STUDIOTWENTYSEVEN’s Nacho Polo and Robert Onuska are curators, collectors, and tastemakers. The pair lives in this Tribeca apartment— a deeply personal space that is both sanctuary and source material. Set on a high floor of Herzog & de Meuron’s 56 Leonard, the apartment embodies what STUDIOTWENTYSEVEN represents: art as a living, evolving expression.

The 4,000-square-foot residence, located just across the street from their Manhattan flagship gallery, serves as a seamless extension of their curatorial vision. Every detail is carefully considered, with the experience of living beautifully always at the forefront.  

You arrive in the home through a private elevator entry, creating a cinematic arrival experience while establishing a sense of privacy and transition. From the moment the doors open, the apartment unfolds almost sequentially. Polo and Onuska tell us more:  

Tell us about the apartment. What do you love most about the building and neighborhood?
Our home is a reflection of the way we live and collect, personal yet deeply connected to art and design. We were drawn to the apartment because it offered a unique balance of scale and architectural significance, designed by Swiss architects Herzog de Meuron and described as “Villas in the Sky” along with breathtaking views of Manhattan. There is a sense of calm throughout the home, but at the same time, every room has a strong point of view. Each piece, material, and texture, along with music (usually Bossa Nova) and scent (usually Celine Palimpseste), contributes to an overall feeling of tranquility.

What we love most about the area is the energy and evolution into one of the city’s art and design destinations. We are surrounded by incredible architecture, restaurants, and art galleries, and yet the neighborhood still feels residential and relaxed, with many families and small children. There’s a rhythm to daily life here that feels inspiring but also very livable. We love being able to walk to dinner, visit exhibitions, or simply walk along the Hudson River Greenway to the Meatpacking District, Chelsea, and the West Village.

The space is constantly evolving. In your own words, how do you describe the style?
We would describe the style as curated, sculptural, eclectic, and warm modernism. We love the mix between classic and contemporary designs. While the architecture of the apartment is very clean and contemporary, we wanted the interiors to feel emotional and collected rather than minimal. The foundation is intentionally restrained, with rich woods, natural stone, soft tonal upholstery, and custom millwork, which allows the artworks and collectible design pieces to really breathe.

The interiors of our homes always feel timeless rather than trend driven. We are drawn to strong silhouettes, tactile materials and pieces that have an artistic presence. Because we work so closely with artists and designers through our gallery STUDIOTWENTYSEVEN, our home naturally became an extension of that world and at the same time our gallery an extension of our home. Many of the furnishings are a mix between contemporary, collectible design and classic, iconic works, which creates a sense of discovery throughout the apartment.

At the same time, comfort was extremely important to us. We wanted the home to feel sophisticated but never precious. It was important that people immediately feel relaxed when they walk in.

It’s inspiring to see how everyday life converges with such an impressive collection.We’d love to know your approach to the interiors, and your favorite details in the space.
The living room is probably the heart of the home and one of our favorite spaces because it really captures the overall mood of the apartment. The room is anchored by a collection of sculptural furnishings and artworks that create conversation from every angle, but it still feels incredibly serene. One of our favorite details is the way the natural light changes throughout the day and interacts with the materials — the stone, bronze, lacquer, and upholstery all take on different qualities depending on the hour. We also love how the space encourages conversation. Even though many of the pieces are collectible, the room feels inviting and comfortable rather than formal.

The dining area feels especially intimate and dramatic at night. The custom lighting creates this beautiful glow that transforms the atmosphere entirely. We designed the space to feel immersive and layered, almost like a private dining room in a boutique hotel.

The primary bedroom is probably the most restrained room in the apartment. We wanted it to feel quiet, enveloping, and restorative. The palette is softer, the textures are more muted, and there is an emphasis on comfort and atmosphere. One of our favorite details is the layering of materials — soft textiles, warm wood tones, and subtle lighting — which creates a sense of softness and escape from the energy of the city while still having it all on view.

See more in the slideshow.