Sometimes it’s more about knowing what not to do in order to create elegant, pared-back interiors that are the epitome of luxury
LIVING ROOM
‘The shearling chair brings a lot of texture into the space and it’s super cosy. It’s like a hug,’ says designer Nicola. Grouped on a silk and wool rug, the curvaceous furniture improves the sense of flow, while brass wall lights add an element of polish.
The download
Banda is a multidisciplinary property practice, covering everything from sourcing the perfect pad to project management, architecture and interior design. It’s noted for its quietly luxurious yet satisfyingly functional residential projects, including this apartment created for a New Yorker – working in real estate – who loves to entertain and wanted a sanctuary away from the city’s busy streets.
The apartment, in New York’s characterful West Village, is on the third floor of a former industrial building that dates back to the early 1900s. The entrance hall leads to the main bedroom and bathroom on one side and, on the other, the living and dining space with adjoining kitchen. The dining area leads, via a subtle pocket door, to the studycum-guest bedroom and guest bathroom. A roof terrace runs the length of the reception rooms.
The brief for this project was refreshingly simple: table, ‘I want Banda, but make it New York’, the client told the design practice. While certain constants thread through everything Banda creates – think impeccable material choices, carefully sourced statement furniture and a prevailing sense of serenity – each Banda home has its own unique character, taking its cues from the client, the building and the city beyond. ‘We wanted the interior here to be classic but also to have an edge and a grit that’s synonymous with New York; to create a sanctuary that was still rooted in NYC,’ says Nicola Sherbon, Banda’s head of design.
Converted a couple of decades back, the apartment was looking a little tired but, despite being on the small side, it had a pleasingly efficient layout and had held onto its authentic industrial character, with striking coffered-concrete ceilings and black metal-framed windows. ‘We wanted to pay respect to the heritage and architectural fabric of the building and to lean into its history. In doing that we had to exercise restraint –sometimes it’s more about knowing about what not to do.’
With no structural work needed, Banda focused on creating logical layouts within the space for a good sense of flow. �
