Empty apartment transformed into a masterpiece of collaborative craftsmanship, worthy of every designer's dreams, following the blank canvas provided.
In the heart of the city, a 4,300-square-foot urban apartment has been transformed into a tranquil haven, a sanctuary from the city within the city. This remarkable transformation was the collaborative effort of Studio Friedman, DIGSAU, and local artisans, including Warren Holzman and George Nakashim Woodworkers.
The design concept of the apartment revolves around layering textures and carefully curated materials to create a soothing, harmonious aesthetic that contrasts with its urban setting. The collaboration emphasizes craftsmanship and the integration of natural, tactile elements to evoke a warm and inviting atmosphere despite the city environment.
Key features of the apartment include a thoughtful selection of materials chosen for their textures and finishes, enhancing the sensory experience of the space. The contributions from renowned artisans such as Warren Holzman and George Nakashima Woodworkers likely bring bespoke woodwork and handcrafted details into the apartment, adding uniqueness and artisanal quality. The overall design avoids jarring or harsh contrasts, favoring instead a layered, cohesive environment that feels both modern and timeless.
The apartment's standout feature, the loggia, boasts custom retractable windows that open to the leafy square below. The interior design also features a textured lime plaster finish on the walls, a striking fireplace, and a wall of reeded glass. Warren Holzman, a renowned blacksmith, was commissioned to create the apartment's blackened steel doors, exquisite bronze louvered shutters, home bar, and metal shelves.
The success of the project is attributed to the relationships between the artworks, artisans, and the close-knit team formed by the homeowner, designer, and architects. The owner, a media executive relocating from a large suburban property, was actively involved in every detail of the project, feeling fortunate to have had the time and space to engage with each decision.
The kitchen layout was optimized with the help of a New York chef, and the owner's art collection, including several Impressionist paintings, was reframed and complemented by contemporary artworks sourced by Alexii. Suggestions were made to dot the rooms with flexible surfaces suitable for coffee table books and drinks coasters, and to fill simple, elegant glass vases with huge branches to create a similar organic statement as seen in the kitchen. Similar lamps to those featured in the bedroom were suggested, with stone accents layered with soft furnishings. A sleek gold floor lamp was added to the main living room to create a similar look.
The apartment's ground floor houses one of the area's busiest restaurants, adding to the vibrant city life just steps away from the apartment's tranquil interior. This urban sanctuary is a testament to the power of collaboration and the harmonious blend of city living with natural, handcrafted elements.
[1] Source: Interior Design Magazine, April 2022 issue.
- The design of the urban apartment, a haven within the city, incorporates elements of interior design, such as layering textures and curated materials, to create a soothing, harmonious aesthetic that merges lifestyle and home-and-garden aesthetics.
- The collaboration between Studio Friedman, DIGSAU, local artisans, and the owner of this remarkable urban apartment resulted in a unique living space, featuring bespoke woodwork, handcrafted details, and natural textures, ultimately blending city living with a tranquil, artistic lifestyle.
