Architectural Cases

Renowned mixologist Sam Ross, celebrated for his contributions to the craft cocktail scene and co-founder of the esteemed bar Attaboy, has embarked on a significant personal project: the complete overhaul of his long-term residence in Red Hook. What began as a modest 600-square-foot apartment nearly two decades ago has blossomed into a spacious 1,200-square-foot dream home, encompassing the entire historic building. This ambitious transformation, driven by Ross's desire for a space that reflects his evolving lifestyle and passion for entertaining, was brought to life through a close collaboration with his long-standing friend and accomplished interior designer, Mel Brasier.

Ross's connection to his Red Hook abode traces back to 2008 when he first secured the small apartment through Craigslist. Over the years, a strong and enduring relationship developed with his landlord, a bond that ultimately paved the way for this extensive renovation. In 2022, when the opportunity arose to purchase the entire circa-1899 building, Ross seized it without hesitation. This acquisition not only doubled his interior living space but also unlocked the potential for a backyard and a raw rooftop, igniting his vision for a truly personalized home.

For the intricate design work, Ross instinctively turned to Mel Brasier. Their professional relationship spans over two decades, originating when Brasier, fresh from FIT's interiors program, designed Ross's inaugural bar, Attaboy. This shared history fostered an almost intuitive understanding between them. Ross explains that Brasier possesses a unique ability to grasp his initial, often abstract, ideas and elevate them into something far superior to his original imaginings.

Brasier, who later channeled her design expertise into outdoor spaces as co-founder of Manscapers, embraced the opportunity to reshape her friend's environment. She drew inspiration from Ross's warm and sociable character, translating it into a design language rich in tactile elements like wood and ceramics. The color scheme features saturated yet natural hues, such as forest green, terra-cotta, and deep rose, creating an inviting and convivial atmosphere that perfectly complements Ross's love for hosting gatherings.

While granting Brasier creative freedom, Ross did present a few key desires. He envisioned the ground floor's main level as an expansive, open-plan area, ideal for fluid conversation and social interaction. For his private retreat on the second floor, he sought a cozier, more intimate, cabin-like ambiance. His inspiration for this personal haven stemmed from a fascination with 1970s log cabin aesthetics, characterized by abundant cedar, a fireplace, and a distinctly relaxed feel.

Brasier meticulously delivered on these requests. The primary suite on the upper level is enveloped in cedar planks, creating a truly immersive and fragrant experience that Ross describes as akin to a constant sauna. A freestanding fireplace anchors a richly textured sitting area, while the bed is nestled into a comforting nook by the window, maximizing the feeling of secluded comfort. Downstairs, though devoid of cedar, the main living area proudly displays thick wooden beams, a discovery unearthed during the renovation. These rustic elements are balanced by the polished sophistication of white oak parquet flooring, laid in a classic chevron pattern, and elegant wainscoting adorning the walls around the dining table. This thoughtful integration ensures that each distinct zone within the main space flows effortlessly into the next, facilitating an uninterrupted flow of conversation, food, and cocktails.

Ross articulates a profound desire for his home to be a hub of affection and joy, a place where laughter echoes from children, friends gather in the kitchen, and family from afar feel welcome. The kitchen, a central element in his entertaining ethos, was given prime importance in the design. Its U-shaped layout is strikingly framed by eye-catching zellige tiles in a deep green hue. Brasier emphasized allocating a substantial portion of the budget to tiles and materials that exude texture and a handmade quality, even extending this artisanal approach to the basement bathroom.

Beyond the kitchen, floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a meticulously designed backyard. Here, Brasier's landscaping prowess, honed with Manscapers, created an outdoor oasis featuring a dining deck complete with a grill, and a stone-paved patio bordered by a gracefully curved raised garden bed brimming with diverse plants. The outdoor enhancements didn't conclude there; Brasier and her team, known for their work on Bravo’s Backyard Envy, also conceived a sophisticated rooftop space. This elevated sanctuary boasts a pergola, luxurious chaises, and an outdoor shower, evoking the serene elegance of a Hamptons beach house.

For Ross, the reality of his transformed home remains almost surreal. Having lived in New York for two decades in more confined quarters, the abundance of space, natural light, and varied ambiances now feels like an enduring luxury he believes will never lose its appeal. His Red Hook residence stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design and deep personal connection, evolving from a simple apartment into a vibrant, inviting sanctuary tailored to a life well-lived and shared.

A good night's sleep is paramount, and the cornerstone of restorative rest is an exceptional mattress. Navigating the myriad of options can be daunting, but this guide simplifies the process by presenting a curated selection of leading mattress brands, each rigorously tested by Architectural Digest staff in their own homes. The evaluations focus on crucial aspects such as comfort, support, motion isolation, and breathability, ensuring that every recommendation is grounded in real-world experience. Whether you seek an eco-conscious choice, a pressure-relieving memory foam, or a customizable smart bed, this compilation aims to illuminate the path to your ideal sleeping surface.

For those prioritizing eco-consciousness, Saatva's Loom & Leaf mattress emerges as a frontrunner. This environmentally friendly option is celebrated for its cooling properties and superior pressure point relief, attracting users with its commitment to sustainability. Testers have lauded its firm yet comfortable feel, noting a distinct lack of sag and excellent motion isolation, making it suitable for all sleeping positions and shared beds. Its comprehensive service includes free shipping, white glove delivery, and mattress removal, coupled with a generous 100-night sleep trial and a 15-year warranty, reinforcing its position as a top-tier choice for discerning sleepers.

The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress stands out in the memory foam category, particularly for its ability to alleviate back pain. Testers reported a significant improvement in lower back discomfort after just a few nights, describing the experience as akin to 'falling into a cloud.' Nectar's commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in its seamless ordering process and the inclusion of complimentary pillows, sheets, and a mattress protector with direct purchases. Additionally, its lifetime warranty and a 365-day sleep trial surpass industry standards, providing unparalleled peace of mind. While some noted a slight warmth despite cooling technology, the overall comfort and support were deemed well worth it.

In the realm of designer mattresses, the Tiami Mattress offers a blend of firmness and luxurious comfort. Its innovative edge support, featuring a dedicated perimeter separate from the core coils, prevents sagging and ensures stability even when sitting on the edge. The mattress also boasts impressive airflow, with a double-pocketed system providing seven times more ventilation, addressing concerns about overheating during sleep. Users praised its ability to offer proper alignment and alleviate hip soreness, attributing this to its Enegex and memory foam recovery layers. Despite an initial softer feel in warmer temperatures, the mattress consistently delivered comfort and support over several months, making it a favorite among side sleepers.

The Cocoon by Sealy Chill Mattress is highly recommended for hot sleepers seeking enhanced breathability. Its quick and simple delivery and setup process, combined with its ability to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the night, earned high marks from testers. Users reported undisturbed sleep, free from the tossing and turning experienced with less breathable mattresses. The memory foam layers adapt to individual sleep positions, facilitating easy rest and rejuvenation. Offering a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty, it's a solid choice for those prioritizing a cool and refreshing sleep environment.

For those seeking an organic sleep solution, the Avocado Eco Organic mattress is a standout. Crafted entirely from non-toxic, natural, and organic materials, it caters to health-conscious individuals concerned about chemical off-gassing. Testers appreciated its firm yet yielding feel, which provided excellent back support without being overly rigid. The American Chiropractic Association's endorsement further solidifies its credibility. While some side sleepers might find it on the firmer side, Avocado offers alternatives like the Green Mattress with a pillow top or the Alpaca Wool Mattress Topper for added softness. Its ethical material sourcing and sustainable manufacturing practices make it a compelling choice.

The DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress offers a perfect balance of firmness and plushness, making it an excellent option for those who frequently change sleeping positions. Testers highlighted its luxurious feel, often mistaken for a more expensive product, yet it comes at a reasonable price point. The mattress-in-a-box setup was lauded for its ease and convenience, impressing even seasoned mattress shoppers. With a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty, DreamCloud stands by its product, offering long-term assurance. While the article notes a desire for old mattress removal services, the overall quality and value of the DreamCloud Hybrid are undeniable.

The Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress excels in customization, allowing users to tailor their sleeping experience to specific preferences. The brand is known for incorporating customer feedback into its designs, resulting in continuous improvements. Testers described it as the 'pinnacle of luxury,' offering a supportive yet incredibly comfortable feel. With a 100-night sleep trial and a 15-year warranty, Helix provides ample opportunity to ensure satisfaction. Its ability to offer a personalized sleep experience, particularly for those with specific support needs, sets it apart in the market.

The Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress offers an affordable yet high-quality option, infused with natural green tea and purified charcoal to maintain freshness and cleanliness. Its CertiPUR-US high-quality foam and Oeko-Tex certified cover ensure a healthy sleep environment. Testers appreciated its medium-firmness, providing sturdy support without being uncomfortably hard. It effectively relieved neck pain and offered excellent motion retention, crucial for those sharing a bed. With a 90-day sleep trial and a 10-year warranty, Zinus provides a budget-friendly solution without compromising on essential features.

The Ostermoor Bedford Mattress epitomizes luxury, drawing on a heritage of craftsmanship dating back to 1853. Its hand-built design, premium natural materials like cotton batting, and exquisite visual details make it a true showpiece. Testers praised its perfect balance of spring and cushion, providing firm yet comfortable support that leads to consistently rested mornings. While it comes with a high price tag, the investment is justified by its durability, superior craftsmanship, and timeless design. It's an ideal choice for those seeking an elevated sleep experience and appreciating the artistry of traditional mattress making.

The WinkBed Luxury Firm Mattress provides exceptional customizable firmness options, catering to diverse sleeping preferences. Testers, including those with partners having different firmness needs, found the hybrid design to be a perfect blend of support and softness. The brand's detailed insights guide customers through various firmness levels, from soft to luxury firm, firmer, and plus options. WinkBed's 120-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty reflect confidence in its product. Its strong edge support, heat-wicking properties, and affordability compared to other hybrid models make it a compelling choice for a personalized and restful sleep.

The Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed represents the forefront of sleep technology, offering an innovative and technical approach to personalized rest. Its ability to adjust firmness via a smartphone app and automatically adapt to movements throughout the night ensures optimal comfort. Users can also track their sleep quality, gaining valuable insights into their rest patterns. While the integrated base may limit bed frame choices and the mattress can be cumbersome to move, its unparalleled customization and comfort received high praise. This smart bed is ideal for individuals or couples seeking a highly personalized and data-driven sleep experience.

Selecting the right mattress is a deeply personal decision, influenced by individual comfort preferences, sleep styles, and budgetary considerations. This guide, drawing from extensive real-world testing, provides detailed insights into various top mattress brands. From the eco-friendly Saatva to the technologically advanced Sleep Number, each option presents unique benefits. Key factors like breathability, motion isolation, edge support, and warranty coverage are critical in determining the best fit for a restful night. Ultimately, investing in a mattress that aligns with your specific needs will significantly contribute to improved sleep quality and overall well-being.