Architectural Cases

Athena Calderone, a distinguished interior designer, creative director, and founder of Studio Athena Calderone and Eyeswoon, graces the April cover of AD with her remarkable Tribeca residence. This five-story former milk factory, once home to French architect Thierry Despont, has been meticulously reimagined by Calderone. Her design approach elegantly honors Despont's intricate style, incorporating subtle nods to his legacy while seamlessly blending her affinity for Art Deco and Beaux-Arts aesthetics. The result is a space that feels both deeply rooted in history and vibrantly contemporary, a testament to her philosophy that "nothing was fast design." Every detail, from herringbone floors to piano key accents, reflects a thoughtful and considered approach, showcasing a harmonious fusion of past and present.

Calderone's design prowess shines through her exceptional ability to curate a home filled with character and depth. The apartment features rich wine-colored upholstery, lustrous high-gloss lacquers, and an impressive collection of rare auction pieces from celebrated designers like Maria Pergay, Albert Cheuret, and Jacques Adnet. These elements leave an indelible mark, creating a truly unique environment. Her passion for sourcing extends to every corner, blending high-end finds with personal touches. The journey of designing this home prompts a central question: How can one evoke the elegance of a bygone era in a distinctly modern context? Calderone's residence offers a compelling answer, proving that a space can be both historically reverent and refreshingly current.

The Art of Historical Preservation and Modern Integration

Athena Calderone's renovation of her Tribeca apartment exemplifies a profound respect for historical architecture, seamlessly blending it with contemporary design. The space, originally a milk factory and later occupied by renowned architect Thierry Despont, offered a unique canvas. Calderone thoughtfully retained and drew inspiration from existing features, such as the leaded-glass doors in the kitchen, which once led to the executive office. These historical elements are not merely preserved but reinterpreted through her sophisticated lens, creating a dialogue between the building's past and its vibrant present. Her travels to design hubs like Paris, Milan, and Vienna further enriched her vision, inspiring the geometric leaded-glass detailing that now adorns the home, a fusion of local history and global artistry. This approach transforms the apartment into a living museum, where every corner tells a story of thoughtful evolution.

Beyond structural elements, Calderone's design incorporates bespoke details and a tribute to artisanship. The gallery, for instance, features a subtly hand-painted mural on the upper walls, an homage to Despont's original, more masculine and geometric mural. Calderone's version introduces softer, tonal colors and triangular shapes, mimicking shagreen, adding a layer of refined texture and visual interest. She delved deep into understanding 20th-century craftsmanship, researching techniques like high-gloss lacquer and silver leaf application. This dedication to authentic artistry is evident in the careful layering of materials and finishes throughout the home. Even seemingly minor details, like the delicate application of paper-thin silver leaf, underscore a commitment to quality and a celebration of a bygone era's meticulous handwork, a stark contrast to today's fast-paced design trends.

Curated Collections and Personal Touches

Calderone's distinctive style is largely defined by her passion for collecting unique pieces, a process she describes as both exciting and frenzied. The majority of her home's furnishings were acquired through auctions, a method that allows for unexpected discoveries and personal connections to each item. She firmly believes that the first piece chosen for a home sets its entire tone, a philosophy she applied when acquiring the Maria Pergay Flying Carpet daybed shortly after moving in. This stainless steel piece, juxtaposed against the apartment's warm wood paneling, creates a captivating visual tension, embodying her knack for harmonious contrasts. Her ability to identify and secure rare finds from designers like Albert Cheuret and Jacques Adnet underscores her discerning eye and commitment to creating a space that is both curated and deeply personal.

The integration of vintage and personal elements is central to Calderone's aesthetic. The Albert Cheuret pendant in her bathroom, featuring birds holding an alabaster ball like an egg, is a testament to her appreciation for poetic and artistic pieces. Similarly, her Jacques Adnet armchairs, despite their worn appearance, were kept in their original state, demonstrating her belief that imperfection can add character and authenticity to a home. This approach extends to her DIY projects, such as tea-staining electric white bathroom mosaics to achieve a softer, creamier hue that aligns with the apartment's historic feel. Calderone advocates for trusting one's instincts in design, allowing pieces to find their natural place rather than rigidly adhering to plans. This flexible and intuitive approach, coupled with bold design choices like enveloping small spaces in dark, moody tones and strategically using mirrors to expand perceived dimensions, results in a home that is truly a unique expression of its owner.

Elevate Your Space with Timeless Glamour: The Neo Deco Renaissance

Embrace the Allure of Deeper Wood Tones

Draw inspiration from designer Athena Calderone's latest residence, which skillfully integrates darker wood hues such as rich walnut and cherry mahogany. Expert Madelynn Hudson emphasizes that while lighter oaks are often seen as safe, true depth and richness are achieved through these profound wood selections. Historically, Art Deco celebrated wood through luxurious book-matched veneers, intricate inlays, and cerused grains. Incorporating these darker woods, even in smaller accents like furniture or artwork, brings significant warmth and character. To prevent an overwhelming effect, Hudson advises pairing these deep tones with softer elements like wool, linen, honed stone, or plaster, creating a harmonious balance in the room's aesthetic.

Master the Art of Blending Diverse Materials

A hallmark of the Deco aesthetic lies in its material richness. The contemporary Neo Deco approach refines this by advocating for thoughtful selection and authenticity. Designers recommend choosing a few key natural materials, such as marble, velvet, burl wood, and glass, to cultivate visual depth rather than mere superficial flash. Focus on elements that develop a unique patina over time, like unlacquered brass, or marbles with distinctive, fresh veining. The interplay of contrasting textures is crucial; juxtapose shiny surfaces like chrome and glass with more subdued ones such as leather and suede to achieve a balanced and compelling composition.

Immerse Your Environment in Vibrant Hues

Art Deco's bold use of color is reimagined in Neo Deco with a focus on deep, saturated tones. Designers suggest starting with a favored color and extending it across various design elements within a single space, creating a cohesive and immersive experience. This 'color-drenching' technique is then enhanced by layering in complementary shades and patterns, along with mixed materials and a few solid pieces, ensuring the space feels luxurious without being excessive. Traditional Deco jewel tones like oxblood, emerald, and cobalt, alongside contemporary earthy shades such as olive and smoky rose, are perfect for achieving this rich, tonal effect.

Incorporate Luminous, Polished Elements

To capture the distinctive allure of Art Deco, integrate high-shine materials and polished finishes. Chrome, lacquer, and gleaming woods are ideal for reflecting light and creating a dynamic sense of movement throughout the day and night. This radiant quality adds vibrancy and life to a Neo Deco interior. However, it’s vital to temper these reflective surfaces with matte textures, like pairing polished metal with textured plaster walls or a lacquered side table with a soft wool sofa. This strategic contrast prevents visual overload and adds a sophisticated tension to the design.

Highlight the Beauty of Juxtaposition

While traditional Art Deco favored sharp angles and strong geometric patterns, the modern Neo Deco style introduces a softer touch. The balance between geometric precision and sensual curves is central to this updated aesthetic. Focus on strong silhouettes and fewer, more impactful objects. Consider a rounded sofa set against a sleek, glossy wall, or a beautifully scalloped mirror above a simple console. The key is to create a gentle push-and-pull effect between straight lines and soft curves, perhaps through a circular throw pillow on an angular couch or an asymmetrical vase on a square pedestal table.

Emphasize Sophisticated Accents and Details

Small details are where the Neo Deco style truly comes alive, transforming ordinary objects into expressions of luxury. Decorative lighting, such as geometric wall sconces and smoked glassware, along with vintage barware and crystal glasses, can elevate everyday moments and evoke a celebratory atmosphere. Sculptural lamps and fringed ottomans also serve as exquisite accents. These chosen pieces, with their faceted glass, lacquer, and tassels, allow for experimentation with decadent elements in an accessible way. The core principle is to infuse the mundane with romance through carefully curated items, embodying the very essence of Deco design.