyment of entertaining also played a crucial role in the layout and furnishing choices. This led to the establishment of two distinct dining areas: a casual space near the large windows featuring an Eero Saarinen tulip table, wicker chairs, and a custom banquette that doubles as a desk, and a more formal dining setup elsewhere in the loft. The open kitchen and living area, centrally located, were designed for fluid movement and informal gatherings, encouraging guests to choose any available seat rather than adhering to a formal dining structure. Mancini aimed to infuse a relaxed, breezy Californian aesthetic into the New York setting. However, acknowledging the clients' British background and their Hamptons home's English country style, some glamorous and sparkly touches were incorporated to satisfy their preference for a slightly dressier city environment. The kitchen, visible upon entry, features a dropped ceiling painted in Farrow & Ball's Downpipe to conceal wiring, with Louis Poulsen glass globe pendants illuminating the island. The foyer is anchored by a vintage Scandinavian piece, setting an immediate tone for the home's curated style. Custom elements are prevalent throughout the loft, such as the banquette in the casual dining area, which is also painted in Farrow & Ball's Downpipe, a dark gray used in multiple spaces. The living area showcases a sophisticated and unconventional color palette, including a pink Chesterfield sofa complemented by vintage ochre and gray armchairs, with two coffee tables sourced from Jayson Home. The formal dining area is defined by pink grasscloth wall covering, featuring chrome Breuer chairs from Knoll upholstered in durable mohair, surrounding a wood table from the Danish Design Store. A custom-designed credenza by Mancini further enhances this space. The powder room received a facelift with Ellie Cashman floral wallpaper, an Apparatus light fixture, and a vanity painted in Farrow & Ball's Dead Salmon. The daughters' rooms also feature personalized designs, such as tie-dyed wallpaper from Donghia and canopy beds, alongside custom-built desks and bookshelves designed by Mancini. The master bedroom includes nightstands from Lawson Fenning, a whimsical side table from Artemest, and a chaise lounge from Gubi, with Italian garment-dyed linens from Society Limonata at ABC Carpet & Home. These design choices collectively create a functional, stylish, and comfortable environment tailored to the family's needs and aesthetic preferences. #BellaMancini #BellaManciniDesign #InteriorDesign #LoftDesign #OpenPlanLiving #DumboBrooklyn #CustomMillwork #ResidentialInteriors

Nidhi Kapur, the founder of Maiden Home, established the brand in 2017 to address a perceived gap in the modern home decor market. Her experience furnishing her first home revealed a prevalence of generic designs and subpar craftsmanship among large retailers. Leveraging her technology background, Kapur aimed to offer sophisticated yet affordably priced furnishings directly to consumers. Maiden Home sources its products from artisans in North Carolina, focusing on quality and distinctive design. The direct-to-consumer (DTC) model enables the brand to maintain competitive pricing while delivering high-end aesthetics. In the summer of 2022, Maiden Home launched Tribeca House, a temporary pop-up experience in New York. This initiative aimed to provide clients with a tangible interaction with the brand's aesthetic and demonstrate how Maiden Home's curated approach could be integrated into their personal living spaces. The pop-up was situated in a two-story, 2,500-square-foot loft, offering ample space to showcase a selection of items from the brand's summer 2022 collection. The layout and presentation at Tribeca House were designed to inspire visitors and offer fresh perspectives on contemporary home styling. The featured pieces at Tribeca House included several key designs from the summer 2022 collection. Among these was the minimalist Mulberry ottoman, characterized by its clean lines and functional design, reflecting a blend of modern simplicity and practicality. Another highlight was the Kenmare chair, crafted from ash wood and upholstered in a white tweed fabric, emphasizing texture and natural materials. The Vestry nesting tables also garnered attention; this pair of tables featured asymmetrical forms and were constructed from domestically sourced red oak, showcasing the brand's commitment to quality materials and unique design elements. The pop-up aimed to illustrate the brand's 'collected home mindset,' encouraging customers to view furnishings as cohesive elements that contribute to a unified and sophisticated living environment. By presenting these items in a curated physical space, Maiden Home sought to bridge the gap between online browsing and the tactile experience of selecting home decor. The initiative reinforced the brand's dedication to providing accessible, high-quality modern furnishings that prioritize both design and craftsmanship. While Tribeca House was a temporary installation designed to engage customers and introduce new collections, Maiden Home's core philosophy emphasizes the enduring nature of its products. The brand's focus on timeless design, durable materials, and expert craftsmanship ensures that its furniture is intended for long-term use, contrasting with the fleeting trends often associated with mass-produced items. This commitment to longevity is a central tenet of Maiden Home's identity, promising pieces that will remain relevant and cherished in customers' homes for years to come. #MaidenHome #HomeDecor #NewYorkPopUp #ModernFurnishings #DirectToConsumer #InteriorDesign #FurnitureDesign #ArtisanCraftsmanship

This blog post highlights a unique studio apartment located at 400 West 12th Street in the Superior Ink condo building, West Village, New York City, currently listed for $2.3 million. The 943-square-foot residence, described as a “zen suite,” features an interior meticulously designed with a focus on luxury, custom elements, and smart home technology. The apartment's aesthetic is characterized by a blend of natural materials and contemporary finishes, creating a tranquil and sophisticated living space. The entrance to the home features a narrow hallway adorned with leather walls, artistic displays, and subtle light coves. This hallway provides access to essential amenities including a full bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a washer/dryer closet. A smaller closet ingeniously houses a Savant smart home system, allowing for integrated control of the apartment's various functions. The bathroom itself is a showcase of modern design, featuring heated travertine floors, a limed oak vanity topped with white Quartzite, a spacious walk-in shower with a teak floor, and a separate water closet, emphasizing both comfort and style. The kitchen area is equipped with white Quartzite counters, a distinctive blue-vein Cipolino marble backsplash, a Sub-zero refrigerator, and stainless-steel Viking appliances, indicating a high-end culinary setup. Adjacent to the kitchen is a bedroom alcove, which has been reconfigured into a custom dressing room surrounded by built-in closets, catering specifically to individuals with a significant wardrobe. Both the kitchen and the dressing room can be privately enclosed using hand-carved sliding doors imported from Bali, adding an exotic touch to the interior. The main living space is accessed via a hallway lined with architectural mirrors. The bed area is distinguished by a white leather headboard and a coordinating footboard that cleverly conceals a custom television lift. The room offers ample space for a separate sitting area and features Shagreen counters, grasscloth walls, and large south-facing windows that fill the space with natural light. The apartment boasts 10-foot ceilings throughout, Morado wood floors, custom light fixtures, a built-in audio system, and electronic drapes, sheers, and shades, enhancing the luxurious feel. The Superior Ink condo, built in 2010 and designed by Robert A.M. Stern, is LEED-certified, underscoring its commitment to environmental sustainability. Its prime location offers residents convenient access to Hudson River Park, the High Line, the Whitney Museum, and other cultural attractions within the West Village. The building also provides a range of amenities, including a residents’ lounge, a screening room, a fitness center with a pilates/yoga room, a playroom, and 24-hour concierge and doorman services, ensuring a comprehensive luxury living experience. #WestVillage #StudioApartment #LuxuryRealEstate #SuperiorInkCondo #InteriorDesign #SmartHome #Fashionista #NewYorkCity #RobertAMStern

The article details a design project undertaken by Emma Beryl Kemper of Emma Beryl, a New York City design studio, to transform a two-bedroom Greenpoint duplex. The condo, originally created from a storefront in a vintage row house approximately a decade prior, was characterized by a cold, "cookie-cutter" aesthetic and lacked personalized touches for the young family residing there. The primary objective of the renovation was to infuse warmth and character into the space, making it feel more like a home, and to significantly enhance its functionality. One of the initial challenges involved the original kitchen, which featured only a single wall of cabinetry and an island. Beryl reconfigured this area, adding a wine bar with a glass cabinet to create a smoother transition between the functional kitchen space and the open living room, integrating it more effectively with the adjacent dining area. Beyond the kitchen, the project focused on maximizing storage throughout the duplex. This included reconfiguring the upstairs bathroom and adding a shower to the downstairs powder room, thereby converting it into a full bath. Custom built-ins were designed for an awkward downstairs room, which served the dual purpose of concealing plumbing pipes and creating a cozy nursery for the family. To achieve the desired warmth and character, the design incorporated vintage pieces, hand-painted tiles, and a selection of specific furnishings and materials. Manhattan-based Jan Renovations carried out all the new construction work, including custom millwork. In the open living room, a vintage rug from ABC Carpet, a grasscloth-covered media unit, and a new sofa from Restoration Hardware were combined with the clients' existing coffee table and chairs. The floor-to-ceiling storefront windows, which made the living room feel exposed, were addressed by adding a built-in window seat with integrated storage, creating a barrier and softening the space with curtains. A custom-built narrow bookcase in the corner was installed to hide wires. The dining area features a built-in banquette that conceals a steel rail for the downstairs staircase, also providing additional storage. Rejuvenation chairs accompany a wooden farmhouse-style table, complemented by a West Elm chandelier. A wooden desk from Restoration Hardware is positioned alongside the dining area. The kitchen was enlarged while maintaining its general location, featuring a contrast of white upper cabinets and open shelves with dark navy lower cabinetry. Carrara marble countertops and handmade tiles on the backsplash were significant upgrades. The master bedroom, being small, was designed to maximize openness, with custom floating nightstands and walls painted in a moody dark hue. Lutron shades were installed for privacy on the frosted storefront windows. The door to the upstairs bathroom was relocated to the front entry, necessitating a complete change in the room's footprint. The bathroom's color scheme aligns with the kitchen and master bedroom, incorporating patterned floor tiles from Tabarka Studio and custom-made wall tiles to match the blue in the flooring. A Restoration Hardware vanity and Cedar & Moss sconce completed the new bathroom. On the lower level, a custom-built angled closet provides linen and coat storage. The downstairs nursery features a bi-level window seat, a long wall of storage, and a floor-to-ceiling closet, all custom-built from lacquered wood to conceal mechanicals while allowing access. Distinctive wallpaper from Hygge & West and Dwell Studio baby furnishings enhance the space. A shower was added to the downstairs bathroom by utilizing space beneath the staircase, with a sink from Restoration Hardware and floor tile from Wayfair. The article also mentions the availability of before-and-after photos to illustrate the transformation. #InteriorDesign #Greenpoint #CondoRenovation #EmmaBeryl #CustomMillwork #BrooklynDesign #HomeTransformation

Casey Neistat, a YouTube vlogger known for his dynamic, fast-paced content, and Candice Pool, founder of the fine jewelry companies Billy! and Finn, have created an urban sanctuary in their high-rise Battery Park City apartment. Eschewing the typical chaotic loft living often associated with creative New Yorkers, the couple sought to establish a tranquil, homey environment that contrasts sharply with Neistat's bustling SoHo office. Their goal was to find a suburban-like peace within the city's confines, a desire that became increasingly important as they grew their family. Working with New York City-based designer Daun Curry, who had previously designed showrooms for Pool’s jewelry brands, Neistat and Pool transformed their three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath apartment into a serene retreat. The couple explicitly wanted to avoid a stark, impersonal 'white box' aesthetic, which Pool, a former West Village resident, found unappealing. Curry addressed this by introducing dynamic layers and a sense of history into the modern condo space. One notable design choice was the application of matte-black wainscoting and painting everything below the window sills in the same dark shade. This technique visually grounds the space, drawing attention to the apartment's expansive views of the Hudson River while creating an illusion of depth and lowering the perceived floor level. The interior design adopted a 'Bohemian Aristocrat' theme, characterized by a 'laid-back luxe' aesthetic. The living room, for instance, features a large, comfortable Belgian linen sofa from Restoration Hardware, adorned with embroidered textiles from ABC Carpet & Home and a faux-fur throw from Barneys New York. This blend of comfort and subtle luxury is complemented by a diverse art collection, including a leopard photo by Caroline Gibello—a nod to Pool's South African heritage—a custom painting by Shantell Martin incorporating their initials, and a pastoral painting discovered during a stay at the Ocean House Hotel in Rhode Island. A gold skateboard sculpture, a Father's Day gift from Pool to Neistat, serves as a unique personal touch. The apartment's layout, which Neistat and Pool describe as perfect, provides distinct areas within an open floor plan, offering both spaciousness and defined living zones. Practical amenities, such as on-site laundry, further contribute to the suburban feel desired by the couple as parents of a toddler with another child on the way. Clutter avoidance was a key principle in their design philosophy, with Pool emphasizing that expanding square footage does not equate to expanding hoarding habits. Built-ins in the bedroom and the removal of excessive cabinetry from previous owners underscore their commitment to a calm, neat living space. Ultimately, the apartment has achieved its purpose: providing a genuine sense of home and belonging in New York City, a sentiment Neistat describes as a profound shift from merely surviving to truly living in the city. #CelebrityHomes #ApartmentDesign #InteriorDesign #NewYorkCity #ZenLifestyle #HomeDecor #UrbanRefuge #DesignerCollaboration #BohemianAristocrat

This blog post explores the concept of urban eclectic decor, highlighting its key characteristics and offering various examples of furniture and accessories that embody this style. Urban chic is described as a design aesthetic that doesn't require living in a downtown loft but instead focuses on multifunctional furniture, diverse textures, and smaller profiles. The style embraces a mix of old and new, industrial and comfortable, allowing for creative expression and personalization. It encourages blending materials, colors, and design periods to create a unique and lived-in feel. The article showcases several pieces from different retailers that exemplify urban eclectic design. From Art Van Furniture, the Loft II dining table, crafted from solid acacia hardwood with a recycled cast iron base, is presented as an example of multifunctional urban furniture. The 9-drawer Elliott Chest, also from Art Van, is noted for its multicolored mango finish and varied drawer shapes, colors, and textures, emphasizing the style's diverse nature. Art Van's Townsend Queen Bed, with its vintage mahogany finish, is also featured, with a buyer stating that urban decor “really has no rules.” Light fixtures are shown to be both functional and stylish, with examples like the Aspen Chandelier, featuring filament bulbs and a rope-wrapped base, and the industrial-vibe Sputnik Large Chandelier. West Elm contributes to the examples with its Box Frame Counter Marble Table, characterized by a burnished bronze-finished steel frame. The popular industrial storage glass-topped coffee table from West Elm, made of mango wood, offers open shelving and drawers for practical storage. Another West Elm item, the Industrial Bed, is highlighted for its solid wood construction, hand-planed distressed look, and iron base, combining rustic and refined elements. The Industrial Rolling Bar Cart, with its acid-washed, sandblasted metal and electroplating finish, provides a vintage appearance and ample storage, showcasing the fusion of industrial aesthetics with functionality. La-Z-Boy's Urban Attitudes Collection, introduced in 2013, is also featured, emphasizing cleaner lines and smaller profiles in its sofas, love seats, and chairs. The collection includes the customizable Structure sofa, notable for its “party arm” for extra seating, and the Gridiron Stationary Chair, available in numerous fabric options. The Uptown style, also part of this collection, further illustrates La-Z-Boy's take on urban design. The article also touches upon textile influences, presenting Alhambra's Urban Chic textile collection, which draws inspiration from the architectural elements of major cities like New York and Tokyo. This collection offers three color schemes that blend urban tones with metallic touches and vibrant colors. Accessories that complement this style include Nate Berkus's metal Inlay Tray from Target, Target's Angled Metal Mirror in black and gold, and the Threshold rose-gold dipped cement table lamp, all demonstrating the incorporation of diverse materials and finishes. Overall, the blog post illustrates that urban eclectic decor is about thoughtfully blending various design elements to create a distinctive, functional, and personal living space. #UrbanEclecticDecor #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #MultifunctionalFurniture #IndustrialDesign #ContemporaryStyle #DesignTrends #Furniture #HomeAccessories

The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge features a striking 25-foot vertical living wall in its lobby, blending industrial aesthetics with natural elements. Designed by Harrison Green, this living wall diverges from conventional green walls by emulating the natural migration patterns of plants, allowing vegetation to grow organically across concrete and steel surfaces. The installation serves as a dynamic, artistic focal point, continuously evolving with its plant life. The design strategy emphasizes a graceful and simple framework, supporting a diverse selection of plants including staghorns, ferns, vines, and creeping ficus. These species were chosen specifically for their suitability to the interior environment and lighting conditions of the hotel. To supplement natural light, custom-designed pendants equipped with daylight spectrum bulbs are installed, mimicking sunlight to support the plants' growth and vitality. This living wall is a central feature within the eco-conscious 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, contributing to its overall design ethos. The hotel, situated by the Brooklyn Bridge and New York's East River, integrates natural themes and sustainable practices throughout its design. The living quarters and accommodations, designed by Marvel Architects and INC Architecture and Design, further synthesize the natural world through their material selections and overall motifs. The installation transforms the lobby into a luxurious space that feels both sculptural and organic, yet modern and raw. It embodies the hotel's commitment to harmoniously blending history, design, and nature, offering guests a unique waterfront retreat experience. The strategic placement and organic growth of the plants create a visually compelling experience that connects visitors with nature even within an urban setting. By creating a living, breathing art piece, the hotel enhances its ambiance while reinforcing its eco-friendly credentials. The living wall not only adds aesthetic value but also contributes to a healthier indoor environment, aligning with the hotel's mission to offer a sustainable and immersive natural experience. This innovative approach to interior design highlights how green elements can be thoughtfully integrated into commercial spaces to create dramatic and impactful installations. #LivingWall #HotelDesign #Brooklyn #HarrisonGreen #InteriorDesign #EcoConscious #GreenArchitecture #BiophilicDesign #UrbanNature

Ilan Cohen, a finance professional and avid art collector, transformed his Manhattan Chelsea apartment into a museum-worthy space designed by the architecture and interiors studio BoND. Cohen's collecting journey began in 2009, evolving from buying any contemporary work to cultivating a distinct personal taste, influenced by artists like TM Davy. His collection, which includes over 45 pieces on the main salon wall and approximately 100 artworks throughout the apartment, features works by artists such as Nash Glynn, Jonathan Lyndon Chase, Louis Fratino, and Mark McNight. BoND, founded by Noam Dvir and Daniel Rauchwerger, had previously collaborated with Cohen on his modernist beach house in Fire Island. For the Chelsea loft, the challenge was to create a space that not only reflected Cohen's personal history and extensive art collection but also provided room for its continued growth and appreciation. Cohen was already familiar with the building's structure, having lived in another unit there in the early 2000s, and recognized the apartment's potential upon his initial viewing with Dvir and Rauchwerger. The project, which commenced in late 2021, involved reorienting the apartment's simple rectangular main living area to maximize natural light and integrate functional elements without compromising wall space dedicated to art. Inspired by Donald Judd's minimalist aesthetic, the designers implemented built-in furniture pieces and maintained a restrained material and color palette. A key design principle was to keep all furniture 36 inches tall or under, a deliberate choice by Rauchwerger to ensure that the eye level remained completely open, allowing unobstructed views of the artworks. The dining area, for instance, features a custom square dining table fabricated by Bill Zuerlein, complemented by Room & Board chairs, with artworks by Johnathan Lyndon Chase, Salman Toor, and Alex Olson adorning the walls. Cohen himself plays an active role in arranging his collection, often experimenting with multiple layouts before settling on a final display, stating that the fourth or fifth iteration typically sticks. This apartment serves as a testament to living with art, where the design thoughtfully supports and enhances a significant personal collection, transforming a residence into a dynamic gallery space. #ArtCollector #NewYorkLoft #BoNDArchitects #InteriorDesign #ArtCollectionDisplay #DonaldJuddInfluence #ChelseaApartment #ModernLiving #SpaceOptimization

Designers and decorators are increasingly challenging the long-standing tradition of plain white ceilings, advocating for the integration of color and texture on the "fifth wall" to enhance interior spaces. This shift moves beyond the conventional belief that white ceilings universally make a room appear more spacious or are a safe choice for future resale. Instead, experts suggest that a thoughtfully decorated ceiling can significantly impact a room's atmosphere, making it feel grander, more intimate, or more visually engaging. One prominent approach, championed by designer Abigail Ahern, is "color drenching," where the ceiling is painted the same hue as the walls. This technique blurs the lines between walls and ceiling, creating an illusion of expanded space and a cohesive, enveloping feel. Ahern notes that this method is transformative for rooms of all sizes and styles, from small and quirky to large and modern, fundamentally altering the room's atmosphere and making design elements "pop." Beyond matching wall colors, some designers advocate for using contrasting or complementary colors on the ceiling. Betsy Smith, a color consultant, advises selecting a ceiling color with the same undertone as the walls to achieve a subtle, harmonious gradation. She suggests that a paler tone can visually lift the ceiling, enhancing the perception of light, while a darker shade can bring the ceiling down, fostering a sense of intimacy—particularly effective in bedrooms where warm, earthy tones like terracotta or cinnamon can create a soothing, cocooning environment. A saturated ceiling color can also introduce a modern, dramatic statement without being overwhelming, as it's not constantly in the direct line of sight but offers intriguing glimpses from various angles. This approach adds an unexpected element of sophistication and character to a room. Furthermore, ceiling design is not limited to paint. Textile artists and designers are exploring rich textures and intricate patterns. Aiveen Daly, for instance, creates decorative panels from hand-punched suede petals, arranging them in swirling patterns to evoke a sense of movement and luxury. These artistic installations offer a sophisticated alternative to paint, transforming the ceiling into a bespoke artwork. However, the article emphasizes that ceiling design requires careful consideration. Geraldine Larkin, an embroidery specialist, highlights the delicate nature of ceiling decoration. An incorrectly designed ceiling can create an oppressive sensation, making it feel as though it's "falling on your head." This risk is why many designers historically opt for white ceilings—it's perceived as the easiest and safest route. Nevertheless, Larkin's own work, such as a six-meter-long floral embroidered ceiling for a European villa, demonstrates that intricate and well-executed designs can be stunning, offering an ultimate understated luxury. The unexpected beauty of a meticulously designed ceiling can be a delightful surprise, filling a traditionally overlooked surface with artistry and enhancing the overall design narrative of a space. #InteriorDesign #CeilingDecor #ColorDrenching #HomeRenovation #DesignTrends #TextileArt #LuxuryInteriors #HomeDecoration

Retailer Merry Vose, known for her three clothing boutiques Cabana, Canary, and Clover, frequently travels to Paris for work, often accompanied by her close friend, interior designer Julie Hayes. While Vose focuses on fashion, Hayes explores flea markets and antique stores for design inspiration. Their shared experiences in Parisian Fashion Week, particularly the extraordinary apartments rented by designers, with their high ceilings, intricate moldings, and herringbone floors, significantly influenced Hayes. She envisioned creating a "Paris apartment in Dallas" for Vose. The friendship and professional collaboration between Vose and Hayes span two decades. Hayes initially designed Vose's home, and later, the interiors for her boutiques and vacation homes. In 2019, when Merry and Chad Vose purchased a new house in Preston Hollow, Hayes immediately recognized its potential. Despite being a contemporary one-story residence, the house featured fine millwork, well-proportioned rooms, and high ceilings, echoing the spaciousness and luxury (le luxe) that Hayes admired in Parisian architecture. The house, built in 2004 by architect Lewis Graeber III, is situated on two secluded acres. The interiors were envisioned as spaces for entertaining, given the couple's three grown sons. Architect Weldon Turner and builder Rusty Goff were engaged to undertake renovations, notably transforming the kitchen into a light and airy space reminiscent of a French patisserie. This involved raising and vaulting the ceiling, painting wood beams white, and installing parquet wood floors inspired by Parisian designs. A custom plaster range hood, crafted by Casci Ornamental Plaster, was designed to resemble a cupola from Printemps Haussmann, a famous Parisian department store. The gallery, a sunlit hallway connecting the entry to the main living areas, establishes the home's aesthetic. It features potted palm trees and vintage Louis XVI-style settees sourced from Casa Gusto in Palm Beach, drawing inspiration from a gallery at Le Bristol Paris. This elongated space also functions as an entertaining area, with tables set up for dining. Hayes notes a growing trend in home design to integrate dining spaces into various rooms, including living rooms and hallways, due to the absence of a dedicated dining room in many modern homes. The large living room, adorned with atmospheric Gracie wallpaper, boasts high ceilings and multiple seating arrangements, creating a glamorous ambiance. An intimate seating area is defined by a 1950s Italian rosewood banquette in its original white bouclé, discovered by Hayes at the Paul Bert Serpette antiques market in Paris. Vintage metal grotto chairs from Ceylon et Cie complement a mid-century brass table by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, perfect for both dining and games. A tiger velvet sofa with blue pillows and Venetian glass lamps reflects the style of French designer Madeleine Castaing. On the opposite side, a formal dining setup features a sculptural table with a green marble top from Balsamo in New York City, paired with blue leather chairs, potentially by Maison Jansen. A custom rug, designed by Interior Resources, draws inspiration from Yves Saint Laurent’s home in Tangiers, adding to the decorative yet comfortable atmosphere. The design incorporates vibrant colors and patterns, reflecting Merry Vose's preferences, evident in her boutiques. The interiors feature sea-inspired blues and watery greens. Pink, a favored color, is prominently used in the main bedroom, with grasscloth walls, draperies, and a rug in varying shades, highlighting the Jim Thompson palm fabric on the bed. The library showcases a combination of green-lacquered walls and lavender accents. A set of 1950s Italian rosewood chairs, previously owned by Vose, with their original lavender leather upholstery, fit perfectly into this space. For Vose, the home serves as a sanctuary that evokes the feeling of a vacation, transporting her without requiring travel. Visitors have also noted this sense of being transported, especially when experiencing the living room with its Gracie wallpaper and lush greenery outside the windows. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DallasHomes #LuxuryInteriors #ParisianInfluence #Antiques #GracieWallpaper #CustomFurniture #DesignerCollaboration

The Lost & Found OōEli store in Hangzhou, designed by B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio, represents their second collaboration with the lifestyle brand 'Lost & Found.' This project is situated within OōEli, a comprehensive art park in Hangzhou, developed by Renzo Piano, which integrates offices, art spaces, retail, design hotels, and exhibition areas. Lost & Found is known for offering solid wood furniture, ceramics, utensils, fabrics, and plants, all contributing to a cherished daily life. The design philosophy behind the OōEli store aims to extend the brand's core concept of 'home' into a retail environment, fostering a sense of familiarity and appreciation for everyday objects. The spatial design of the 225 square meter store emphasizes materiality, natural textures, and artisan craftsmanship, aligning with Lost & Found's commitment to art and daily life. The architects sought to create a retail experience that transcends a typical showroom, instead offering a space that feels like a home where products are naturally integrated into living scenarios. This approach allows customers to envision how these items might fit into their own homes, enhancing the connection between the brand's offerings and personal lifestyle. Key design elements likely include the use of natural wood, reflecting the brand's furniture focus, alongside other organic materials that evoke a sense of warmth and authenticity. The layout of the store is presumably organized to guide visitors through different 'rooms' or vignettes, each showcasing a curated collection of products within a simulated domestic setting. This experiential design encourages exploration and interaction, making the shopping process more engaging and less transactional. B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio's design for the OōEli store is a response to the brand's ethos of valuing craftsmanship and the aesthetics of everyday living. The project is an example of how architectural design can effectively translate a brand's philosophy into a physical space, creating an immersive environment that resonates with its target audience. The store's location within OōEli, a hub for art and design, further reinforces its positioning as a destination for those who appreciate thoughtful design and quality lifestyle products. #RetailDesign #InteriorDesign #LifestyleBrand #Materiality #ArtisanCraftsmanship #HangzhouArchitecture #ExperientialRetail #BlueArchitectureStudio

John Marsala and Becka Citron, the creative and business partners behind Modern Anthology, have shifted their focus to interior design services after closing their physical retail stores in Dumbo and Cobble Hill. This move builds on their original business model, as interior design was their primary focus before venturing into retail. Their signature industrial chic aesthetic, previously evident in their stores, is now a hallmark of their interior design projects, such as the Dumbo loft featured in this article. The project involved furnishing a 2,400-square-foot loft for a young couple with a small child. The loft, located in a converted industrial building, retained original features like exposed brick and wooden columns. The designers were tasked with creating a functional and stylish living space, moving away from the clients' initial plans for fully custom-made furnishings. A key structural change was the addition of a dividing wall to create a dedicated den/TV area, separating it from the main living space. The primary focus, however, was on sourcing new furnishings, predominantly from retail outlets. The design choices were influenced by the homeowners' existing art collection, which included quirky pieces such as a framed print humorously stating ‘I was young and needed the money’ and a striking, large-scale portrait. These artworks signaled to Citron that the clients were open to bold design elements and did not wish for an overly conventional approach. The designers integrated these artistic cues into a cohesive design that blended industrial elements with comfort and personality. Key furniture selections included a Chesterfield-style sofa and egg-shaped mid-century chairs from Restoration Hardware, demonstrating a blend of classic and modern aesthetics. A vintage wing chair was given a distinctive update with plastic-coated fabric imprinted with street signs on the back and a tailored pin stripe on the front. An over-dyed vintage rug from Nomadic Trading Company added texture and color, while a Serge Mouille wall-mounted sconce provided sophisticated lighting. For the informal breakfast area, blue vintage chairs paired with a Saarinen-style pedestal table created a casual yet elegant spot. The dining area features a live-edge table complemented by wire chairs reminiscent of Eames designs from Modernica. A long hallway leading to the bedrooms was transformed into a gallery space, displaying framed photos and art unified by simple wood and metal frames. The primary bedroom maintained a warm ambiance with natural brick, furnished with a bed by Brooklyn-based Uhuru Design, a dresser by L.A.-based designer Thomas Bina, and a chandelier from Apparatus, further emphasizing the blend of industrial roots with contemporary design. This project exemplifies Modern Anthology's ability to create warm, functional, and industrially chic interiors using a mix of sourced retail pieces and thoughtful design interventions. #DumboLoft #InteriorDesign #ModernAnthology #IndustrialChic #HomeRenovation #BrooklynDesign #FurnitureSourcing #ResidentialDesign

This article details the transformation of a raw, 4,300-square-foot apartment in Philadelphia into a tranquil sanctuary from the bustling city, envisioned by its owner, a media executive. Interior designer Alexii Friedman of Studio Friedman collaborated with Mark Sanderson and Harris Ford of the architectural firm DIGSAU to achieve this vision. The apartment, initially a blank canvas with only stud walls, offered a unique opportunity for a design deeply rooted in craftsmanship and local artisan collaboration. The design process began with a significant piece the owner had already acquired: a custom walnut dining table by George Nakashima Woodworkers, which celebrates the natural beauty of wood. This selection set the tone for the entire project, emphasizing quality materials and the work of skilled makers. The owner's request for a peaceful retreat from the vibrant urban environment, despite the building housing a busy restaurant on its ground floor, guided every design choice. Key to the apartment's aesthetic is the extensive use of local craftsmanship. Renowned blacksmith Warren Holzman was commissioned by the architects to create several custom elements, including blackened steel doors and exquisite bronze louvered shutters. These shutters not only add a touch of sophistication but also provide privacy for the nine-foot-high windows, which face the city. Holzman also fabricated the home bar in the living area and metal shelves in the entryway, contributing to the apartment's refined, art-gallery-like atmosphere. Travertine plinths display sculptures, further enhancing this curated feel. To address the apartment's limited natural light, with windows on only two facades, a wall of reeded glass was incorporated behind the entryway shelves. This design solution effectively draws natural light deeper into the home's core. The walls throughout the apartment are finished with textured lime plaster, a testament to exceptional local artistry. Mark Sanderson explains that these walls were treated not merely as surfaces for art, but as artful elements themselves, complementing the owner's Impressionist and contemporary art collection. The striking fireplace, designed to blur the line between sculpture and structure, also features this unique plaster finish, anchoring the public spaces. The kitchen, a central element of the home, was meticulously designed after consulting with a New York chef. Its innovative layout includes a change in floor height, allowing the monolithic quartzite island to serve as both a standard work surface and a dining-height table. Adjacent to the kitchen is the apartment's most distinctive feature: a loggia. This space is equipped with custom retractable windows that can be fully opened, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living and creating a seamless connection with the leafy square below. The design intentionally echoes the park's natural elements through choices like the grass-seated dining chairs and a branching chandelier in the dining room. The owner's existing art collection was reframed and integrated with new contemporary pieces sourced by Alexii, ensuring a harmonious dialogue between all artworks. The project's success is attributed to the strong collaborative spirit among the homeowner, designer, and architects, highlighting a meticulous attention to detail, even down to the decision to forego doorknobs in some areas. This collaborative approach resulted in a cohesive and personalized living space that perfectly embodies the owner's desire for a calm and reflective home within an urban setting. #InteriorDesign #LuxuryApartment #PhiladelphiaHomes #CustomCraftsmanship #ArtisanCollaboration #UrbanSanctuary #ModernLiving #ArchitecturalDesign