Transforming Constraints into Creative Living
The Unexpected Find: A Family's Quest for Space and Light
Joe McGuier of JAM Architecture and his wife, Kelly, found themselves seeking a more spacious home in Brooklyn after the arrival of their son, Jay. Their initial living situation in a small rental prompted a desire for a residence with proper bedrooms and ample natural light. Their search unexpectedly led them to a former toy factory in Vinegar Hill. Despite being smaller than their ideal, the factory's impressive concrete structure, high ceilings, and abundant light convinced them to take on the challenge.
Innovative Solutions for Open-Plan Living: Crafting Distinct Zones in a Studio Apartment
The 1,000-square-foot studio layout of the toy factory presented a unique design dilemma: how to create individual living areas without traditional walls. The McGuier family embraced innovative methods, utilizing floor-to-ceiling Belgian linen curtains to demarcate the master bedroom from the main living space. Complementing this, a custom armoire, designed by JAM Architecture and built by New Collar Goods, further defined the sleeping area. The careful selection of large-scale art, like a striking mixed-media collage, ensured these pieces could stand out in the expansive space. Furthermore, a retractable projector substituted a conventional television, maximizing visual space, and closed storage solutions were prioritized to maintain a clutter-free environment essential for family life.
A Symphony of Styles: Harmonizing Vintage Treasures and Custom Creations
The family's approach to furnishing their home was a thoughtful blend of treasured vintage finds and bespoke elements. In the master bedroom, a collection of vintage Art Deco lamps and nightstands from North Macedonia, along with a midcentury Cubist painting, served as foundational design elements. When a suitable headboard proved elusive, McGuier collaborated with an upholsterer to create a custom, wall-to-wall piece adorned with Schumacher's Tutsi fabric, visually anchoring the bedroom area. This deliberate integration of diverse pieces ensured that each "room" had its own distinct character while contributing to the overall cohesion of the loft.
The Narrative of Home: Personal Collections and Enduring Memories
Beyond functional design, the apartment tells a rich story of the family's journey and shared experiences. A Danish rosewood wall unit, strategically placed between the living and dining areas, proudly displays an eclectic assortment of family mementos, from a 1960s cast aluminum sculpture to an Icelandic wool blanket—souvenirs of vacations and everyday life. Objects inherited from grandparents, such as Frank Lloyd Wright blueprints and a historic architecture booklet, are thoughtfully integrated, transforming everyday items into cherished family photographs that evoke a sense of history and belonging. Ultimately, the apartment's unique character lies not in its physical divisions, but in the meaningful narratives woven through its design and cherished possessions.
Thoughtful Details: Elevating Everyday Spaces with Unique Flair
Every corner of the McGuier residence showcases meticulous attention to detail, transforming utilitarian areas into visually captivating vignettes. The dining area features a custom stone tabletop made from Green Lily stone, resting on a vintage Saarinen tulip base, illuminated by a Kiko Parchment Pendant. The Brutalist copper and brass candlesticks and a live-edge cherry wood bowl add warmth and texture to the space. In a cozy sitting nook, a mixed-media artwork by Tony Duvall serves as a focal point, complemented by a 1950s scoop chair reupholstered in rich Maharam mohair. These carefully curated elements collectively enhance the apartment's distinctive aesthetic and livability.
Sanctuary and Style: The Primary Bedroom's Carefully Crafted Ambiance
The primary bedroom, a testament to thoughtful design, is a sanctuary within the open-plan loft. Above the bed, a striking Magiscope sculpture from the 1980s captures attention, while a Cervinia Black Grid Panel Room Divider by Gianfranco Frattini offers a subtle separation. The USM Cabinet houses a Brutalist slab ceramic tower and a Nessino table lamp, adding artistic touches. A 1920s Art Deco Amsterdam chair, elegantly re-covered in Élitis’ Alchimia fabric, and a vintage Moroccan runner rug contribute to the room's luxurious and comfortable atmosphere, demonstrating how sophisticated elements can create a distinct and inviting personal space.