West Village Loft

Working with the clients over the course of a year, Lonstein began by reconsidering the dwelling’s spatial planning. “Early in the process, we realised that in order to achieve the sense of calm, openness and generosity the client was looking for, the existing layout would simply not suffice. We ultimately undertook a comprehensive reconfiguration of the apartment, enlarging the primary suite and creating more fluid circulation throughout the home.

“That shift fundamentally transformed the experience of the space and made the apartment feel far more expansive than its original footprint suggested. Reworking the plan required careful coordination, but ultimately those challenges allowed us to create a much more cohesive and liveable environment.” The primary bedroom is Lonstein’s favourite part of the project, and one he is “especially fond of, as it has a palpable sense of luxury and comfort”.

Lonstein translated the client’s desired Californian sensibility through an emphasis on visual lightness. Utilising the existing high ceilings and expansive windows, soft off-whites form the foundation of the interior, creating a backdrop against which texture, artwork and natural light become more pronounced. Within this pared-back framework, contrast is key. Dark-stained flooring anchors the neutral interior, while plaster surfaces, natural timbers and metallic elements create depth and tactility. Rather than competing with the apartment’s dramatic outlook – panoramic views of the Hudson River – the design maintains a sense of calm, allowing the river and city beyond to remain central to the experience.

A key intervention within the renovation was the introduction of a glass-fronted wine room positioned directly off the main living area. Formerly the primary bedroom, the room has been transformed by Vineyard Wine Cellars into a climate-controlled space lined with oak shelving and softly illuminated bottle storage. Its transparent enclosure allows light to extend into the surrounding spaces while emphasising the apartment’s utility for gathering and hospitality.

Art and design also play an important role in shaping the atmosphere of the home. Contemporary artworks are displayed throughout, providing colour and intensity against the otherwise neutral palette. Chairs by Franz West and a custom mirror made in Morocco reflect the art, while the asymmetric cast-glass coffee table from Lonstein’s own collection adds intrigue. Rather than functioning purely as decoration, these pieces are integrated into the architectural composition, anchoring the spaces and creating visual rhythm throughout the interior. The more private areas of the home utilise the same approach. Bedrooms are softened through textural and tonal variation, offering quiet spaces of retreat while remaining connected to the overall design.

Throughout the apartment, Lonstein has favoured precision over statement. Carefully chosen materials, light and art come together to create a home that feels both refined and liveable. For Lonstein, the sourcing process is about balance. “Between custom pieces, vintage finds and contemporary works, I spend a great deal of time looking for objects that have integrity of form and material, whether that means commissioning something bespoke or sourcing a vintage piece that brings character and history into the space,” he says. “I also like to mix different periods and disciplines so that the interiors feel layered and collected rather than over-prescribed.” The result is a place that gently mediates between two distinct sensibilities: the vibrant energy of New York and the ease associated with coastal California.