Architectural Cases

A timeless interior design element, wood paneling, is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in modern homes. This versatile material, which has graced interiors for centuries, is being rediscovered for its innate ability to infuse spaces with depth, warmth, and a unique character. While its historical roots stretch back to indigenous longhouses and Tudor-era English residences, and its more recent association ties it to the distinctive style of 1970s interiors, wood paneling is now making a compelling case for its place in contemporary aesthetics, as beautifully demonstrated in tastemaker Athena Calderone's Tribeca apartment.

Athena Calderone's Manhattan residence stands as a testament to the sophisticated application of wood paneling. Her oak-paneled walls, described as possessing the rich hue of chocolate syrup, evoke a sense of luxurious indulgence that immediately captures attention. Beyond mere visual appeal, the use of timber in architecture boasts a long and storied history. As one of the planet's oldest and most sustainable building resources, wood has consistently been a foundational material, from traditional indigenous dwellings to the standard timber-framing methods employed in many of today's new constructions. However, the purely decorative aspect of wood, particularly in wall applications, had somewhat faded over time. Calderone's home, featured in Architectural Digest, brings this art back into the spotlight, proving its enduring charm.

Historically, wood paneling gained considerable popularity during the Tudor period in England. Following the conclusion of the Wars of the Roses, a period of relative peace allowed for a shift in architectural focus from fortification to comfort within homes. This new emphasis on interior coziness drew inspiration from Italian Renaissance residences, where decorative paneling was also a prominent feature. In the United States, however, wood paneling often conjures images of the 1970s, characterized by dark veneers and laminate finishes, which, for a time, led to it being considered somewhat stylistically outdated.

Nevertheless, the tide is turning, and designers are increasingly recognizing the value of wood paneling. Heather Weisz, principal of HW Interiors, observes a significant pivot away from minimalist, stark white interiors towards designs that are rich in layers, purpose, and distinct personality. She highlights how wood paneling, in particular, contributes substantial depth and a comforting ambiance to any room. Weisz notes its integration even into new builds, offering a sense of rootedness and permanence that transcends the feel of a freshly constructed space. This renewed appreciation underscores a desire for textural and architectural elements that ground an interior with a timeless quality.

Cara Shahbandi, founder of Stanton Home Design, connects this rekindled interest to the broader resurgence of Art Deco design. Coincidentally, Calderone herself drew heavily from Deco aesthetics when conceptualizing her Tribeca apartment. Shahbandi emphasizes that clients are actively seeking this kind of opulent richness. She recounts a recent project in a Hoboken brownstone where the homeowners' top priority was preserving the original wood paneling in their library and living room, a request that was met with enthusiasm by the designer. This illustrates a clear client demand for authentic and character-rich architectural details.

Beyond its aesthetic contributions, wood paneling offers practical design advantages. Grey Joyner, founder and lead designer of Grey Joyner Interiors, points out that when executed thoughtfully, paneling can perform substantial decorative work. It introduces texture and dimension without relying on color, making it an excellent choice for clients who prefer neutral palettes but still desire a sense of completeness in their spaces. Jon Fante of Studio A.d mentions that his firm is proposing subtle paneling designs, incorporating closely spaced vertical slats and slender stiles and rails over solid wood slabs, showcasing a refined approach to the material.

The versatility of wood paneling means it adapts equally well to maximalist interiors, providing an additional layer of texture and visual intrigue. As Joyner articulates, whether the design is understated or more pronounced, the inherent qualities of wood infuse a space with warmth and dimension, creating a thoughtful atmosphere regardless of the overarching aesthetic. This re-emerging trend signals a return to classic materials that offer both beauty and a sense of history to our living environments.

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.