Homes
Manhattan apartment by DesignbyRUCHI is all about materiality, maturity and mesmerising views
JUN 15, 2022 | By Sneha Gandhi
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.
You may also like:Brooklyn apartment designed by Ruchi A Mohan is a concoction of ultra modern elements
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Loved this Manhattan home by DesignbyRUCHI? Now check out this Manhattan office by McGovern Project LLC with bespoke interiors and wellness at core