the Manhattan haven
Sophisticated, Travel-Inspired Retreat in the Heart of nyc
Project Type
Virtual, Design-Only
Location
Manhattan, Ny
Paint Color
White Dove
Favorite Element
Leatherback Barstools
project overview
NYC studio apartment transformed into a stylish home.
Moving from a tiny studio to a spacious one-bedroom, this NYC client wanted to transform his new apartment into a stylish, comfortable home that felt like an extension of his personality. The space was a blank slate, with minimal character left behind by the previous owner. As someone who works and travels frequently, it was important that his home felt like a true retreat — a place to relax, entertain, and reflect on his travels. Our goal was to layer in warmth, texture, and personal touches while avoiding the typical “bachelor pad” look that often leans too youthful or generic.
the before & after
“It’s the perfect space to come home to after a long work trip. Everything is exactly where it should be, and it just feels good to walk in and know it’s ready for me or for hosting friends. It’s comfortable, put-together, and makes weekends at home even better.”
challenges & creative solutions
Balancing Sophistication & Personality
The biggest challenge was creating a bachelor pad that felt mature, stylish, and curated — not like a college dorm. The client held onto some outdated furniture that didn’t match his vision, so we helped him let go of pieces that no longer served him and upgrade to a more refined aesthetic.
Adding Warmth to an Industrial NYC Apartment
Many NYC apartments tend to have a cold, industrial feel with minimal built-in character. To counterbalance the stark white walls and modern finishes, we brought in:
Soft textures like plush area rugs and cozy upholstery.
Layered lighting to create warmth and ambiance.
Personalized artwork & collected travel pieces to tell his story.
Maximizing Functionality & Ease of Use
With the client’s busy travel schedule, the space needed to be both low-maintenance and smartly designed for daily life. We integrated:
Automated window coverings for privacy and energy efficiency.
Trade vendor partnerships for white-glove furniture delivery—no curbside assembly required!
A streamlined virtual design process that allowed the client to review layouts, approve selections, and purchase at his own pace.
collaboration & process
Virtual Design meets cohesive designed space.
This client was hands-off, trusting us to bring the vision to life without being overly involved. We guided him through a seamless virtual design process, including:
Clear onboarding & detailed floor plan approvals.
Design software that allowed him to visualize selections in real time.
Check-in calls to finalize details and provide guidance on layout, furniture placement, and art hanging.
This approach gave him full control over purchasing and implementation while still ensuring a cohesive, professionally designed space.
design highlights
A Collected & Modern Aesthetic
The design focused on a refined, travel-inspired feel that blended sleek urban style with personal touches.
Key design choices included:
Layered textures to soften the industrial feel.
A neutral foundation with deep blues and warm wood tones for contrast.
Bespoke furniture & curated accents to elevate the space beyond a typical rental-style apartment.
A mix of modern and global influences to reflect the client’s love for travel.
the transformation
A polished, masculine retreat that feels both inviting and effortlessly stylish. By layering personal touches with high-quality furnishings, we created a home that perfectly balances sophistication with comfort.
A refined space that truly feels like home!
Smart, functional design tailored to a frequent traveler!
A seamless virtual design process that made execution easy!
