Chelsea Loft: a dialogue between art, design, and craftsmanship

In a residential area of Chelsea, the vibrant Manhattan neighborhood, BarlisWedlick Architects and MK Workshop have completed the renovation of a loft distinguished by its strong identity and enriched with art and craftsmanship.

The original apartment, dominated by the white and gray of its walls and furnishings, appeared overall dull and impersonal. The challenge of the project lay in restoring character to the space, reflecting the personality of its owners, while avoiding unnecessary demolitions.

The spacious, light-filled interiors unfold across more than 400 m², organizing the loft into a variety of environments: entrance hall, open-plan living and dining area, kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, and a home office, as well as a multifunctional space that serves as TV room, study, and guest suite.

Chelsea Loft, where order meets warmth in the interiors

The undisputed protagonist of the project is oak. More than 230 hand-selected white oak boards, shaped and finished with natural oil, were used throughout the home — from flooring to furniture and wall paneling.

The warmth of the wood, combined with meticulous custom design, defines the very essence of the interiors. The bespoke elements respond seamlessly to both practical and aesthetic needs, offering generous storage solutions without compromising the visual harmony of the spaces.


A prime example of this approach is the guest bedroom, where a wall clad in split-cut oak paneling is enhanced by an abstract work from artist Frederic Choisel.

The painting’s frame, discreetly concealing recesses along its sides, becomes the handle that reveals a hidden double bed through a hinged system at the base. A masterful work of craftsmanship, it stands as a testament to the meticulous attention to detail that defines the entire project.

A thoughtful and refined design

The spaces are defined through precise material stratifications, which trace their boundaries and shape their atmosphere. In the open-plan living area, for example, the dining zone is framed by a custom-made Venetian plaster ceiling, creating a more intimate setting that softly reflects the light.


The family’s rich art collection engages in dialogue with design and handcrafted pieces, giving life to distinctive spaces animated by a refined creative spirit. The artisanal imprint, combined with collaborations with local furniture makers, reflects a commitment to the community—further reinforced by the donation of the home’s previous furnishings and appliances to local charities.


The project by BarlisWedlick Architects and MK Workshop stands out for its meticulous attention to design, expressed in spaces with a strong character, where formal rigor is seamlessly combined with a rich palette of colors, details, and materials.

>>> Discover House CMK, a residence in São Paulo that weaves together neoclassical architecture and contemporary design.