Celebrity Style

Athena Calderone Transforms a Tribeca Apartment into a Modern Sanctuary

Athena Calderone, a renowned interior designer, recently undertook the ambitious project of transforming a historic Tribeca apartment into a unique and highly personalized residence. This endeavor, which began in 2023, marked a significant shift for Calderone, who had previously resided in a much-admired Greek Revival townhouse in Brooklyn. Driven by a desire for a new aesthetic challenge, she, alongside her husband Victor and their son Jivan, embarked on a journey to infuse the Manhattan property with her distinctive style. The renovation involved reconfiguring the layout, relocating the kitchen and dining areas for better light and space, and creating a dedicated home office and music studio. Calderone's meticulous approach included drawing inspiration from European architecture and collaborating with a range of artisans to bring her vision to life, resulting in an apartment that reflects a sophisticated blend of historical charm and modern design.

The Reimagination of a Tribeca Landmark

In 2023, Athena Calderone and her husband, Victor, a music producer and DJ, made the bold decision to move from their long-standing Brooklyn residence to a new apartment in Manhattan's historic Tribeca neighborhood. This full-floor dwelling, located in an early 20th-century building, once served as the executive suite for the Borden condensed milk company. Its original grandeur was evident in its herringbone floors, 13-foot ceilings, and rich oak-paneled walls, which Calderone humorously described as being the color of chocolate syrup. Previously owned by the acclaimed French architect Thierry Despont, the apartment possessed a unique history and an intriguing foundation.

Calderone's vision for the space was to move beyond Despont's previous opulent designs and create something entirely her own. Initially contemplating bleaching the dark woodwork, she found inspiration during a trip to Vienna, particularly from Adolf Loos's American Bar, which encouraged her to embrace the existing dark tones and smaller, intimate spaces. She collaborated with the Brownstone Boys to refinish the woodwork, achieving a stunning result without excessive cost. Working with architect Danielle Siggerud and her team at Studio Athena Calderone, along with Sacks and Co. Construction Management, they embarked on a comprehensive renovation. The kitchen and dining room were strategically transposed to enhance natural light and space, while Despont's former library was ingeniously converted into a home office for Calderone and a music production studio for Victor. Calderone proudly noted their success in maximizing every square foot of the apartment.

A pivotal influence on her design philosophy was Villa Necchi Campiglio in Milan, an architectural marvel from 1935 by Piero Portaluppi. Calderone's earlier visit to the villa served as an epiphany, helping her understand the apartment's potential and the allure of a more formal lifestyle. Inspired by the Villa Necchi's 'datum line' – a slender horizontal band that creates the illusion of floating ceilings – Calderone incorporated a similar feature throughout her home. Her travels further fueled her creativity, leading her to discover unique materials like a creamy limestone from a Rome hotel lobby in 2024. Every design element, from the parchment-style lime plaster in the niche of the primary bedroom to the custom leaded glass doors by Amuneal and Bendheim glass, is a testament to her global quest for inspiration. She collaborated with companies like Calico Wallpaper, Lowe Hardware, Colbourns carpets, and metal fabricators Amuneal, considering this collaborative process among the most rewarding aspects of her career. The apartment features a curated collection of Vienna Secession and Art Deco pieces, sourced from European auctions, alongside prototypes from her own design studio. Notable acquisitions include a circa 1900 ebonized Viennese desk, a Cible table by Jean Prouvé and Jules Leleu, and Jacques Adnet armchairs, as well as Maria Pergay’s 1968 Flying Carpet daybed. This apartment, unfettered by its previous incarnations, truly embodies Calderone’s signature elegance and meticulous eye for detail.

This transformative project by Athena Calderone highlights the profound impact of intentional design and personal vision in creating a living space that truly reflects its inhabitants. It serves as a reminder that a home is not merely a structure but a canvas for self-expression, continuously evolving with one's journey and inspirations. Calderone’s approach underscores the value of combining historical appreciation with contemporary creativity, demonstrating that even a space with a rich past can be reinvented to embody a fresh, sophisticated aesthetic. Her dedication to sourcing unique pieces and collaborating with skilled artisans illustrates that true design mastery lies in the details and the ability to weave a cohesive narrative throughout a home. This project offers inspiration to anyone looking to infuse their personal spaces with character, history, and a touch of modern elegance.

Colman Domingo Lists His Stylish Mid-Century Modern Los Angeles Home

Actor Colman Domingo has placed his distinctive mid-century modern residence in the Los Angeles area on the market for $2.05 million. This sale marks a significant moment for the "Euphoria" star, who, alongside his husband, producer Raúl Domingo, acquired the ranch-style property in 2018 for $1.15 million. Domingo has openly shared his fond memories of the 3,450-square-foot dwelling, reminiscing about lively pool gatherings, celebrations, peaceful solitary moments, and profound happiness experienced within its walls. The house, known as the Hofkin Residence, was originally designed by architect Jules Salkin in 1964 and has been lauded for its remarkably preserved original features, including exquisite wood paneling, a inviting sunken great room complete with a stone fireplace, a sleek teak wood kitchen, and signature beamed ceilings.

The property's allure extends beyond its preserved architectural integrity. It boasts a single-story layout encompassing four bedrooms and five bathrooms, complemented by a dedicated office space, a private gym, a refreshing backyard pool, and multiple thoughtfully designed outdoor zones ideal for relaxation and social events. Domingo's commitment to maintaining the home's mid-century aesthetic was evident during a 2021 tour with Architectural Digest, where he emphasized his preference for a "playful" and "unfussy" living environment. He meticulously curated the interiors with a blend of vintage and replica furnishings, ensuring that each piece resonated with the home's original design ethos. A particular highlight remains the primary bathroom, featuring a striking striped wall composed of original tiles salvaged from Charles Kratka's mosaic tunnels at LAX, a detail Domingo felt compelled to preserve and even humorously matched with a vintage Dior bathrobe.

A Star's Southern California Oasis

Colman Domingo, the acclaimed actor from "Euphoria" and "Sing Sing," is offering his cherished mid-century modern Los Angeles home for sale, seeking $2.05 million. This architectural gem, which he acquired with his husband, Raúl Domingo, in 2018 for $1.15 million, is more than just a house; it's a repository of "memories of pool parties, celebrations, quiet moments of solitude and pure joy," as Domingo himself described. The 3,450-square-foot property is celebrated for its enduring original character, a testament to its 1964 design by architect Jules Salkin. The decision to part with this beloved residence comes as Domingo looks toward new horizons, though his next abode is anticipated to maintain the same high standard of style and personal expression.

The residence, famously known as the Hofkin Residence in Downey, California, stands as a prime example of mid-century design, with many of its initial details remarkably intact. Key features include elegant wood paneling, a cozy sunken great room centered around a stone fireplace, a functional and aesthetically pleasing teak wood kitchen, distinctive beamed ceilings, and thoughtfully integrated built-in storage solutions. The single-story layout is both practical and luxurious, offering four spacious bedrooms, five modern bathrooms, a dedicated office, and a home gym. Outdoors, the property provides a private oasis with a sparkling pool and various areas designed for both leisurely lounging and vibrant entertaining, reflecting Domingo's vision for a home that seamlessly blends comfort with sophisticated design.

Preserving Mid-Century Charm and Personal Style

Domingo's meticulous approach to design and preservation is evident throughout the home, particularly in how he honored its mid-century origins. During a 2021 feature in Architectural Digest, he articulated his desire for a living space that felt vibrant and accessible, stating, "I want my home to have a sense of play; I never want it to be fussy." This philosophy guided his decor choices, with a deliberate emphasis on acquiring vintage pieces and faithful replicas that echoed the era's distinctive aesthetic. His dedication ensured that the home's unique character was not only preserved but also enhanced, creating an environment that is both stylish and deeply personal, resonating with his artistic sensibilities.

Among the home's most captivating elements is the master bathroom, which showcases a truly unique original detail: a strikingly colorful striped wall crafted from authentic tiles by Charles Kratka, sourced from the mosaic tunnels of LAX. Domingo's deep appreciation for this feature was palpable, as he shared with AD, "When I came into this bathroom, I actually had the feeling of 'I have to preserve this.'" His commitment to this detail even extended to purchasing a vintage Dior bathrobe to complement the vibrant tiles, humorously highlighting his dedication to a cohesive and luxurious living experience. This anecdote underscores his overall approach to home design—a blend of playful elegance and a profound respect for architectural heritage, making every corner of his home feel like a bespoke, luxury retreat.

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Beyond Aesthetics: How Your Bedding Choices Reflect Your Personality and Well-being

Your bedroom isn't just a place to sleep; it's a reflection of your innermost self, with your bedding choices playing a pivotal role in shaping your mood and overall well-being. The fabrics, colors, and textures you select for your bed go beyond superficial style, hinting at deeper psychological preferences and influencing how you unwind and recharge. Understanding these connections can help you curate a sleep sanctuary that truly resonates with your desired state of mind, fostering comfort and emotional balance.

The Psychology of Sleep Style: Discovering Your Bedding Personality

Experts in interior design and behavioral science suggest that our preferences in bedroom decor are rarely arbitrary; instead, they mirror our emotional needs and aspirations. Carmen René Smith of Aquilo Interiors notes that design choices reflect how individuals wish to feel in their daily lives. Behavioral scientist Dr. Deepika Chopra emphasizes that the most crucial aspect is creating a space that effortlessly communicates to your brain, 'nothing is required of me here.' Whether you gravitate towards stark simplicity or vibrant complexity, each bedding style contributes to a unique mental landscape conducive to rest.

For those drawn to a minimalist aesthetic, often characterized by crisp, all-white linens and clean lines, the desire is typically for clarity and a reduction of visual clutter. This approach, as Lindsie Davis of Blueberry Jones Design explains, suggests optimism and a longing for visual calm, allowing the mind to focus solely on the evening routine. This style isn't about a lack of creativity but rather a deliberate choice to foster a serene and uncluttered mental space.

Conversely, a love for whimsical frills and romantic botanical patterns, reminiscent of an English cottage, speaks to a nostalgic spirit and a yearning for emotional security. Dr. Chopra highlights that such textures can evoke a sense of being embraced. Layering patchwork quilts over duvets and incorporating tactile elements like scallops and ruffles enhances this feeling of coziness and warmth, transforming the bedroom into a comforting haven.

If your bedroom is awash in calming blues and greens, and your linen closet boasts an array of breezy linen bedding, your style leans towards coastal tranquility. These hues are known to soothe the nervous system, while natural materials like linen offer a relaxed yet substantial comfort year-round. Smith describes this as a desire for ease and balance, suggesting an intentional yet effortless approach to creating a peaceful environment. Dr. Chopra adds that natural elements like the sound of ocean waves can make us feel safer and more connected to nature, promoting deeper relaxation.

Finally, for maximalists who embrace bold colors and eclectic patterns, the bedroom becomes a vibrant canvas for self-expression. While seemingly a sensory overload, this style can actually stimulate the mind in a positive way, encouraging creativity. Davis points out that deeper, richer colors can create a cocoon-like effect, enveloping you in a protective embrace. Choosing opulent textures like striped mohair or floral percale ensures that even with maximalist designs, the focus remains on joyful rejuvenation and, ultimately, better sleep.

In essence, your bedding is more than just fabric; it's a statement about your inner world. By understanding the psychological undertones of different styles, you can consciously design a bedroom that not only looks appealing but also profoundly nurtures your mental and emotional well-being, leading to more restful nights and more energized days.

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