Athena Calderone, a distinguished interior designer, creative director, and founder of Studio Athena Calderone and Eyeswoon, graces the April cover of AD with her remarkable Tribeca residence. This five-story former milk factory, once home to French architect Thierry Despont, has been meticulously reimagined by Calderone. Her design approach elegantly honors Despont's intricate style, incorporating subtle nods to his legacy while seamlessly blending her affinity for Art Deco and Beaux-Arts aesthetics. The result is a space that feels both deeply rooted in history and vibrantly contemporary, a testament to her philosophy that "nothing was fast design." Every detail, from herringbone floors to piano key accents, reflects a thoughtful and considered approach, showcasing a harmonious fusion of past and present.
Calderone's design prowess shines through her exceptional ability to curate a home filled with character and depth. The apartment features rich wine-colored upholstery, lustrous high-gloss lacquers, and an impressive collection of rare auction pieces from celebrated designers like Maria Pergay, Albert Cheuret, and Jacques Adnet. These elements leave an indelible mark, creating a truly unique environment. Her passion for sourcing extends to every corner, blending high-end finds with personal touches. The journey of designing this home prompts a central question: How can one evoke the elegance of a bygone era in a distinctly modern context? Calderone's residence offers a compelling answer, proving that a space can be both historically reverent and refreshingly current.
The Art of Historical Preservation and Modern Integration
Athena Calderone's renovation of her Tribeca apartment exemplifies a profound respect for historical architecture, seamlessly blending it with contemporary design. The space, originally a milk factory and later occupied by renowned architect Thierry Despont, offered a unique canvas. Calderone thoughtfully retained and drew inspiration from existing features, such as the leaded-glass doors in the kitchen, which once led to the executive office. These historical elements are not merely preserved but reinterpreted through her sophisticated lens, creating a dialogue between the building's past and its vibrant present. Her travels to design hubs like Paris, Milan, and Vienna further enriched her vision, inspiring the geometric leaded-glass detailing that now adorns the home, a fusion of local history and global artistry. This approach transforms the apartment into a living museum, where every corner tells a story of thoughtful evolution.
Beyond structural elements, Calderone's design incorporates bespoke details and a tribute to artisanship. The gallery, for instance, features a subtly hand-painted mural on the upper walls, an homage to Despont's original, more masculine and geometric mural. Calderone's version introduces softer, tonal colors and triangular shapes, mimicking shagreen, adding a layer of refined texture and visual interest. She delved deep into understanding 20th-century craftsmanship, researching techniques like high-gloss lacquer and silver leaf application. This dedication to authentic artistry is evident in the careful layering of materials and finishes throughout the home. Even seemingly minor details, like the delicate application of paper-thin silver leaf, underscore a commitment to quality and a celebration of a bygone era's meticulous handwork, a stark contrast to today's fast-paced design trends.
Curated Collections and Personal Touches
Calderone's distinctive style is largely defined by her passion for collecting unique pieces, a process she describes as both exciting and frenzied. The majority of her home's furnishings were acquired through auctions, a method that allows for unexpected discoveries and personal connections to each item. She firmly believes that the first piece chosen for a home sets its entire tone, a philosophy she applied when acquiring the Maria Pergay Flying Carpet daybed shortly after moving in. This stainless steel piece, juxtaposed against the apartment's warm wood paneling, creates a captivating visual tension, embodying her knack for harmonious contrasts. Her ability to identify and secure rare finds from designers like Albert Cheuret and Jacques Adnet underscores her discerning eye and commitment to creating a space that is both curated and deeply personal.
The integration of vintage and personal elements is central to Calderone's aesthetic. The Albert Cheuret pendant in her bathroom, featuring birds holding an alabaster ball like an egg, is a testament to her appreciation for poetic and artistic pieces. Similarly, her Jacques Adnet armchairs, despite their worn appearance, were kept in their original state, demonstrating her belief that imperfection can add character and authenticity to a home. This approach extends to her DIY projects, such as tea-staining electric white bathroom mosaics to achieve a softer, creamier hue that aligns with the apartment's historic feel. Calderone advocates for trusting one's instincts in design, allowing pieces to find their natural place rather than rigidly adhering to plans. This flexible and intuitive approach, coupled with bold design choices like enveloping small spaces in dark, moody tones and strategically using mirrors to expand perceived dimensions, results in a home that is truly a unique expression of its owner.