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Inner-city sanctuary from Home & Architectural Trends volume 2601
Adaptive reuse, or the transformation of former commercial spaces into residential units, isn't a new concept, especially in major cities such as New York. However, successfully turning one into the other takes a mix of expertise and design flair.
The featured project was previously an art gallery in the center of SoHo – known for its bustling vibe. This was an element that attracted the owners to the property, but one which they hoped to leave at the front door – escaping into the sanctuary of an all-embracing retreat, says Etienne Coffinier, principal of Coffinier Ku Design.
"Tranquility was the top priority for the clients. The home was to be first and foremost somewhere they could escape to at the end of the day."
With a wish list that included a mix of SoHo-modern and European styling, as well as spaces where each could retreat to, the onus became one of rearranging the cavernous area to create an intimate space.
"Paradoxically, in order to create a sense of closeness, the first step was to remove existing partitions," says Coffinier.
With the space exposed, Coffinier and company director Ed Ku set to creating their clients' dream home.
"There was enough beauty in the space that we were able to focus on playing with the light," says Ku. "We chose a refined color palette that teamed matte walls with high-gloss lacquered doors and floors to create a visual texture and softness that contrasts the city."
Despite the 14ft-high ceilings and the 4300sq ft area, Coffinier Ku Design succeeded in fulfilling their clients' desires.
"Our style is not to overstuff the spaces, but rather allow them to breathe. We have refined our palette over the years in a way that has allowed us to create warmth in subtle ways," says Coffinier.
Ku says, "The end result doesn't feel cold, which could easily happen with the pale tones and wood floor in such a space. But there is an ambiance that is warm and inviting, one that creates intimacy."
This apartment interior by Coffinier Ku Design pays homage to its past by incorporating a gallery area as the central core of the space, with each of the other rooms opening onto it.
Diffuse natural light floods through a bank of windows and sheer curtains into the open-plan living area, creating an ethereal quality. Twin chaise lounges by Nancy Corzine nestle beside the fireplace – bestowing a European touch. A trio of statues by Indian artist Nek Chand provides contrast.
A 10ft mahogany dining table, Swarovski crystal chandelier and custom chairs impart an understated elegance to the dining area.
French antique pieces create an air of romance in the master bedroom. These sit side-by-side with pieces by Coffinier Ku Design.
An antique Murano chandelier adds a softness to the otherwise sleek and contemporary master bathroom.
More a statement than a command, "Silence" by Jack Pierson takes pride of place in the gallery.
As seen from the kitchen, the dining room is a study in elegant symmetry.
The wood paneled library is a secluded space to indulge a passion for reading.
An elaborate, fully mirror-lined dressing room adjoins a second master bathroom.
Although part of the open-plan living area, spaces such as this sitting area have been designed to create a sense of intimacy.
A lucite coffee table designed by Coffinier Ku adds a modernist twist to the design scheme.
The home gymnasium with its half-court set up allows the owners to exercise in the privacy of their inner-city residence.
Credit List
Architect and interior design
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Etienne Coffinier ASID, Ed Ku; Coffinier Ku Design (New York)
Doors
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Designed by Coffinier Ku Design, manufactured by Building Block
Flooring
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Wide-plank mahogany by Sandy Pond Floors
Gallery
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Antique bench with Brunschwig & Fils fabric and Houles trim, upholstered by Upholstery Unlimited; chandeliers by Studio Edward Van Vliet; "Silence" by Jack Pierson
Living room
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Sofa by Coffinier Ku Design in Pierre Frey fabric; lucite coffee table and display case manufactured by Plexi-Craft; Edelman leather ottoman; end table manufactured by WC Woodworking; Nancy Corzine chaises in Brunschwig & Fils fabric; Murano table lamps by Remains Lighting with shades by Blanche Field; standing lamp from Donghia
Dining room
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Kumbuk table by Tucker Robbins; dining chairs by Coffinier Ku Design, manufactured by Munrod Interiors in Cowtan & Tout fabric; Glitterbox chandeliers and sconces by Swarovski
Master bedroom
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Headboard in Old World Weavers fabric; nightstands manufactured by WC Woodworking; antique chair in Clarence House fabric; ottoman in Osborne & Little fabric; table lamps by Ralph Lauren
Drapes
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Upholstery Unlimited in Rogers & Goffigon fabrics
Master bathroom
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cabinetry designed by Coffinier Ku Design, manufactured by Cross Architecture; Duravit basin and tub from Davis & Warshow; antique Murano chandelier
Story by Justin Foote
Photography by Bruce Buck
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