West Village Loft
The sense of place in this West Village apartment is unmistakably New York. Designed by Gachot Studios, the loft conversion leans into the building’s cultural memory of the 1990s: chic and confident.
Layers of subtle detail have become a familiar way to create rich interior atmospheres; yet, as studio co-founder Christine Gachot says, the team’s “take one thing off before you leave the house” approach lets the space breathe – and allows the clients to truly make it their own.
The team’s “take one thing off before you leave the house” approach lets the space breathe – and allows the clients to truly make it their own.
As the sun rises over the West Village and filters through steel-framed windows, the space holds a slow tempo, as if tuned into New York’s WQXR classical radio. In the kitchen, Darkened Emperador grey marble grounds espresso-stained, plain-sawn oak cabinetry, with rich hardwood floors carrying the tone beyond. Colour flows through the apartment in texture – suede, corduroy and sandblasted glass – which is balanced by soft sweeps of off-white tadelakt walls.
The client commissioned the project as a gift to themselves for a milestone birthday, prompting a deeply personal and considered design response. For Christine, that meant leaning into her belief that “design is about being a good listener”. The project became a beautiful reminder that getting to know people is one of the great joys of the profession.
A strong client-designer relationship gave the studio a blank canvas to realise its vision – a rare opportunity on most projects. It also opened the door to co-founder John Gachot’s passion for furniture design. Christine notes “the importance of following each other’s strengths”, adding that John’s dedication to the workshop has carried the studio’s work across the globe.
An open fire glows within a dark bronze, patinated steel mantel, while light grey linen drapes from above, deepening to graphite as it falls over John’s custom sofa. Soft in form and texture, the sofa tempers the room’s darker tones, sitting humbly among vintage pieces that carry a story of quality – and how it deepens over time.
A strong client-designer relationship gave the studio a blank canvas to realise its vision – a rare opportunity on most projects.
As night falls, the bath draws occupants in from the next room. Veined Fior Di Bosco stone underfoot carries the eye across the space, rising to meet a sculptural tub. Brass sconces glow softly, while French artwork whispers of champagne – a nightly ritual, made indulgent. West Village Loft turns everyday moments into something worth toasting.
