Soho Loft by Christina Cole Studio and DXA Studio

Words by Bronwyn Marshall
Photography by Lindsay Brown
Soho Loft By Dxa Studio And Christina Cole Studio Project Feature The Local Project Image (3)

Soho Loft is transformed into a private sanctuary tailored for a young family, offering a contrast to the bustling streets of New York City below. Christina Cole Studio and DXA Studio collaborate to breathe new life into the existing home, crafting it through a carefully curated lens to reflect the personalities of the owners.

Nestled within the vibrancy of city life, Soho Loft seamlessly integrates its owners into the urban surroundings while also serving as a sanctuary amid the bustling energy. “These are clients who appreciate restraint,” says Christina Cole. “I can appreciate a very layered space and understand why some people might find that comforting,” she adds, “but to be appreciated, fine pieces need room, and that’s why I like white space.” Set within a cleared space, foundational elements were introduced to infuse the home with richness and warmth, anchoring it in place. While the owners previously considered a move to Texas, the opportunity to collaborate with Christina Cole Studio and DXA Studio, as well as create a bespoke residence in New York, proved appealing.

Balancing enough natural light with pockets of warmth became a focal point, all while maintaining a sense of refinement and restraint to harmonise the new elements with the existing.

Set within a historic loft, preserving the original internal scale and proportions was important; however, a deliberate shift towards a calmer, more linear design was introduced. Balancing enough natural light with pockets of warmth became a focal point, all while maintaining a sense of refinement and restraint to harmonise the new elements with the existing. “We don’t use a lot of patterns,” says Christina of her approach as a studio. “We don’t use pastels or primaries or jewel tones. What we use are natural materials, which provide all the colour and texture we need.” By reimagining the existing hearth as a centrepiece with a sleeker aesthetic, it sets the tone for the assortment of furniture, artwork, lighting and decor that enhance the open living and dining areas. These design principles then carry throughout the rest of the residence.

With three young children, it was important to instil a sense of openness and connectivity throughout. The design also prioritises shared living spaces and unobstructed movement in the apartment, requiring a flexible layout. Additionally, spaces for retreat were included to allow for moments of privacy. Traditional elements have been reinterpreted with a contemporary touch, which is evident in the custom joinery, oak panelling and thoughtfully selected fixtures, all honouring the heritage of the space. Beautiful craftsmanship features throughout, starting from the entrance, leaving a lasting impression on guests and encouraging personal expression.

Traditional elements have been reinterpreted with a contemporary touch, which is evident in the custom joinery, oak panelling and thoughtfully selected fixtures.

In Soho Loft, a simplicity emerges from the blend of essential materials, evoking a sense of warmth amid clean, linear gestures. With sensitivity and intention, Christina Cole Studio and DXA Studio craft a dwelling that artfully combines elements of the past and present, resulting in a space that feels both timeless and revitalising.

Architecture by DXA Studio. Interior design by Christina Cole Studio.