Tribeca transformation: calderone & siggerud reimagine deco elegance
Athena Calderone, founder of Studio Athena Calderone and EyeSwoon, has unveiled a stunning renovation of her Tribeca apartment, a project deeply rooted in Art Deco aesthetics and a commitment to preserving architectural history. The redesign, detailed in the April issue of AD, showcases a masterful blend of vintage finds and custom-designed elements, revealing a sophisticated dialogue between past and present.
Darkly alluring guest bath
The guest bathroom, clad in dramatic lava stone from Danish brand File Under Pop, is anchored by an Astoria Deco pedestal sink from Imperial Bathrooms and a 1930s Art Deco mirror sourced from Studio Mantel. Calderone sought to create a moody, sensual space, echoing a design sensibility she’d long desired.
File Under Pop’s custom-cut lava stone tiles, glazed in a lustrous Red Sea hue, create a rich, lacquer-like effect. The Danish firm sourced the volcanic block from Italy, tailoring the tiles into oversized slabs and smaller trim rectangles for consistent color.
The vintage false wall
Instead of simply replacing existing features, architect Danielle Siggerud and her team at Sacks and Co. ingeniously repurposed a vintage shelving unit from the apartment’s previous owner, French architect Thierry Despont. This former apothecary cabinet, once a functional storage space, was stabilized and cleverly integrated as a concealed passage leading to the bathroom. Space, Siggerud explains, often necessitates subtraction rather than addition.
The project involved a delicate operation, preserving the historical element while seamlessly integrating it into the new design. This level of nuanced intervention is a hallmark of Sacks and Co.'s work throughout the home.
The coved hallway
Leading to the primary bedroom, the hallway features Saint Croix limestone walls juxtaposed with polished plasterwork by Kamp Studios, creating a visual journey through textures. A coved ceiling adorned with Calico Adorn Argent silver leaf wallpaper adds a touch of opulence, echoing Despont’s former gold-leaf kitchen.
Studio Athena Calderone designed custom alabaster pendant lights that complement the silver leaf, while a 1960s bronze sculpture from Auktionshaus Rotherbaum adds a layer of historical depth. Calderone also incorporated Calico Wallpaper’s Cadence collection in her closet and office, further weaving a narrative of layered design.
The custom fireplace mantel
The fireplace underwent a significant transformation. A new mantel, crafted from Saint Croix limestone by C&B Marble Corporation, replaced a bulky, original unit that disrupted the living space. Inspired by 1930s examples, the stepped mantel and black soapstone hearth create a striking focal point.
The custom mirror, designed by Studio Athena Calderone and fabricated by Amuneal with Bendheim glass, completes the fireplace ensemble. It's a statement piece, no different than the apartment itself.
The result is a space that feels both historically informed and strikingly contemporary – a testament to Calderone’s vision and Siggerud’s meticulous execution. It’s a reminder that true luxury lies not in ostentation, but in thoughtful integration and the preservation of history.