Project Description
Raad owner and principal James Ramsey designed the 19th-century Tribeca loft he shares with his partner Jen Blumin, who contributed ideas. The couple carefully preserved the original details, such as old windows, tin ceilings, and brick walls, while adding modern elements: white walls, pale oak floors and stainless steel appliances. Ramsey punched three windows in the middle of the loft, an area that is often dark in 19th century buildings. The window that brings light into the eating area has a new window seat.
Beyond the welcoming fireplace is a carved walnut storage/stereo cabinet designed by Mr Ramsey to evoke vintage stereo cabinetry. The 300-bottle wine rack is made out of terra cotta drainage pipes, and over the dining table floats a Beluga whale skeleton made from a plaster mold. Instead of floor to ceiling doors, which would have been prohibitively expensive, Ramsey installed dark panels above standard height doors to provide the same effect. In keeping with raad studio’s focus on the materiality, joinery and detail of design, the millwork is custom; the kitchen counters are black granite, and the island is white marble and walnut.