Urban Oasis

This Manhattan loft is the top floor of what was formerly a light manufacturing building built in the 1890s. It shares the block with the famed Chelsea Hotel. Interior designer and owner Thomas Hays' goal for the space's renovation was to create a lush romantic feel—a home that would provide an oasis from the hectic lifestyle of New York City.

While the rooms had to provide inviting focal points, the loft also had to maintain its sense of openness. Hays envisioned an interior space that flowed into the terraces and gave the illusion of floating in the clouds. Adhering to an open floor plan, adjoining spaces were united through chromatic and textural continuity. The den and formal entertaining areas feature an eclectic mix of artifacts ranging from southeast Asian, Indian, and African to Art Deco and Aesthetic Movement pieces.

The downstairs bath design was based on the "Haman" or the famed Turkish bath. Hays constructed a domed open shower using pigmented concrete to create a waterproof surface with an earthy patina. Continuing the Haman motif, he designed a biblical mosaic for the floor using a mixture of waxed terra cotta tiles and limestone. The sink was handcrafted using pigmented concrete; into which, a hammered copper basin (with a copper and brass faucet) was inlaid. In order to capture a warm, romantic feeling for the bath, Hays chose antique fixtures with a lyrical touch: a French regency mirror, Venetian sconces, and a Belgian oil lamp.

The design for the master bedroom and bath suite was based on the Aegean. For the bath, situated on the top of turret-like curved wall, the highlight is the mosaic of brilliant cobalt blue glass tiles evoking the sea. The open bath plan features a walk-in shower, separate white cast iron tub centered under a monastic window, and a freestanding French Art Deco mirror. Exotic plants enhance the oasis feel.

The adjoining bedroom features a dramatic white linen curtain canopy for privacy and is framed by a large collage of windows opening up to a terrace immediately behind the bed. The entire décor of the bed and bath alludes to Mediterranean coastal areas. The terrace—planted in a meadow motif—includes a mixture of exotic trees, yarrow, bianthus, artemesia, wildflowers, Russian sage, weeping cherry, and roses.

For the kitchen, Hays wanted to create a simple, yet cool feel; a room that would gently wake him in the morning. To achieve this, the designer chose light-green tile and stainless steel under cabinets for their reflective quality. Brushed glass cabinet fronts create the illusion of a larger space. Bouquets of fresh flowers from the terrace garden beautify the breakfast bar area.

Credits

Interior Design
Thomas Hays Interiors