Modern New York farmhouse infused with warmth

This stunning modern farmhouse is situated in New York, designed by interior designer Betty Wasserman. The family home has been designed in a neutral color palette with a clean and fresh design aesthetic. Betty is an established designer who has made her mark by fusing original art, interior design and home furnishings into a complete and modern approach to lifestyles. Her warm, minimalist design concept allows her to create environments reflective of modern themes, while expressing the lifestyle and needs of the client.

Photos: Eric Striffler Photography

Stunning modern loft with pops of color in TriBeCa

Close to Hudson Square near the entrance to the Holland Tunnel, Cobblestone Lofts at 28 Laight Street is at the northern end of TriBeCa. Designed by architect David Howell, the 7-story complex, which is composed of four red-brick former late 19th Century warehouses, was converted in 2001 to 32 condominium apartments in 2001. The site had been formerly owned by Trinity Episcopal Church.

The client begun this renovation with a desire to “refinish” the floors. The scope quickly escalated into a full blown gut renovation once the full potential of the space was realized. Significant planning changes allowed to entrance to connect visually to the open loft space which is drenched in natural light. Other planning changes permitted the master bedroom and master bathroom to be enlarged with the removal of a redundant internal corridor.

Architectural features include marble slab walls, which were discovered and presented to the client quite opportunistically following a visit to a local stone supplier.

Photos: Emily Andrews & Brooke McGowan

TriBeCa loft showcases an eclectic mix of styles

This stunning TriBeCa, New York loft has been designed by Deborah French Designs with a very eclectic, yet cohesive, mix of textures, colors, periods, and styles. Designed as her personal home, the designed has traveled extensively during her life, especially throughout Europe and Asia and therefore incorporated elements from both, as they are integral to who she is and how she has personally evolved both aesthetically and spiritually. Deborah has woven together styles from a diverse mix of history and cultures, including Italy, Morocco, India, France, China, America, Afghanistan, and Africa, creating an environment that is both warm and welcoming yet, at the same time, sophisticated and elegant. Her integration of both ‘high and low’ components within the various elements of the design is a critical factor in creating this perfect balance. No matter where one looks the eye is always pleased and the soul soothed. “Once inside, no one ever wants to leave,” she says.

Manhattan Microloft on the Upper West Side

 A compact four-level apartment was purchased in 1994 by Huxley Somerville on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York. At the time that he found this fixer upper that was purchased for $95,000, he was doing property inspections. He is now a managing director at Fitch Ratings, a commercial mortgage-backed securities division.  Mr. Somerville once considered studying architecture, so he saw the potential in this small 425 square foot brownstone apartment, with a kitchen and dining area packing in the vestibule, a small living area up a few steps and a bedroom and bathroom on the top floor.

He thought the space was more intriguing than just the normal four walls, yet the drawbacks were evident, particularly the minuscule sleeping area. The space was very oddly shaped to fit a proper bed and the apartment was a walk-up on the fourth and fifth floors. On the plus side, there was a roof terrace up another flight of stairs off the bedroom and there was nobody above inhabiting space above the apartment. The best aspect of the apartment was the high ceilings, which were just over 11 feet in the living room and just over 12 feet in the bedroom.

After marrying his wife in 1997, they sublet the apartment and moved out of the country. In 2009 the apartment’s longtime tenant was moving out so Mr. Somerville’s impulse was to sell the property. The couple and their teenage daughter were making plans to move into an 18th-century farmhouse in Armonk, New York, yet he had pondered over the years on how to make the nearly 25-foot vertically dimensioned small apartment more livable. He thought the place had a lot of potential and decided to renovate it and use it as a pied-à-terre. Enlisting the help of architecture firm Specht Harpman, whom he had collaborated with in the past, they came up with a solution to create four separate living platforms that would provide enough room for all the essentials and allow the apartment to feel open and light-filled, with no barriers. Via

The living room is furnished with a Gus* Modern Jane Bi-Sectional sofa (about $3,200 at Bobby Berk Home) and a Ligne Roset Pagnon & Pelhaître Crescendo table ($2,270). The baby alpaca throw is from Jonathan Adler ($295), and the Fillsta pendant lamp is from Ikea (about $30).

The bathroom is in the space formerly occupied by the kitchen. The walls are covered in Savoy Ricepaper and Crystal Glass Dew tiles from Ann Sacks.

The sunken kitchen is in what was once the dining area. The backsplash is painted with Benjamin Moore’s Harbor Fog and covered in glass. The Julien UrbanEdge 3647 undermounted stainless steel sink is from AF Supply (about $700). The blue glass candleholders are from C. Wonder.

The new kitchen, as elegantly compact as a ship’s cabin, has two burners and a convection oven, crisp glass backsplashes and a combination countertop-and-breakfast bar. (For formal meals, the coffee table can be elevated to dining height.)

The architect Scott Specht describes the apartment’s principal design element, the queen-size bed platform that cantilevers out over the living room, as the “object around which everything revolves.”

In the living room, the architects demolished the imposing, drywall-enclosed stairway on the eastern wall; the stair they substituted on the west side is lightly screened by vertical cables and resembles a Japanese tansu cabinet with multiple drawers and closets. The exposed brick throughout the apartment was painted a light-reflecting white.

On the third level, the enlarged bedroom contains a queen-size cantilevered bed platform that projects out over the living room. By leaving the space above the bed open to the living area, the architects were able to preserve views and bring in daylight from the windows facing the rooftop terrace.

The bedroom space once felt toxic and is now very soothing and comforting for the owners.

A second tansu-style stair leads to the terrace, on the apartment’s fourth level.

The owner’s of this Manhattan apartment, Rosanne and Huxley Sommerville, stated, “two people could live here full time quite comfortably — almost.”

The renovation cost about $400,000, but a good part of that cost was from being on the top floor and hauling things up, taking things down.

The 3-D model depicts alternating solids and voids, and artfully layered horizontal and vertical planes.

Pictures prior to the renovation:

The living room, before renovation.

The living room, before renovation.

The entry hall, before renovation.

The second flight of stairs, leading up to the apartment’s terrace.

Another view of the living area, before renovation.

Photos:  Trevor Tondro & Taggart Sorensen

Sensational coastal retreat in Sagaponack

This stunning single family home was designed by Bates Masi Architects for an adventurous couple and their four sons, situated between the Atlantic Ocean and a freshwater pond in Sagaponack, New York. The clients desired a spacious home of 8,965 square feet that could accommodate their large family and numerous guests with a lawn, swimming pool, pool house, garage, and sports courts on a site with a limited building envelope due to coastal and wetland zoning. The large program, relatively small footprint, and daunting regulations dictated a densely packed building envelope between the ocean and the pond. Thus the design process was one of subtraction rather than addition: carving away at the solid mass of the house to reconnect site features and views and to distill the experience of the place.

Spaces run the full width of the house with floor to ceiling sliding doors on both sides. The spaces create apertures through which views, light, and air completely penetrate the house, dissolving its mass. Passersby see directly through the house to the sky and landscape beyond. With the sliding doors open and recessed into the adjacent walls, interior spaces are transformed from formal rooms to open pavilions, merging seamlessly with the site.

To accommodate the extensive program spaces are nested within one another. Operable partitions pull out from the walls of the living room, carving out a media room within the living room when privacy is desired. Conversely, with the partitions open, the media room merges with the living room for large gatherings. The thickness of the wall separating the dining room and kitchen is also cut away, utilizing its depth to accommodate a wine rack that also functions as a light fixture.

The process of carving is applied at the material and detail level as well. The 5/8” corten steel plate that clads the base of the house is waterjet cut into a delicate pattern that defies its mass. Inside, corian is employed for the ease with which it can be milled. Corian countertops are cut to form towel bars, bunk bed frames are carved to create ladders, cabinet doors are recessed to form handles, and wainscoting is subtly etched with meaningful words chosen by the clients.

Materials were chosen not only for their workability, but also for their durability in the coastal environment. Corten steel siding is zero maintenance despite being relentlessly sandblasted by the wind. Cedar siding and screens are finished using a Victorian technique in which the iron sulfate in a blend of white vinegar and iron filings reacts with the tannins in wood, creating an ebony finish that penetrates through the material and will not require refinishing. The lack of harsh stains or finishes reduces the ecological footprint of the house. Geothermal heating and cooling as well as vegetated roofs further reduce the environmental impact.

Photos: Michael Moran

An intriguing Brooklyn Brownstone Apartment

This intriguing Brooklyn Brownstone Apartment was designed by the talented design firm of Kelly Behun | STUDIO. With wood flooring throughout, except for tiling in the kitchen and bathroom, no details have been overlooked. Original ornate wood moldings have been preserved and given a brand new coat of white paint. The entryway features a unique detail with funky graffiti to greet you into the warm and cozy home. Designer furnishings helps to update the historical space mixed with unique decor that adds character. The interiors work in synergy to evoke a harmonious ambiance that creates a fun and playful living environment.

Kelly Behun|STUDIO is an interior design firm specializing in residential design that operates on a laboratory model where experimentation is encouraged and collaborations with contemporary artists produce pioneering designs for the home. STUDIO provides a very hands on approach with specialized services that produce customized environments unique to each client.

Photos: Douglas Friedman

Beyond spectacular loft mansion in TriBeCa

This exceptional limestone loft mansion, spotted on Elliman, was built in 1862 and was just recently gut renovated to the highest standards, situated in the heart of Tribeca, New York. We originally featured this loft here, when it was for sale a year ago. This one-of-a-kind masterpiece boasts 30,000 square feet of living space, being one of the largest and most beautiful properties to ever become available downtown. Built 41feet x 109feet with six floors above grade and two floors below grade, this property has been completely renovated both structurally and cosmetically to retain the structure’s original character. The grand proportions of this building, with ceiling heights ranging from 12-17 feet, huge windows and multiple skylights bathe all areas with superb light. Brand new mechanical systems and an elevator are in place, as well as top-of-the-line appliances, fixtures and hardware.

The building features an owner’s penthouse (approx. 11,000 square feet of living space) on the 4th, 5th and 6th floors with an extraordinary, fully landscaped roofdeck and terrace (2,775 square feet). This Penthouse also comes with a private gym and half basketball court in the basement (2,650 square feet). The property generates substantial rental income from two floors of meticulously renovated rental units (2nd and 3rd floor, 4000 square feet each) that if desired can be delivered vacant, and a high end showroom on the ground/retail floor with a half basement (7,750 square feet). This is an entirely unique opportunity to purchase an elegant and classic loft building in triple mint condition that is also suitable for a condominium conversion: retain the penthouse and sell the remaining units.

This fabulous loft mansion is listed for sale at $49,500,000, from here.

Fabulous New York penthouse on SoHo’s Crosby Street

This contemporary penthouse, spotted on Elliman, is chalk full of stylish design, situated in trendy SoHo, New York. This fabulous property features five bedrooms (convertible seven), four and one half baths, plenty of wide open space, soaring 12 foot ceilings, lit by way of window after window, this space offers room to grow and then some. Enter through a gracious foyer into the spectacular living room sun kissed by an enormous skylight. Tread on dark stained white oak flooring past seven windows into the grand eat-in-kitchen and dining room. A chef’s dream appears filled with high end appliances, Carrara marble and luxurious blue stone as well as custom milled wood and stainless cabinetry.

The master suite is the ultimate retreat featuring two large walk-in closets and a tranquil marble master bath designed for the ultimate in relaxation. A deep air jet Jacuzzi soaking tub takes center stage while a warm steam shower plays a strong supporting role. Radiant heat floors assure comfort all year round. Also, on this floor, three more bedrooms and two and one half more baths, as well as a large media room/ playroom, a home office and a laundry room complete with two oversized washers and dryers.

Head up to the second floor by way of a stair case that encircles a two-story Balinese wall and find even more room to spread out. A second stunning dining room opens up to a full outdoor kitchen. A media room offers a cozy haven lit by an enormous skylight and warmed by a gas fireplace. Another home office is tucked away for privacy. Swing open the French doors to reveal an incredible 3,073 square foot private roof deck with an outdoor fireplace and plenty of seating on which to unwind. Also on this floor is a home gym with access to a secluded grotto offering a soothing hot tub and outdoor shower. As an added convenience, the second floor also features a service kitchen (with dumbwaiter to the main kitchen) with wine storage, and an additional bedroom and full bath.

This fabulous New York penthouse is listed at $24,500,000, from here.

Awe-inspiring Beethoven Hall in NoHo

Beethoven Hall, spotted on Sotheby’s Realty, is an awe-inspiring post & beam industrial loft of unparalleled proportions. Passionately restored, the circa 1860 concert hall is the centerpiece for grand entertaining with its 32 foot high arched ceiling. Design elements include steel, glass, brick archways, wood-burning fireplace, reclaimed wood flooring, marble, imported wood doors beautifully integrate with modern amenities including central air and sound system. The 6,785 square foot home boasts eleven rooms, including a chef’s kitchen, living, dining, and solarium which are perfect for informal gatherings. Terrace oasis provides for circular indoor/outdoor entertaining. The loggia is the gateway to four bedrooms including large master with spa bath. The second level features fitness, media and guest area. High-tech library has state-of-the-art work stations. Film directors, artists and musicians are part of Beethoven Hall’s history. Located in downtown’s hottest hood where couture reigns along with luxury goods and gourmet eats.

This fabulous historical property is listed for sale at $25,000,000, from here.

Striking six-story townhouse in TriBeCa’s West Historic District

While Wayne Turett of Turett Collaborative Architects had been developing feasibility studies for this site, a charming and well-loved corner of West Broadway in Tribeca, New York, the present owners asked him if he knew of any townhouses they might purchase – and a deal was made. “This building enabled us to build exactly what we were looking for – and then some,” the client noted.

Developers of multi-unit condo towers had long admired the location with its 120′ of frontage, but balked at the limitations in height and use placed on it by the city’s preservationists. The audacity of suggesting that this parcel could become a single-family house is its genius; at almost 11,000 square-feet, it is large but consistent with luxury homes elsewhere in the city. The final plan was approved by the Landmarks Commission with the requirement that TCA meticulously restore the low corner portion of the historic structure, while the less historically interesting southern portion could become a new six-story tower, detailed, fenestrated, and finished to sit comfortably and elegantly in its context.

The home features a two-car loading dock, a 50-foot indoor lap pool, indoor gym, library, screening room and offices for both owners in addition to 6 bedrooms and 11 baths. On the second floor a kitchen, dining room, living room and poolroom overlook a sunken landscaped courtyard with steps up to the larger main garden on the third floor.

Photos: Paul Warchol Photography