Studio Ness 2025 Year in Review

As the year comes to a close, we have been reflecting on the projects, travel, and moments that shaped Studio Ness. It was a year grounded in creativity and collaboration, with work that stretched from New York City to California and moments of inspiration found far beyond the studio. Our role as a full service interior design team deepened, and the mix of renovation work, design education, and fresh sources of inspiration helped guide the way.

Renovation in NYC

We opened the year with the planning phase of a renovation in Battery Park City. The project included redesigned bathrooms, new flooring, and thoughtful space planning, and it moved from drawings to construction in the summer. By fall, installation wrapped and the clients stepped into a refreshed home shaped around function and comfort. We also photographed a long-awaited project at Lantern House, the result of years of planning and many custom pieces. Seeing our bespoke sofa, kidney shaped rug, dining table, and millwork captured on camera was both rewarding and energizing, a reminder of why we love residential design in NYC.

High Point Market

Our spring and fall trips to High Point Market supported that same spirit. Spring was dedicated to sourcing and discovering new products. Fall shifted toward continuing education and knowledge building. Both strengthened how we approach our interior design approach, luxury apartment renovations, project management, and the details that bring a home to life.

Wyoming

There were personal moments as well. Returning to Wyoming in the summer for my sister’s wedding offered a quiet reset and a return to my roots. The landscape always reminds me why authenticity and restraint matter in interiors. Space to breathe is just as powerful as any statement piece.

Northeast Cruise

Later in the year we went on our studio inspiration trip, traveling by cruise ship along the Northeast coastline. We visited historic homes in Newport, Boston, Portland, Halifax, and Saint John while taking in the architecture and fall color. These trips help shape the creative lens we bring to our client work and give us time to refine how we run the studio.

West Coast & East Coast

Our West Coast projects also moved into their final stages. We made several trips from NYC to the Bay Area to check in on our residential remodel in Tiburon and the office updates in Menlo Park.

Both involve custom details and a level of refinement that reflects the Studio Ness approach to interior design. We look forward to sharing more as these projects complete in 2026 and to taking on more projects outside of the NYC area. 

As we look toward the new year, we feel grateful for the trust of our clients and the chance to continue shaping homes with care and intention. Thank you for being part of the Studio Ness community. We are excited for what comes next.

Montauk Beach House (Part 3)

Lived-in & loved

Montauk Beach House:  Finishing Touches & Finding Our Vintage Soul

Designing this home was never about creating a pristine, newly minted beach retreat. From the beginning, the client wanted a space that felt as if it had always been here - sun-kissed, lived-in, loved, and layered with a history that couldn’t be fabricated with drywall alone.

In Parts I and II, we talked about reworking the floor plan, embracing the existing quirks, and installing architectural details that grounded the house in its original era. For this final chapter, we’re zooming in on the finishing touches: the vintage lighting, textural layers, and collected pieces that ultimately gave the house its soul.

Honoring the House’s Age Without Recreating the Past

Because we didn’t want a sterile white box dropped onto the dunes, we anchored the interior with paneling and natural materials that felt right for the home’s age. That decision became our North Star as we turned toward sourcing décor and vintage elements: everything needed to amplify the patina, not erase it.

We wanted the space to feel as if previous owners had left behind treasures from their travels, or that the house itself had slowly absorbed personality over decades. Nothing shiny-new. Nothing overly precious. Everything intentional.

Danish UFO pendant

A Global Treasure Hunt (From Our Desks)

What started as a casual search quickly became a full-on global scavenger hunt. We scoured auction houses from New York to Milan and every vintage corner of the internet in between.

One Italian auction in particular became a goldmine. From it, we sourced:

• The tiered ziggurat brass table lamp (a sculptural little monument anchoring the living room and perfectly complimenting the built- in sofa and side table)
  

• A set of Italian brass sconces for the kitchen and upstairs bath
  

• The Danish UFO pendant that drifts above the kitchen like a soft galactic nod
  

These pieces brought an otherworldly gleam to the space; never loud, always subtle, and perfectly at home in a beach house with a quiet cosmic undercurrent.

Orange scones in the primary bedroom

We kept the momentum going stateside with more online digging:

• Vintage hanging bedside sconces for the guest room
  

• The radical orange sconces for the primary bedroom that feel straight out of a 1970s surf film
  

Everything we found shared a common language: aged finishes, lived-in lines, and enough quirk to feel like real discoveries rather than catalogue copies.

Leaning Into the Client’s 1970s Bent Bamboo Pieces

Before we sourced a single item, the client walked in with a few vintage bent bamboo pieces that felt like they’d been teleported from a 1970s boho surf shack, in the best way. Instead of fighting them, we let them set the tone.

We layered in:

• Cushy pillows in beachy color blocked fabrics

• Textiles that could be rearranged with the ebb and flow of guests

• Cozy, movable seating pockets that encourage lingering with sandy feet after a day on the water.

The house needed to flex from quiet weekday solitude to a full midsummer party, and the furniture had to roll with both moods effortlessly.

Cushy pillows in beachy colors

A Home That Doesn’t Take Itself Too Seriously

To avoid the trap of “too perfect,” we doubled down on texture and age. A vintage Moroccan rug layered over a sisal base makes the living room feel instantly approachable, grounding the home with warmth and imperfection. Nothing here feels untouchable and everything invites you in.

That same philosophy carried through our material choices. We wanted surfaces to age well, not simply endure:

• Solid pine floors, whitewashed so that over time natural pathways will slowly reveal the wood beneath
  

• Durable finishes where durability matters
  

• Patina-ready materials where character should build naturally
  

This house was designed to evolve with its occupants and to soak up future memories without fear of scuffs or scratches.

Material Moments Worth Savoring

Earlier posts covered our big architectural moves, but the materials truly sang once the décor landed in place. A few of our favorites:

• Pink marble countertop and integrated sink in the main level bathroom, equal parts playful and elegant
  

• Chiseled slate kitchen countertops, sturdy enough for heavy use while feeling grounded and organic
  

• Marinaci Gold stair treads and ledges in the “dairy bathroom” a stone we love for its wild, geological movement
  

Layered with starry tiles, utilitarian ceramics, and the house’s warm pine and cedar envelope, these choices give the home dimension without tipping into maximalism.

Pink marble countertop

A Beach House Built for Real Life

In the end, the Montauk Beach House became exactly what we hoped it would be: a place where a solo week feels restorative and a packed summer gathering feels effortless. The vintage pieces, the aged materials, the not-too-serious textiles, they all work together to create a home that feels permanent, rooted, and joyfully lived in.

Nothing is too precious. Everything has a story. And over time, the house will only get better. We’ve had the privilege of experiencing this house in all seasons and at all times of day, and it is a charmer at all times.

Montauk Beach House (Part 2)

Living Room: After

Montauk Beach House: Construction and Architectural Details

Click here to read Part 1.

We didn’t start from scratch. The house was already there. Odd-shaped. Crooked. Full of quirks. But it had a soul, and that’s what we loved about it.  The goal wasn’t to flatten it out and whitebox it, the goal was to make it livable, functional, and better built; without losing what made it different.

The Existing Conditions

This house sits in Montauk. Right on the edge of wetland and setback restrictions; tucked into a quiet enclave just steps from the beach with its iconic waves. That meant we couldn’t expand the footprint. Every inch had to work harder. We kept the original envelope but rethought everything inside it, much like a ship. 

Exterior Work

• We replaced all the windows and doors. Everything is new, energy-efficient, and properly flashed. We expanded their size to maximize the amount of light being let into the space.
  

• We reshingled the roof and added new siding. It holds up to salt air and weather and will look better with each new season.
  

• We kept the original gable details, including the windows that gave the house its name.
  

• The house now sits cleaner and tighter on the site. No weird overhangs. No patch jobs. But perfectly buttoned up for a new lease on life.

Kitchen: After

Interior Architecture

We stripped the interior down to the studs. Nothing was square. We worked with it. We kept all the details we could, carefully setting them aside to be re-introduced to the project. 

• We used trim and paneling to organize walls and define each zone. Using the panelling as our surface detailing as well.
  

• Built-in furniture replaced a lot of stand-alone pieces. It saves space and feels intentional. The built-in sofa in the living room doubles as a single-bed for those late night parties.
  

• Where we couldn’t save it, the original flooring was removed. We used simple, durable materials throughout to help tie in the old and new; and to provide an approachable casualness to the space.
  

• We ran updated electrical and plumbing. Everything meets code. Everything is concealed. 
  

• The existing fireplace brick was exposed and cleaned up; we built the kitchen around this stack to give us some additional space in the kitchen and to bring the texture of the brick out to be a star.

Kitchen and Bath

Kitchen: After

Bathroom: After

• The kitchen countertop is a chiseled slate. It was chosen to feel site-specific, like it was taken from the property. The chiseled edge helps to bring that un-perfection to the kitchen area. The slate adds a perfect earthiness that is understated and appropriate.
  

• We used the panelling of the walls to cover the face of the kitchen cabinets; causing them to recede into the background and help maintain the airiness of the living room. No unnecessary hardware. No ornamentation.
  

• Bathroom was streamlined to include a soaking tub (large enough for two) to hop into after a day of surfing - situated to stare out the window and catch the sunset. 
  

• The Bathroom included paneling details of its own by incorporating reeded oak panels to help bring some detail and personality to the space; the sink top is a Norwegian Pink marble with integrated sink for the perfect vintage pink hit

Loft: After

The Upstairs Loft

• We carved the massive loft space into 3 distinct zones, while keeping the existing beadboard walls and ceiling; bedroom; closet and water closet.

• The closet and water closet (toilet and sink only) were planned in conjunction with a built-in bed recess. 

• The bed area features windows on 3 walls; 2 balconies (one facing East and one West) and a lounge area.

• The bed, lounge and shelving in the room are built-in to provide the ideal sizing for the furniture, prevent pieces from being shifted around and to provide a sense of permanence to the space.

Details That Matter

• During demo, we uncovered the original linoleum. It had a great color and is a great material; We reintroduced linoleum to the space by outfitting the bathroom floor with a seamless sheet; providing a beautiful finish and durable barrier that will hold up.
  
  
  

• The kitchen layout was driven by structural limitations. We worked around them instead of fighting them; with some crafty space planning we were able to double the size of the previous kitchen by integrating into the hallway. Our talented contractor allowed us to open up wall cavities and expand closet footprints (and built a lot of onsite specific millwork) that helped us utilize all the space we had available).
  
  
  

• We kept a tight material palette. It helps the space feel calm, approachable and finished.  The house is a stage and is there to support the homeowner whether it’s a quiet surfing weekend or a massive solstice party; the house can handle whatever is thrown its way.

The house isn’t big. It doesn’t need to be. Everything in it works. Every decision had a reason. That’s the kind of construction that lasts.

Coming Next Month: Finishing Touches and Vintage Vibes

In Part 3 we’ll take a look at how we helped to pull the small space together using a combination of auction finds, the client’s own pieces and a few bespoke touches to help bring that effortlessly cool look to the house. 

Stay tuned.

Montauk Beach House (Part 1)

Exterior - After

Reworking a Quirky Beach House Without Tearing It Down

Part 1: Vision and Space Planning

Most people would’ve torn it down, but together with our client, we had other plans! The rooflines were awkward, the layout didn’t work, the finishes were dated. The spaces were small, dark, and musty. After sitting on the market for ages, a buyer came along who saw the magic of the space. When our client came to us, they were looking for clarity on the path forward. The goal was to create a house that felt nautical, architectural, slightly quirky, and party-ready! While some would have considered tearing the property down and starting over, our clients wanted to get creative and find ways to maintain and honor the existing property.

Exterior: Before

The Problems We Inherited:

• A dilapidated Hampton’s beach house with a jumbled layout.

• Additions layered over time, with no clear center or space planning.

• Wasted space in the hallway and kitchen that were completely underutilized.

• Bedrooms scattered and circulation blocked.

• No strong connection between indoor and outdoor zones

Dining Room: Before

Should we Tear it Down? No! Here’s Why:

• The original footprint worked after we opened up the walls.

• Rooflines added personality.

• Keeping the structure meant a more manageable project.

• The budget went toward thoughtful space planning and custom details.

Upstairs Loft: Before

How We Reworked the Plan

We created three clear zones.

• The kitchen was reworked to incorporate into the new open entertaining zone.

• Captured unrealized space wasted on a hallway to add valuable square footage to the kitchen.

• Bedrooms were reorganized into guest and family areas.

• Built-in furniture helped open and define the space without needing more square footage.

• Trim was used to define transitions and integrate cabinetry.

Studio Ness Details

The details are restrained and purposeful.

• Paneling highlighted the newly vaulted ceilings and transition spaces.

• Built-ins were designed to solve storage and flow issues.

• Trim details were repeated to create visual consistency.

• The color palette stayed light and easy.

• Materials were selected for casual function and party-ready durability.

Material Highlights

We discovered original linoleum during the demo, which inspired the bathroom floor.

• The kitchen countertop was selected to feel native to the site.

• Paneling became a way to zone and simplify, not just decorate (though the added benefit of beauty didn’t hurt).

Bathroom: Before

What You’ll See in the Photos

• Before: Disconnected rooms, awkward flow.

• During: Old bones revealed, structural quirks exposed.

• After: Clear zoning, balanced contrast, warmth and function.
  

Interior Design Take-Aways:

• Start with circulation - and don’t be stuck with how the space is currently being used.

• Don’t assume you need to add square footage to get what you’re looking for.

• Use built-ins to solve layout problems.

• Let trim and paneling define space without adding walls.

• Keep materials simple and site-specific.
  
  

Coming Next Month: Construction and Architectural Details
Stay tuned for Part 2, we’ll take you through how we updated the house from the inside out. You’ll see how we reshaped the exterior, added new windows and doors, and used built-in furniture and design details to make this house feel grounded in place. The structure stayed, but everything else evolved. Stay tuned!

Have a beach house that you need help renovating? Let’s get together and find out how we can help.

NYC Loft Transformation (Part 3)

Intro.

Designing a home that works beautifully and feels beautiful means giving just as much thought to the private spaces as the public ones. In this final chapter of our 3 part Meatpacking Loft series, we’re diving into how intentional space planning transformed a dated floor plan into a smart, serene sanctuary for a growing family. If you missed the previous posts detailing this loft transformation, click here for part 1 and click here for part 2. From carving out bedrooms and a homework zone, to sneaking in a full laundry room and powder bath, this part of the renovation was all about thoughtful architecture—and a little creative risk-taking.

From Loft to Family Home: Defining the Zones

When we first saw this Meatpacking District loft, it had been converted into a residential unit back in the 1990s. At the time, the layout prioritized openness, but didn’t make sense for how our clients—a young family—live. We needed to find space for:

• A spacious primary suite

• Two additional bedrooms for the kids

• A dedicated guest bath, powder room, and laundry room

• Smart storage and circulation

We spent nearly a month in AutoCAD, exploring options that respected existing building systems (like risers and plumbing) while still pushing the boundaries of what this NYC apartment could become.

The Final Plan: Three Distinct Zones

We landed on a clean and efficient T-shaped hallway layout that clearly defines three functional areas of the apartment: 

Zone 1: Private Primary Suite (Right off the Entry)

The primary suite stayed in its original location but was reorganized to feel more purposeful. We reoriented the bedroom entrance utilizing the existing brick archway, improved closet flow, and upgraded the ensuite bath. By keeping it tucked to the side, the suite feels like a retreat without sacrificing easy access. The client’s father was able to craft a beautiful set of french doors to perfectly fit into the archway, taking advantage of and highlighting the beautiful details. Blending new and old.

Zone 2: Kids’ Bedrooms + Laundry + Shared Bath (Center Core)

In the heart of the apartment, we designed two bright kids’ bedrooms and a flexible shared hallway. Between them? A compact homework zone and across the hallway, a perfectly sized kids bathroom and a large laundry room—a total luxury in Manhattan. We even fit in a beautiful powder room, cleverly converted from an underutilized closet space, tucked off the front hallway 

Zone 3: Entertaining + Living (Open Loft End)

We discussed this area in Parts 1 & 2, but in the context of space planning, what makes this zone work is how it’s connected via a long hallway lined with arched brick and reclaimed wood beams, offering drama and cohesion. The hallway was a dream of the client who was looking for a dramatic entry point. 

The Hallway: Circulation with Purpose

At the core of the floor plan is a wide, gallery-style hallway that links every zone. This is no mere transition space it’s a design moment. We:

• Whitewashed the original brick to brighten the entry without losing historic character. This may be controversial, but the original brick color was dark and made the front area feel tight and enclosed. The new finish highlighted the beauty of the brick and the architectural elements of the archways.

• The century-old archways had been infilled with white painted drywall, blasphemous. We took an inspiration walk around the neighborhood and took note of infilled windows and doors on the industrial remnants of the past and took inspiration for our herringbone brick layout that feels more appropriate and compliments the existing brick beautifully.
  

• Installed large-format Concrete Collaborative tiles to ground the palette. The oversized light concrete pavers hold up to everything this busy family can toss at it.
  

• Brought in century-old reclaimed beams, sourced by the client and her father, for warmth and storytelling; we were hoping to expose the original beams in the space, but our firecode was not flexible to allow us to show them off.
  

• Added pendant lighting with vintage lines and glass for repetition and rhythm
  

The result? A breathtaking visual axis that pulls your eye from the front door straight to the windows beyond.

Materiality & Mood: Where Old Meets New

Throughout the apartment, we kept finishes consistent, blending the industrial DNA of the building with the softness of a modern family home:

• Wide-plank oak floors replaced old maple throughout the bedrooms and living areas

• Concrete tile grounded the entry and powder bath

• In the powder room, we embraced a sense of drama with Ellie Cashman’s oversized floral wallpaper and exposed copper pipework for the sink

• Natural light was preserved wherever possible, especially in the kids’ rooms, which face a shared NYC lightwell

Planning Around Real Life

Space planning is about more than walls and doors—it’s about how a home feels. This layout now works for early mornings, playdates, after-dinner cocktails, and everything in between. And as the family grows, the space can grow with them.

Looking Back

As we reviewed earlier layout options, we saw some wild ideas—ones we still love in theory—but ultimately landed on a plan that balanced budget, feasibility, and long-term flexibility. That’s what great design is: listening, refining, and knowing when to take the leap.

To see the previous posts about this dramatic loft transformation, click here for part 1 (living room) and click here for part 2 (kitchen).

Have a loft that you need help renovating? Let’s get together and find out how we can help.