Sage + Sound by Ronen Lev

New York architecture and interior design firm Ronen Lev was engaged by Sage + Sound to transform a 500-square-metre space in Manhattan’s Upper East Side into an oasis of self-care. Guided by the phrase “wellness your way”, the expansive project integrates a curated retail environment, meditation space, nail salon and various treatment rooms for facials, acupuncture, massages and more.

In contrast to the city’s nonstop pace, Sage + Sound immediately encourages a slower tempo. “This is a place to fully surrender to the indulgence of self-care, supported from all sides by soft custom furnishings, tactile surfaces and organic shapes,” says Ronen Lev principal and co-founder Jessica Kamel. Sculptural profiles and arches create a sense of fluidity and ease, and the largely neutral palette – save for a scattering of emerald textiles – is tempered by plastered surfaces and indoor plants. Oak floorboards and walnut cabinetry bring additional depth to the design and recessed lighting helps to define the spatial narrative.

“This is a place to fully surrender to the indulgence of self-care, supported from all sides by soft custom furnishings, tactile surfaces and organic shapes,” says Ronen Lev principal and co-founder Jessica Kamel.

The layout supports the notion of gradually winding down. At the entrance, there’s a street-facing reception and retail area, followed by a more intimate, quiet space for decompressing pre-treatment.

For Jessica, the design needed to respond to this dichotomy of uses while remaining cohesive, and she and Ronen Lev co-founder Christina Akiskalou were “inspired by the concept of yin and yang” – the Chinese philosophy that explores the power of opposing yet interconnected forces. Their solution lies in a curved, central wall that separates the activity and noise of the reception and retail pockets from the stillness of the relaxation zone.

Sculptural profiles and arches create a sense of fluidity and ease, and the largely neutral palette – save for a scattering of emerald textiles – is tempered by plastered surfaces and indoor plants.

Deeper into the space is The Study, “where clients can come together to learn both individually and as a group from a roster of vetted wellness and mental-health professionals,” says Jessica. A large sofa that snakes around the room’s edge and clusters of armchairs and side tables facilitate a casual, laid-back atmosphere, while wall sconces and dimly lit bookshelves contribute to the ambient feel. Lastly, the spa rooms feature a palette of creamy hues and natural materials such as timber and intricately veined stone.

The true takeaway from this project lies in the power of design informing experience. A mellowness and tranquillity pervade Sage + Sound, meaning no matter the treatment type or length of your visit, you’ll leave feeling more serene and calm.

Architecture by RDC. Architectural design and interior design by Ronen Lev. Build by Schimenti. Brand design by The Working Assembly.