Homes

Manhattan apartment by DesignbyRUCHI is all about materiality, maturity and mesmerising views

JUN 15, 2022 | By Sneha Gandhi
Adorned with Queen Elizabeth artwork by Mark Sloper, designer chandelier by Arteriors, dining chairs by Roberta Schilling, drapery fabric by Élitis and styling and accessories by Soho Home, the fine dining setup enjoys stunning views of the Manhattan skyline; Photographs by Daniel Wang
The great room houses a bar from Timothy Oulton, bar stools from Restoration Hardware, kitchen drapery fabric by Zimmer + Rohde, dining drapery fabric from Élitis and Zimmer + Rohde and accessories from Made Goods, Arteriors, Soho Home; Photographs by Daniel Wang
An artisan bed from Stillfried Wien, nightstands and dresser from Roberta Schilling and surface finishes from Nemo Tile + Stone paired with bedding from Linen by Parachute Home, throw and pillows by Restoration Hardware, textured rug from ABC Carpet & Home, drapery fabric from Linen Silk by Stroheim create a refreshing ambience in the primary bedroom; Photographs by Daniel Wang

If Monica Geller from F.R.I.E.N.D.S. ever happened to visit the William Street Residence by Ruchi Agrawal Mohan, Principal Designer and Founder of DesignbyRUCHI, she would exclaim, “Now, this is a grown-up’s apartment!”

Situated on the 39th floor of the skyscraper 130 William (by renowned architect Sir David Adjaye), the sprawling 12,000 sq ft Manhattan home embodies an urban sophistication and maturity.

The owner was always clear about what he wanted in this space, namely—natural materials that would age beautifully over years of use, a mature aesthetic and a strong preference for function. As one would expect, Ruchi packs all three with her own architectural aesthetic. 

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DesignbyRUCHI
The living room is characterised by a colourful sofa and bar stools from Restoration Hardware, custom upholstered in wool fabric Nuevo wing chairs, coffee table by Seer Studio, wool rug from Jaipur Living, drapery fabric from Élitis and Zimmer + Rohde and accessories from Made Goods, Arteriors, Soho Home; Photographs by Daniel Wang

To enunciate the structural detailing of the apartment, Ruchi adds baseboard (skirting) and crown moulding. Its rigid skeleton is deliberately challenged by curves embedded in every little element  right from the windows, furniture to lights.

Clean lines, defined volumes and understated symmetry play a pivotal role in stirring up a dignified appeal in the home.

The contemporary home does not shy away from its mammoth forms but flaunts them with bold colours and patterns. Although all areas use the same colour palette of warm tans, cool blues and neutral greys with green accents on an ivory white canvas, their proportions vary in every room to add a unique character or mood. The material palette explores natural woods and marble. 

DesignbyRUCHI
The media unit by Roberta Schilling and coffee table by Seer Studio speak the same material language in the living room; Photographs by Daniel Wang

The designer loves experimenting with layouts to optimise the best possible flow in every project and it shows as the home seamlessly flows from public to private spaces. The entrance foyer welcomes you with a console, built in place for essentials like bags and keys paired with a mirror. 

On the right, one would find an art foyer that serves as a momentary pause point in the spacious apartment before leading to the great room. Named after the art collection it houses, the foyer seemingly narrates a story about the likes and dislikes of its inhabitants. 

The art foyer dons a wallpaper from Linen canvas by Cowtan & Tout accentuated with prints by Bob Dylan and “We the People” neon Flag art by Mark Sloper; Photographs by Daniel Wang

 

DesignbyRUCHI
The dining chairs by Roberta Schilling, designer chandelier by Arteriors, Queen Elizabeth artwork by Mark Sloper, drapery fabric by Élitis and styling and accessories by Soho Home fabricate a fine dining setup; Photographs by Daniel Wang

Encompassing a major section of the home, the great room houses the living room, dining area, bar and kitchen. The ensemble lures you in with enchanting views of the Manhattan skyline promptly visible through its arched windows. 

Beyond lies the primary bedroom complete with a walk-in-closet and a bathroom. It features an accent wall deliberately furred out at the bottom to add scones and a marble atop to create a ledge. “I also used this opportunity to include additional soundproofing here,”reveals Ruchi.

DesignbyRUCHI
The primary bedroom houses an European walnut-finish artisan bed from Stillfried Wien, bedding from Linen by Parachute Home, throw and pillows by Restoration Hardware, textured rug from ABC Carpet & Home, drapery fabric from Linen Silk by Stroheim, nightstands and dresser from Roberta Schilling and surface finishes from Nemo Tile + Stone; Photographs by Daniel Wang

The process of building the ledge behind the bedroom window was a tedious one, from procuring the permit from the building to narrowing in on the finish and height but totally worth the detail according to the studio. The home office also functions as a  guest room with an ensuite bathroom. 

The crown moulding, baseboard and style of drapery maintain a visual continuity in the home. “The drapes in this apartment are really a labour of love. The windows are a beautiful arched shape and I wanted to do everything to highlight them and the view beyond,” divulges Ruchi. 

DesignbyRUCHI
The home office mods a Ridge desk from Edgewood Made, desk chair by Herman Miller, blue suede wallpaper by Innovations, wool wallpaper by Schumacher, drapery fabric from Linen Silk by Stroheim and Jaipur Living rug; Photographs by Daniel Wang

Spending a lazy evening after a long day at work at the William Street Residence by DesignbyRUCHI, relishing the spectacular New York skyline — we imagine would be an absolute way to unwind.

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