Tribeca by Matt McKay

Words by Kate Donaldson
Photography by Joshua McHugh

Tucked in the iconic Tribeca neighbourhood in New York City, local interior designer Matt McKay has transformed a 240-square-metre apartment for a young family, blending contemporary luxury with vintage charm.

McKay was engaged to create a home that seamlessly transitions from a lively family setting to a polished entertaining space, grounded in a dynamic interplay of elegance and comfort. The home serves as a retreat from the bustling New York streets below, featuring plush textiles and fixtures that merge sculpture, art and functionality. Every detail – from the eclectic furniture to the unexpected textural layers – showcases McKay’s keen eye for subtle, curated luxury.

Every detail – from the eclectic furniture to the unexpected textural layers – showcases McKay’s keen eye for subtle, curated luxury.

Tribeca’s floor plan is defined by a series of distinct aesthetic zones. From wall treatments to lighting fixtures, McKay embraced variety over repetition, creating a cohesive layout of highly customised interiors linked by a band of timber skirting. Despite their visual diversity and unique characters, each room is tailored to its specific function, collectively united by their boldness and refined style.

In the light-filled primary living room, kitchen and adult bedrooms, predominantly white walls and ceilings are complemented by warm timber elements. These wooden accents, seen in doors, joinery and timeless furniture pieces, create a sense of cohesion amid contrasting objects.

Form and colour harmonise with artistic homewares and bold design elements.

Form and colour harmonise with artistic homewares and bold design elements, such as the expansive marble kitchen island and the inset bar unit in a deep navy hue. These standout features embody the home’s dual purpose: serving as a family space that can transform into a refined dining area.

Adjacent to the airy living room, the aptly named ‘den’ offers a sensorial contrast to the rest of the house and acts as a lounging zone. Cocooned in rich emerald green from floor to ceiling, the room is lined with boldly patterned upholstery and exotic accents beneath a wiry lighting fixture.

Tribeca embodies a blend of modern sophistication and nostalgic charm, resulting in a thoughtfully curated home that provides a sense of ease.

The kids’ room features a vibrant colour palette highlighted by an electric blue walls, joinery and a plush rug. The bright ombre of colours evokes a playful spirit, primarily contained within the children’s space, yet its whimsical exploration of texture extends throughout the entire apartment. Surfaces and objects are designed for touch and interaction, even in the adult areas, which maintain a calming and restrained tonal scheme.

Tribeca embodies a blend of modern sophistication and nostalgic charm, resulting in a thoughtfully curated home that provides a sense of ease. McKay has created an environment that balances playfulness with understated luxury, allowing the rhythms of everyday life to unfold amid moments of interior magic.

Interior design by Matt McKay.