Situated on Greenwich Street in the heart of Tribeca, one of New York City’s oldest neighborhoods, this condo building captures the area’s authentic character. “The building itself, constructed in 1913 by Victor Bark, stands proudly in the Tribeca North Historic District,” says Theodora Esparza of Stilo Design. “Its historic significance extends even to the street below, where the original granite pavers still line the road. What I love most about the area is the preservation of these architectural details throughout the neighborhood, which create a charming atmosphere that makes every walk through these historic streets a memorable experience.”
Along with Rockhill Construction, Theodora was tasked with transforming the stark, white apartment into a warm, inviting sanctuary for a young family seeking both a space to entertain and a peaceful retreat from city life. “To achieve this balance, we focused on softening the environment through curved elements—incorporating rounded furniture, lighting fixtures, and decorative pieces throughout,” she explains. “This was executed through an earth-toned color palette, creating a soothing atmosphere. Understanding the practical needs of family living, we integrated custom storage solutions throughout the home. Every design choice was deliberately curated to create a bespoke environment that feels both sophisticated and welcoming, moving away from the unit’s original stark aesthetic to create a space that truly feels like home.”
The apartment’s transformation began with one key decision: coating every surface in the main living space in limewash (Eastwood by Portola Paints). “This surface treatment was essential for creating a soft, warm backdrop for the entire design,” Theodora explains. “This ambitious undertaking covered the entry, kitchen, dining room, and living areas—from the walls to the soaring 12-foot ceilings.” They called on the skilled team of Mark Chamberlain, Kevin Barry, and Lucas Willing, who worked in perfect synchronization to avoid visible seams in the finish. “Their masterful technique included diluting a coat of limewash to enhance the textural quality, resulting in walls with a luxurious, suede-like finish,” the designer tells us. “The entry is a long corridor that we broke up with two vintage rugs from District Loom. With every element that was brought in, we looked to add curves, to soften the space.” Above, two scalloped plaster pendants gracefully drop from the ceiling.
The rest of the home showcases this artful blend of modern design with laid-back California sensibility. “At its heart are carefully selected handmade furniture pieces that serve as artistic focal points throughout the space,” Theodora tells us. “The welcoming atmosphere comes from a thoughtful balance of warm-toned fabrics and varied wood finishes, while contemporary lighting fixtures and curated artwork add a fresh, sophisticated feel to the overall design.”
Take a tour in the slideshow.
