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A restaurant at the base of Heatherwick Studio’s Lantern House, a “cathedral of fried chicken” and a colourful Brooklyn eatery feature in this roundup of restaurants in New York City that prioritise design. More
New York-based Builtin Studio has helped a young family expand their Upper West Side apartment into the adjacent unit and create mid-century-influenced interiors that complement the historic details. More
Traditional Korean architecture influenced the layout and shelving design in the library at the Korean Cultural Center New York, designed by Studio Empathy and Praxes.
Changhaak Choi of Studio Empathy and Jiyoung Kim from Praxes worked together to complete the 1,600-square-foot (149-square-metre) library, located on the third floor of the Korean Cultural Center New York’s new venue in Midtown Manhattan.
The library is arranged to from a central courtyard formed by bookshelvesThe space houses a collection of over 10,000 books, periodicals, government publications, and multimedia resources in both Korean and English.
It acts as a resource for research on Korea, introduces Korean writers to the New York audience, and provides educational materials for young Korean-Americans and those interested in Korean culture.
The shelves are fabricated from plywood elements and joined to resemble traditional Korean architectural details”This new library aspires to be a cultural hub, promoting information exchange and enhancing mutual understanding of Korea among the Korean-American community and the broader New York population,” said Choi.
“The design seamlessly blends archaic forms with a minimalistic and contemporary aesthetic, which incites a biophilic space.”
The central space is populated with cube-shaped stools for visitors to sit and readTo enable easy circulation, the bookshelves were arranged in a rectangular plan with a pathway around the perimeter and a courtyard in the centre, with openings to allow movement between the two.
The layout is akin to a traditional Korean han-ok house, which is similarly organised in a loop around a central space.
The shelves sit away from the building’s glass walls so that visitors can circulate around the perimeterHere, the “courtyard” serves as the reading area and includes cube-shaped wooden stools upon which visitors can sit.
“This design enables visitors to continuously explore the diverse scenery of book stacks and enjoy views of the rooftop garden through glass walls, seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor elements,” Choi said.
The library’s children’s section is housed within a lower storage moduleThe bookshelves were also modelled on the typical post-and-lintel assembly and joining techniques found in han-ok homes.
They were fabricated as modular units using thin plywood panels, slats and metal components to be efficient and cost-effective.
Studio Hinge creates library spaces beneath tree-like wooden columns
Along the tops and sides of the storage modules, a wooden lattice is coloured in five bold hues to enliven the design.
“This design resonates with the vibrant book spines, creating a dynamic visual contrast with the monochromatic, bright wood shelves, and light grey stone floor,” said Choi.
Wooden latticework is also installed across the ceiling and behind the reception deskThe aim is for the library to become a community hub for Korean-Americans and others New Yorkers, and host events like book launches and other group activities.
“This project showcases how cultural heritage can be preserved and celebrated through thoughtful and contemporary design, creating a unique and enriching environment for all visitors,” said Choi.
The tops and sides of the shelves are coloured in five bold huesPlayful shelving solutions have become a hallmark of contemporary library designs around the world.
At a space in São Paulo, MAB3 and Zénite created forest of books where shelves encircle tree-like columns, while Studio Hinge took an arboreally informed approach to storage at a library in Mumbai.
The photography is by Michael Moran and Changhaak Choi.
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New York studio Office of Tangible Space has refreshed the interiors of the cafe at the Brooklyn Museum, ahead of the institution’s 200th anniversary next year.
The Brooklyn Museum Cafe is located in the building’s light-filled entry pavilion, which was added to the original beaux-arts building in 2004 by Polshek Partnership Architects (now Ennead Architects).
Furniture at the redesigned Brooklyn Museum Cafe is laid out like “islands and streams”Serving a menu by local restaurateur and sommelier André Hueston Mack, who runs the neighborhood restaurant & Sons, the redesigned cafe is intended for locals and museum-goers to enjoy light bites and drinks.
“Playing off the mission of the museum, [we] envisioned the cafe as a Brooklyn stoop where all are invited,” said Office of Tangible Space. “The space embodies the playfulness, creativity, craft, and expression that make Brooklyn and Brooklynites so unique.”
The cafe occupies a portion of the building’s light-filled entry pavilionThe locally based studio created a fluid layout that allows visitors to meander through the space.
Furniture is arranged in “islands and streams” that can accommodate diners in varied group sizes, as well as those stopping for a casual coffee.
Periwinkle-hued tables with angled sides form snaking shapes through the space”The space is anchored by large islands of seating and undulating streams of custom tables indicating the walking paths,” said Office of Tangible Space.
Aluminium chairs with seats and backs perforated with large holes accompany tables, including circular wooden designs for up to six guests and dark green two-tops.
Dark green two-top tables are accompanied by aluminium chairs perforated with large holesOther tables made from folded sheets of thin periwinkle-hued metal have angled sides, allowing them to form snaking shapes when lined up in a row.
Round cushioned poufs upholstered in pale blue and green are placed around the perimeter, which is demarcated by a set of freestanding wooden dividers and potted plants.
OEO Studio uses materials in a “playful way” for Designmuseum Denmark cafe and shop
“The incorporation of bold color and material add to playfulness and tactility of the space,” the studio said.
For the new space, the museum and Office of Tangible Space commissioned 10 local artists to design one-off stools that are peppered through the cafe.
Large round poufs are provided for more casual seatingThe handcrafted wooden seats, manufactured by Sundays, have been customised by Minjae Kim, Chen Chen and Kai Williams, Ellen Pong, Kim Mupangilaï and more.
“These handcrafted pieces not only complement the cafe’s design but also echo the philosophy that food, like art, is an immersive experience – engaging the senses, sparking conversation, and creating a connection between the creator and the audience,” said Office of Tangible Space.
The cafe was redesigned ahead of the Brooklyn Museum’s 200th anniversaryThe Brooklyn Museum’s building, designed by McKim, Mead & White and completed in 1895, will host a variety of exhibitions and events planned to celebrate its bicentenary.
These include Breaking the Mold: Brooklyn Museum at 200, a showcase celebrating the institution’s collection and legacy that opens in February 2025.
Founded by Michael Yarinsky and Kelley Perumbeti, Office of Tangible Space was longlisted in the emerging interior designer of the year category of Dezeen Awards 2020.
The photography is by Matthew Gordon.
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New York-based Gachot Studios has redesigned the patrons lounge at The Metropolitan Opera, imbuing the space with rich materials like textured wallpaper, black granite and brass accents.
Gachot Studios transformed the Keebler J Straz Lounge while keeping the 1,861-square-foot space aligned with its ornate surroundings.
The bar at the refreshed Keebler J Straz Lounge features a matte brass front and black stone topStudio founders and opera lovers John and Christine Gachot have a personal connection to the venue, which is part of the Lincoln Center complex designed by American architect Wallace K Harrison and opened in 1966.
“Our son, who attended LaGuardia High School, would walk past The Met Opera every day on his way to school,” said the couple. “As New Yorkers, we value city institutions like The Met with its incredible history and cultural influence.”
Wall-to-wall carpet in a rust hue complements the palette chosen for furnitureThe lounge was originally designed by late American decorator Billy Baldwin, and Gachot Studios referenced his layout and some of the furnishings as part of the redesign.
“It had an intimate residential feel with various deep sofas defining seating areas,” said Gachot Studios. “The new furniture layout draws inspiration from Baldwin’s thoughtful arrangement with four lounge seating groups.”
Brass accents including bar-top lighting are found throughout the patron’s loungeA series of upholstered screens that were once used to delineate the different lounge areas were reinterpreted as walnut-framed panels that direct guest flow from the entrance and conceal the back-of-house door.
The arc-shaped bar is fronted by matte brass panels and topped with a curved slab of black granite.
Seating and tables from Roche Bobois were customised to accommodate guests of all agesBronze-tinted mirrors in the back bar area reflect the room’s gold-painted ceiling and provide a mount surface for delicate shelving and a vintage clock.
Sheer drapes are hung across the windows, and the wall are covered in textured wallpaper between vertical bands of polished brass.
Gachot Studios creates cosy New York neighbourhood bar
Rust-coloured wall-to-wall carpet provides a plush finish underfoot, and complements the palette of furniture pieces in cream, blush, caramel, oxblood, and various brown and black tones.
The seating and tables from French brand Roche Bobois were customised “to accommodate for patrons of all ages” Gachot Studios said.
Textured wallpaper sits between vertical strips of polished brassA dining area behind the bar is also provided for those wanting to sit more formally or use the space for meetings.
Architectural lighting is kept to a minimum so as not to detract from the ceiling, while sconces, floor lamps and table lamps by Hudson Valley Lighting offer a warm glow.
Black and white photos from The Metropolitan Opera’s history adorn the wallsThe majority of the furniture and decor can be rearranged to accommodate events beyond the use of the space before performances or during intermissions.
“In a building that requires a balance between grandeur and practicality, the lounge is no different,” said the studio.
Gachot Studios reinterpreted the screens originally designed for the lounge by Billy BaldwinElle Décor magazine collaborated with the opera and the studio to secure furnishings and fittings for the project.
Founded in 2012, Gachot Studios has completed several hospitality and commercial projects across the US.
These range from boutique hotels in Detroit and Washington DC, to the New York flagship store for cosmetics brand Glossier.
The photography is by William Jess Laird.
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Canada’s Futurestudio has designed the interiors for wellness space Othership’s first location in New York City, employing a deep, earthy palette and atmospheric lighting to heighten the experience for guests.
The 9,550-square-foot (887 square metres) sauna and ice bath experience in Manhattan’s Flatiron District is Othership’s third outpost, following those in Toronto’s Adelaide and Yorkville areas.
At the entrance to Othership, a patchwork curtain blocks views from the streetAt Flatiron, “journeyers” have access to a spacious 640-square-foot (59-square-metre) performance sauna and ice baths for up to 16 people in a private cold sanctuary room.
There’s also an amphitheatre-style tea lounge, where guests can gather around a central fireplace to socialise.
Cedar panelling along the corridors visually extends the sauna experience into public areasFuturestudio, led by founding principal Ali McQuaid Mitchell, designed the interiors to feel equally transportive and grounding.
In the reception area, a curtain of custom-designed patchwork textile softens the entry and blocks views from the street.
Atmospheric lighting is used throughout, including around the plunge poolsCedar panelling behind the counter and along the corridors visually extends the sauna experience into public areas.
Narrow ceramic tiles stacked in a variety of bonds and pebbled river-stone flooring installed in the wet zones both add pattern and texture.
River stones are used for flooring in the wet areasThe saunas are designed to provide heat up to 190 degrees Fahrenheit (88 degrees Celsius), with aromatic snowballs providing humidity that feels like 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius). The custom-designed ice baths are kept as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit (zero degrees Celsius).
Between sessions, guests are encouraged to relax and converse in the 700-square-foot (65-square-metre) tea lounge on bleacher-style seating around a full-height central fireplace.
Performance saunas are designed to reach up to 190 degrees Fahrenheit (88 degrees Celsius)A halo-shaped light, custom-designed by Futurestudio and Anony, circles the stack and shifts colours to mimic sunrise, sunset and moonlight.
“At Othership, every element harmonises to support the founders’ vision of redefining wellness through immersive and connecting experiences,” said McQuaid Mitchell.
Bathhouse spa with sensory deprivation tank opens in old Williamsburg soda factory
The tradition of hot and cold bathing dates back to the Roman period, and is said to bring about an array of health benefits.
“As a society, we’re starting to think much more about how much our emotional state impacts not only our physical health, but day-to-day life,” said Robert Bent, co-founder and CEO of Othership. “Othership’s unique take on hot and cold therapy has helped over 200,000 people de-stress and transform their relationships.”
Guests can relax and socialise around a fireplace illuminated by a custom light fixtureSpa and bathing experiences are gaining popular as social spaces in New York City, offering an alternative to bars and restaurants.
“People are tired of going to a bar or restaurant in order to have a social night out; there needs to be a better way,” said Amanda Laine, Othership co-founder and lead facilitator. “People want to reconnect with themselves, relax, drop their guard, and feel safe.”
Lighting plays an important role in setting the mood throughout the bathhouseAnother brand, Bathhouse, recently opened a second location – also in the Flatiron District – following its Brooklyn venue in a converted soda factory that was shortlisted for leisure and wellness interior of the year at Dezeen Awards 2020.
In other parts of the world, bathhouses with notable interiors include a space in Tokyo designed as a contemporary take on a traditional sento, and a white marble mikveh used by Mexico City’s Orthodox Jewish community.
The photography is by Ian Patterson.
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Canadian studio Bureau Tempo has completed a “gentle redesign” of a loft space in Brooklyn, New York, which features a subtle pale green kitchen and fritted glass partition walls.
The home faces the busy Atlantic Avenue thoroughfare that runs through the Brooklyn Heights neighbourhood and enjoys tall ceilings and large windows at either end.
A mural depicting Prospect Park is painted above the loft’s den areaMeasuring 1,600 square feet (150 square metres), the loft is roughly divided into three sections.
At the front are the primary bedroom – painted in a colour called Dead Salmon by Farrow & Ball – and an office space that is equipped with a foldaway Murphy bed that can be deployed for guests.
The dining room features a large black table and matching Windsor chairsThis multifunctional space is separated from the living area by a partition of wood and fritted glass panels.
Folding doors open to connect with the lounge and dining area, but the light can still reach these central spaces when closed thanks to the glass.
The lounge is furnished with comfy sofas and armchairs, plus an oxblood-coloured coffee table”The addition of an operable wood and fluted-glass wall between the primary space and the Atlantic Avenue end of the home allows for an open office by day and an inviting and private quarters when hosting guests,” said Bureau Tempo.
The lounge is furnished with comfy sofas and armchairs, plus an oxblood-coloured coffee table, all placed atop a rug by Armadillo.
The office space can be opened up to the rest of the apartment with folding panelsBeyond is the dining area, where a large black table is accompanied by six Windsor chairs and a pair of stretched-fabric pendant lights that hang overhead.
The final portion of the loft is raised up two steps, and contains a den area with more soft seating and the kitchen.
A retractable Murphy bed allows the office to double as a guest roomAbove a section of bead-board panelling where the TV is mounted, a mural by artist and friend of the loft’s owners Melody Lockerman depicts nearby Prospect Park.
“Painted in tones that compliment choices throughout, the mural adds a welcome touch of levity,” Bureau Tempo said.
General Assembly exposes wooden beams inside revamped Brooklyn loft
In the kitchen opposite, textured four-by-four-inch ceramic tiles create a subtle checkerboard pattern of pale pink and white across the floor.
Millwork on the central island and lower cabinets was painted a very light shade of green and is accented with brass hardware.
Fritted glass panels allow light from the front window to penetrate deeper into the apartment”These rooms share a direct connection with the intimate yet spacious and light-filled north facing terrace, which dramatically extends the perception of the home’s size,” the team said.
The majority of the walls throughout the apartment are covered in a textured lime plaster finish by Bauwerk Colour, complementing exposed wooden ceiling beams in each room.
The primary bedroom is painted in Dead Salmon by Farrow & Ball to contrast the lime plaster in other spacesMany of Brooklyn’s former industrial buildings now house chic apartments and lofts, many of which maintain nods to their past.
At a residence in Gowanus, wooden structural elements were uncovered and retreated during renovations by General Assembly, while a home inside a former chocolate factory in Bedford-Stuyvesant has ductwork and services are left exposed.
The photography is by Alex Lesage.
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Architecture studio Snarkitecture has updated the New York offices of legal firm Jayaram Law, adding elements with wavy cutouts and furniture from a new collection with Made By Choice.
The overhaul of Jayaram’s 3,800-square-foot (353-square-metre) space in Manhattan’s Flatiron District forms part of the company’s artist residency program and continues a longstanding relationship with Snarkitecture.
A continuous, wavy wooden edge forms a portal into the Record Room at Jayaram Law’s officesThe studio, founded by artist Daniel Arsham and architect Alex Mustonen, reimagined the offices as a collaborative space for creative work and made multiple interventions to the layout.
“Our approach was to unify the space and create a layout emphasising openness, flexibility, and scattered moments of reflection and privacy,” said the team.
Snarkitecture reinterpreted “the ubiquitous stud wall as an elevated millwork piece” to create the freestanding structureA key decision involved bringing warmth to the industrial-style space, which features exposed ceilings and concrete tile flooring.
This was achieved by introducing wood, acoustic panels, rugs, curtains, and upholstered pieces “that added more comfort and softness to the space”.
A window provides a view from the workspace into the Record Room, which displays various Snarkitecture ephemeraAt one end of the floor plan, Snarkitecture built a room using a simple wooden framework to create a library and display area.
“One of our key design moves is reinterpreting the ubiquitous stud wall as an elevated millwork piece,” the team said.
In the centre of the offices is a lounge area known as The CommonsThe semi-enclosed space, named the Record Room, has a window that looks onto the open-plan workspace and is accessed via a portal with a continuous wavy outline.
“We wanted this room to feel unexpected and immersive, thus creating a theme around a ‘Listening Lounge’, featuring an environment with wood shelvings, a record player, and vinyl records,” Snarkitecture said. “Its shelves also host archival items, publications, design objects, and ephemera from Snarkitecture and Jayaram.”
The open workspace is furnished with long desks that together create room for 24 to 32 peopleOther stud-wall elements with amorphous cutouts form moveable display cases and room dividers, used particularly to define a central lounge known as The Commons.
Wavy edges are also found on the Autex acoustic panels hung vertically in rows from the white-painted ceiling above the seating area.
A conference room was created by merging three smaller private offices”It is a comfortable spot with low lounge seating, lush greenery, and an area rug that creates a space for collective gatherings and intimate conversations,” said Snarkitecture.
On either side, communal workspaces with 15-foot (4.6-metre) custom birch plywood tables accommodate 24 to 32 people.
Acoustic panels were added above the lounge area to dampen the sound in the industrial-style spaceAlong the perimeter is a glass-fronted conference room that was created by combining three private offices into one space.
Built-in millwork provides a TV niche for conferencing and stores general office supplies, while a curtain wraps the space to dampen echoes.
Snarkitecture uses recycled materials for Pharrell Williams’ streetwear brand store in Miami
Throughout the Jayaram offices, Snarkitecture included furniture from its new collection in collaboration with Finnish brand Made By Choice.
Pieces including dining chairs, lounge chairs, small round tables and a large conference table all feature the studio’s signature wavy edges and cutouts.
Several furniture pieces from Snarkitecture’s collection with Made By Choice can be found throughout the officeSeveral works from Snarkitecture’s Broken & Sculpted Series created with the Italian brand Gufram are also dotted around the office.
The pink, broken mirrors introduce hints of colour, while the studio’s Slip chairs with wonky legs and a slanted seat for Portuguese brand UVA add even more whimsy.
Pink mirrors from a collaboration with Gufram introduce hints of colourSince starting Snarkitecture in 2008, Arsham and Mustonen have worked with brands including Kith, Billionaire Boys Club, COS and Caesarstone on retail interiors and immersive installations.
In New York City, the studio has previously filled a gallery with lights that resemble “large lollipops” and created an exhibition space at Hudson Yards to allow the public to explore its experiments.
The photography is by Harlan Erskine.
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