In the vibrant Lower East Side, a 1,600-square-foot full-floor condo has been transformed from a blank canvas into a modern sanctuary amidst the city's relentless energy. Completed between Summer 2023 and Spring 2024, this new construction residential apartment has been reimagined into a warm and inviting home for a young couple, defining their first shared space with a distinct character and charm.

Working on this new build presented a fresh set of challenges compared to historic or established residential spaces. Unlike historic homes, where existing characteristics guide the design, this project required creating a unique character from scratch. In this case, the clients became the primary source of inspiration, with the couple’s vision of a "modern tree house" guiding the design to blend warmth and personality with the stark simplicity of the new construction.

The condo’s layout remained unchanged, but the design approach was anything but conventional. Inspired by the concept of a tree house—typically nestled in serene, wooded environments—the goal was to bring that same feeling of refuge and warmth into a bustling urban setting. Natural materials played a crucial role in achieving this. By incorporating a spectrum of calming finishes which includes neutral rugs from Nordic Knots and chairs from Carl Hansen & Son, Bespoke Only humanized the space, counterbalancing the austere nature of the boxy build and the vibrant cityscape outside. 

Lamps from Audo Copenhagen and Constance Guisset pendants illuminate the space in a subtle, yet intuitive way. Central to the design is a comprehensive and intuitive millwork program, custom-designed to enhance both storage and aesthetics. This bespoke millwork was instrumental in transforming the condo into the envisioned modern tree house.