Art-adorned Manhattan apartment and creative workspace pay tribute to creative expression.
In a quintessential New York setting, a downtown apartment tucked away is the creative haven of an artist. Designed by local interior powerhouse Ries Hayes, the unique space seamlessly blends the artist's studio and residence. This artist, an avid art collector and creator, has transformed his home into an open-air gallery – a space where boundaries between his personal world and the art world are indistinguishable.
As the shutter clicked for this very story, a piece by the talented sculptor and painter Kennedy Yanko was being installed in the dining room. The apartment echoes a dynamic, adaptable layout, tailored to the artist's lifestyle.
The living room is dominated by tracks for recessed curtains, allowing panels to divide the space and providing versatility. For instance, an area housing a daybed by Pierro Chapo can be separated, converting into a bedroom in a flash. The Jorgen Hoj (who worked with Poul Kjærholm) dining table presents another example of adaptability, as its leaves can be added or removed based on requirement, while the original brick is masked with drywall to accommodate art installations.
Despite serving as the artist's primary residence, comfort hasn't taken a backseat. The design draws inspiration from his roots, channeling artists like George Nakashima, Ward Bennett, and Edward Wormley. The apartment's floorplan is outlined by flat, tatami-like mats, with steel-clad bookshelves partitioning the bedroom and living room. Carefully selected furniture pieces create a powerful impression, without mirroring any particular decade, movement or style. The mix of vintage pieces and modern finds from his parents' collection, as well as hand-glazed table lamps from his grandfather, infuse the space with character.
Newer acquisitions include a Brooklyn-made coffee table, a low- profile bed frame from a UK-based maker, a turn-of-the-century Snead Bookcase, the 1970s Afra and Tobia Scarpa 'Erasmo' sofa, and Marzio Cecchi rope chairs. Early-American braided rugs add a playful contrast to the modern decor. A second sofa, revamped with a patchwork textile made from recycled denim by Ries Hayes, adds another layer of style.
Exhibiting a fantastic blend of utility and creativity, this apartment-cum-studio stands as a shining example of tackling dual-purpose living spaces. We caught up with the interior designer David Ries of Ries Hayes for a quick chat:
our website: How do the studio and the apartment interact?
David Ries: The studio serves as a sanctuary for the artist to create, design, collaborate, and showcase his work. The apartment, meanwhile, functions as a personal retreat for the artist to unwind and regroup. The studio is positioned on the ground level, opening up to the cityscape, while the apartment sits above, offering a peaceful respite.
W*: How have you ensured that this space is flexible?
DR: By employing semi-transparent curtains that can be moved around to alter room configurations, we add flexibility to the space. Additionally, furniture pieces like the Pierre Chapo daybed, Jorgen Hoj table, and teal Library of Congress iron shelving, which boast adjustable shelves, contribute to adaptability.
W*: What are your favourite things about the space?
DR: I'm particularly enamored with the warm, homespun elements contrasting with the modern architectural elements. The vintage, colorful American rugs bring a unique appeal to the space. Moreover, the patchwork denim fabric created by our office, inspired by our client's request for sustainable materials, echoes the aesthetics of the Japanese Boro fabric.
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References:[1] Ries Hayes. (n.d.). artist loft apartment[2] Moody, J. (2019, March 15). 5 steps to creating a space-saving studio at home[3] Criado, C. (2017, September 14). how to design a home studio[4] Chan, A. (n.d.). studio apartments[5] Borrelli, N. (2017, November 21). 6 expert tips for designing multi-purpose rooms in your small apartment
The artist's apartment, a blend of studio and residence, offers a unique fusion of fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden, with its adaptable layout showcasing artwork and vintage pieces. The living room, divided by recessed curtains, houses a versatile daybed and Jorgen Hoj table, reflecting the artist's lifestyle and the apartment's dual-purpose nature, which seamlessly blends his personal world and the art world.
The apartment's design incorporates elements inspired by artists like George Nakashima, Ward Bennett, and Edward Wormley, creating a space that embraces lifestyle and fashion-and-beauty, while the use of adaptable furniture, such as the Pierre Chapo daybed and Jorgen Hoj table, ensures a home-and-garden sensibility that allows for flexibility.
