Form-Meets-Function: 20 Bond New York City Apartment by Home Studios.

Home Studios have undertaken their first architectural and interior residential project – a 185 square metre apartment in a landmark building in New York City’s NoHo neighbourhood. Known for their singular and archetypal approach to hospitality design, it’s no surprise their first foray into residential renovations is a devotion to unexpected details.

Founded in 2009 by former book editor Oliver Haselgrave, the studio encompasses people from backgrounds in architecture, interiors, custom fabrication, and fine art. With this unique perspective on design, the team conceived ten new site-specific furniture and lighting pieces collaborating with local long-term fabrication partners in NYC, including an eye-catching copper hood and swing pendant in the kitchen and dining space.

To rework and maximise the open floor plan, Home Studio gut-renovated the entire apartment keeping only a portion of the original maple floors. The result is a cohesive and beautiful three bedroom, two bathroom living space suitable for a young family.

Playful curves and arched contours are seen throughout the interior. The rounded and raised roof, curved walls, rounded corners and bowed glass window in the guest bathroom are all reminiscent of Alvar Aalto’s forms – a big inspiration for the design team.

Considered use of colour is a defining feature of all Home Studios designs. At 20 Bond St, Farrow and Ball’s signature colour “pointing” covers the walls. The kitchen cabinets pop against the blue-grey “pigeon” colour, referencing Parisian courtyard doors. Bright and airy, oak and copper detailing delineate the spaces.

Natural stones add depth to the calm and neutral palette – an alcove made out of Santa Caterina travertine sits at the end of the hallway adorned with a James Hawksworth photograph, the creamy hue matching the maple floorboards. Meanwhile, the deep grey veins of the master bathroom’s custom vanity in honed Arabescato Classico marble compliment the ashy grey flooring and black fixtures.

Home Studios’ appreciation for craftsmanship can be felt in their thoughtful furniture sourcing. Playful pieces like Sabine Marcelis’ Candy Cube and Atelier de Troupe’s Jia chair can be found alongside Niels Otto Møller’s classic vintage model 80 dining chairs. This balancing of pieces from contemporary and historic designers with their own custom pieces ties the space together.

Overwhelmingly the space feels comfortable and practical. From the Howard sofa by Egg Collective and generous Column Table by Fort Standard in the living spaces, to the soaking tub and tiled sitting nook comfort was never compromised for style.

In their first residential project, Home Studios defy convention to create an apartment that’s future-proofed for the modern family. This project honours form-meet-function approach through surprising and elegant details.

[Images courtesy of Home Studios. Photography by Brian Ferry.]