Project Name
Museum Tower
Posted in
Interior Design
Location
15 West 53rd Street
New York, NY 10019
United States
Area (sqm)
185
Completed
2023
Detailed Information
Project NameMuseum TowerPosted inInterior DesignLocation
15 West 53rd Street
New York, NY 10019
United States
Area (sqm)185Completed2023

Developed in 1982 as part of the redesign for the Museum of Modern Art, the 52-storey Museum Tower is one of the most prestigious condominiums in Midtown Manhattan. So when interior design studio Hines Collective was commissioned to renovate one of the Tower’s apartments, the team set out to create a living environment that reflects the new owners’ personality and taste, whilst honouring MoMA’s artistic heritage. Inviting yet otherworldly, the strikingly reimagined 200-square-metre residence seamlessly blends a minimalist aesthetic with a retro-futuristic space-age feel inspired by the owners’ passion for 1960s modernist furniture and contemporary art.

The renovation involved a substantial overhaul of the apartment’s layout. Originally designed with two bedrooms, the home was reconfigured to include a single bedroom, allowing the conversion of the second bedroom into a dream closet for one of the owners. This decision set the stage for a minimalist aesthetic that strikes the perfect balance between form and function.

Sectional sofa custom-designed by Hines Collective; Garden Egg Chairs by Peter Ghyczy; "Platform C" coffee table by Karen Chekerdjian via R & Company; 
Photography by Joshua McHugh.

Sectional sofa custom-designed by Hines Collective; Garden Egg Chairs by Peter Ghyczy; "Platform C" coffee table by Karen Chekerdjian via R & Company; 

Photography by Joshua McHugh.

Sectional sofa and desk custom-designed by Hines Collective; DS-2100 “Skeleton” chair by De Sede; Cloud desk lamp from the “Soma Series” by AYALA.
Photography by Joshua McHugh.

Sectional sofa and desk custom-designed by Hines Collective; DS-2100 “Skeleton” chair by De Sede; Cloud desk lamp from the “Soma Series” by AYALA.

Photography by Joshua McHugh.

“Vortex” dining table by Mattia Bonetti via Bernd Goeckler; “Corsican” woosen chairs by Ian Spencer and Cairn Young of Yard Sale Project via Todd Merrill; Vintage Eero Saarinen Tulip Chairs from Maharam; Mirror custom-designed by Hines Collective.
Photography by Joshua McHugh.

“Vortex” dining table by Mattia Bonetti via Bernd Goeckler; “Corsican” woosen chairs by Ian Spencer and Cairn Young of Yard Sale Project via Todd Merrill; Vintage Eero Saarinen Tulip Chairs from Maharam; Mirror custom-designed by Hines Collective.

Photography by Joshua McHugh.

“Vortex” dining table by Mattia Bonetti via Bernd Goeckler; “Corsican” woosen chairs by Ian Spencer and Cairn Young of Yard Sale Project via Todd Merrill; Vintage Eero Saarinen Tulip Chairs from Maharam; Mirror custom-designed by Hines Collective; Sculpture: Untitled by Jin Soo Kim via Maison Gerard.
Photography by Joshua McHugh.

“Vortex” dining table by Mattia Bonetti via Bernd Goeckler; “Corsican” woosen chairs by Ian Spencer and Cairn Young of Yard Sale Project via Todd Merrill; Vintage Eero Saarinen Tulip Chairs from Maharam; Mirror custom-designed by Hines Collective; Sculpture: Untitled by Jin Soo Kim via Maison Gerard.

Photography by Joshua McHugh.

A major highlight of the renovation was the seamless glossy white epoxy resin floor that spans the entire apartment. This feature, executed flawlessly in a single pour, mirrors the minimalist white palette that serves as the backdrop to the space. "We wanted the floor to create a harmonious surface throughout the residence, enhancing the inspired cloudscape aesthetic," the designers explain. The result is a striking effect that amplifies the sense of openness and light, creating a gallery-like atmosphere where the clients’ art collection can truly shine. Hidden flush doors and concealed closet spaces further amplify the scheme’s minimalist sophistication while the subtle incorporation of circular forms reflects the owners’ love for circles.

Colour was introduced sparingly but effectively. The predominantly white canvas allows for small punches of bold colours and mod prints to emerge through the upholstery and select décor pieces, making a statement without overwhelming the space. Material choices further complement the home's unique aesthetic: Glossy, reflective surfaces dominate, from lacquered cabinetry to polished millwork, enhancing the curated, light-filled environment.

The designers’ meticulous balance of retro-futuristic flair and sleek minimalism extends to the curation of furniture where vintage icons seamlessly blend with contemporary designs and custom-designed pieces. "We aimed to create an atmosphere with nods to space-age sixties mod, the beauty of a well-curated art gallery, and a luxurious living space to match," the designers explain.

“Vortex” dining table by Mattia Bonetti via Bernd Goeckler; “Corsican” woosen chairs by Ian Spencer and Cairn Young of Yard Sale Project via Todd Merrill; Vintage Eero Saarinen Tulip Chairs from Maharam; Mirror custom-designed by Hines Collective; Sculpture: Untitled by Jin Soo Kim via Maison Gerard.
Photography by Joshua McHugh.

“Vortex” dining table by Mattia Bonetti via Bernd Goeckler; “Corsican” woosen chairs by Ian Spencer and Cairn Young of Yard Sale Project via Todd Merrill; Vintage Eero Saarinen Tulip Chairs from Maharam; Mirror custom-designed by Hines Collective; Sculpture: Untitled by Jin Soo Kim via Maison Gerard.

Photography by Joshua McHugh.

Vintage suspension lamp "Bud" Model 3029 by Luigi Massoni for Harvey Guzzini; “Lonia” glass dining table by LeisureMod; “Scottie” Stool by Pinto Paris via Maison Gerard.
Photography by Joshua McHugh.

Vintage suspension lamp "Bud" Model 3029 by Luigi Massoni for Harvey Guzzini; “Lonia” glass dining table by LeisureMod; “Scottie” Stool by Pinto Paris via Maison Gerard.

Photography by Joshua McHugh.

“Lonia” glass dining table by LeisureMod; “Scottie” Stool by Pinto Paris via Maison Gerard.
Photography by Joshua McHugh.

“Lonia” glass dining table by LeisureMod; “Scottie” Stool by Pinto Paris via Maison Gerard.

Photography by Joshua McHugh.

Photography by Joshua McHugh.

Photography by Joshua McHugh.

"Bonnet Chair 1" by Katie Stout via R & Company; “Don't hate me because I'm beautiful” table lamp by Carmen D'Apollonio via Friedman Benda.
Photography by Joshua McHugh.

"Bonnet Chair 1" by Katie Stout via R & Company; “Don't hate me because I'm beautiful” table lamp by Carmen D'Apollonio via Friedman Benda.

Photography by Joshua McHugh.

In the living room, Peter Ghyczy's Garden Egg Chairs from the 1960s are paired with a 2011 coffee table in lacquered wood by Lebanese designer Karen Chekerdjian and a serpentine sectional sofa, custom-designed by Hines Collective, which carves out an office space with a custom desk. In the adjacent dining area, Mattia Bonetti’s 2009 Vortex Dining Table in mirror polished stainless steel and clear acrylic is complemented with vintage Eero Saarinen Tulip Chairs with seat pads newly reupholstered in “Geometri” fabric designed by Verner Panton, plus a couple of hand-carved Corsican Chairs by Ian Spencer and Cairn Young of Yard Sale Project. In the master bedroom, a Eero Aarnio Ball Chair and Eero Saarinen Tulip Stool, both vintage, are juxtaposed with Daniel Arsham’s Dino Chair in a vibrant green hue while a custom-designed headboard that combines a lacquered wood shell with a soft upholstered interior is paired with a floating platform bed in leather by Mondo Collection.

All in all, Hines Collection’ design team has achieved what they set out to do: to create a home that is as adventurous and inspired as its owners, and worthy of its location atop one of New York's most renowned cultural landmarks.

Headboard and nightstand custom-designed by Hines Collective; Martinelli Luce "Cobra 629" table lamp by Elio Martinelli; Wing” floating platform bed in leather by Mondo Collection.
Photography by Joshua McHugh.

Headboard and nightstand custom-designed by Hines Collective; Martinelli Luce "Cobra 629" table lamp by Elio Martinelli; Wing” floating platform bed in leather by Mondo Collection.

Photography by Joshua McHugh.

Headboard custom-designed by Hines Collective; "Wing” floating platform bed in leather by Mondo Collection; Vintage Eero Aarnio Ball Chair; “Brix” modular stacking drawer system by Bensen.
Photography by Joshua McHugh.

Headboard custom-designed by Hines Collective; "Wing” floating platform bed in leather by Mondo Collection; Vintage Eero Aarnio Ball Chair; “Brix” modular stacking drawer system by Bensen.

Photography by Joshua McHugh.

Vintage "Tulip stool" by Eero Saarinen with seat newly reupholstered in white leather; “Dino Chair” by Daniel Arsham, via Friedman Benda; Vintage wall sconce by Giotto Stoppino (1970s).
Photography by Joshua McHugh.

Vintage "Tulip stool" by Eero Saarinen with seat newly reupholstered in white leather; “Dino Chair” by Daniel Arsham, via Friedman Benda; Vintage wall sconce by Giotto Stoppino (1970s).

Photography by Joshua McHugh.

Photography by Joshua McHugh.

Photography by Joshua McHugh.

Photography by Joshua McHugh.

Photography by Joshua McHugh.

Space-Age Flair Meets Contemporary Minimalism in an Artfully Renovated New York Apartment

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