Wsa effect: 1970s glamour reshapes new york's design landscape

The downtown office building WSA, once a coveted hotspot for celebrities and high-profile events, is sparking a design trend. A distinct aesthetic – think plush velvet, dark woods, and a deliberate departure from stark minimalism – is now infiltrating everything from hotels to wellness spas, signaling a shift towards spaces designed for connection rather than mere functionality.

The rise of the mood-driven interior

For years, minimalist design reigned supreme, prioritizing clean lines and open floor plans. But a subtle yet powerful counter-movement is gaining momentum. Designers are rediscovering the warmth and social function of interiors reminiscent of the 1970s and 1980s, a period often overlooked in contemporary design discussions.

The influence is most pronounced at WSA, where designer Gabriella Khalil has cultivated a late-modern glamour that has become a benchmark. The building, a hub for creative offices, production studios, and event spaces, quickly gained notoriety, hosting events for figures like Emily Ratajkowski and parties organized by GQ. But the visual language established within WSA’s locker room lounges – with its marble, burl wood, and vintage accents – has transcended its physical boundaries.

This isn't simple nostalgia. Instead, designers are drawing on the tactile richness and social atmosphere of past eras. Charlotte Taylor, a designer behind the viral Spencer’s Spa in SoHo, explains the appeal: “People are craving spaces that are engaged and active.” Spencer’s Spa, with its chocolate-toned rugs, velvet seating, and lacquered surfaces, has become a social media sensation, demonstrating a widespread appetite for interiors that feel lived-in and inviting.

The shift is about more than just aesthetics. It's about creating spaces that foster interaction. Banquettes, soft lighting, and open layouts encourage conversation and a sense of community. This echoes a time when offices were social hubs, not just places of work. Billy Cotton, an architect whose work on the downtown restaurant Bridges embraces this intimate lighting, notes that a lack of historical architecture in the US fuels a desire to imbue spaces with emotion.

Milan-based architect Hannes Peer, behind The Manner hotel in SoHo, calls this atmosphere a “nostalgic utopia.” He emphasizes that the goal isn't to replicate the past but to engage with it, referencing mid-century Los Angeles and Art Deco New York to create something new. Advertisers are now capitalizing on the trend, with items like the Nordic Knots Grand Rug priced at $1,295 and the Arco Floor Lamp by Achille Castiglioni for Flos available through Design Within Reach.

The design isn't about recreating a specific era, but rather about recovering a social function. The same principles – low light, reflective surfaces, and materials that soften with wear – are appearing in locker room lounges, hotel lobbies, members’ clubs and dining rooms. This is a deliberate move away from the sterile minimalism that dominated for so long.

The appeal isn’t purely visual; it’s about creating environments that feel comfortable and encourage people to connect. This focus on creating spaces that facilitate interaction is a significant departure from the purely functional approach that has characterized much of modern design. The result is a design sensibility that prioritizes experience over mere observation.

The influence of WSA is undeniable. What began as a striking, contemporary environment has become a catalyst for a broader design shift. It’s a testament to the enduring power of atmosphere and the human desire for spaces that feel both inviting and alive. The return to mood-driven interiors isn’t a fleeting trend; it’s a response to a deeper need for connection in a world increasingly dominated by digital interaction.