Loft as Light Box
Designer Stephen Roberts envisioned this 3000 square foot in Chelsea, New York as a giant light box. Elements such as doors and the kitchen island were executed in backlit white glass, the floors are white terrazzo and lighting, sprinklers and other systems were held off the ceilings. As a result, the entire space glows and provides a dramatic backdrop for the objects within.
The client had a small vintage Scandinavian furniture collection which was the basis for the rest of the selections. Robert’s combination of a Florence Knoll cream wool sofa and chairs and Knoll Barcelona ottomans in creme suede and white Carrera Saarinen tables and a glossy white cantilevered sideboard (designed by Roberts) provide subtle variations on the theme and give a soft structure to the space. The Jacobsen Swan Sofa in brown wool and vintage Jacobsen Egg chairs in tan leather then become the exclaimation point and subject of the light box. The inclusion of the vintage pieces throughout the space provide warmth.
Roberts’ selections in the dining area are an absolute home run. The 12′ rosewood dining table was purchased in Copenhagen and paired with Niels O. Moller dining chairs in rosewood and black leather. The strength of these pieces are further enhanced by the light box concept. The 1950’s Murano glass light fixture, though delicate, holds its own. What almost appears as a piece of art is actually a window. The orignal windows were 70’s aluminum double hung windows which Roberts elected to remove and replace with a very fine white powder coated steel center pivot window from the 30s. This particular window frames the concrete facade of a building across the street.
A strong simple concept with solid execution make the Chelsea Loft read loud and clear.
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