Historic SoHo Loft by Fawn Galli Showcases Feather Ceiling Sculpture

From Industrial Canvas to Cozy Sanctuary: A SoHo Loft’s Transformation

This article explores the transformation of a sprawling 1872 silk warehouse in SoHo, New York City. Once an artist’s studio, it has been redesigned by Fawn Galli into a warm, functional family home for a couple with four children.

The project balances the loft’s architectural grandeur with the needs of a modern family. It shows that industrial spaces can feel personal and comfortable.

Preserving Volume, Crafting Intimacy: The Great Room’s Design Philosophy

The heart of the home is its vast great room. Galli retains the loft’s impressive volume and natural light, key features of the industrial style.

Instead of a uniform open plan, she created five distinct zones without adding walls. This was done through a careful mix of elements that define each area.

Defining Spaces with Art, Light, and Textiles

Strategically placed rugs anchor each zone and add texture. Overhead, statement ceiling fixtures draw the eye upward and create dramatic focal points.

Furniture placement guides movement and forms cozy groupings within the large space.

A Symphony of Furnishings and Finishes

The living area features a vibrant blend of contemporary design and artisanal details.

* Iconic Artistry: Ellen Harvey’s 2013 artwork, The Internal Revenue Office Reforested, brings a narrative element.
* Luxurious Seating: A custom sofa in Pindler’s Hartell Truffle invites comfort, paired with a Paavo Tynell Gubi floor lamp.
* Crafted Details: Walnut Tripod tables by Fernweh Woodworking add elegance, while textiles from Turkish bazaars and French flea markets introduce a global touch.

A multicolored kinetic ceiling sculpture by Tim Prentice adds playful movement to the seating area. The custom sectional, upholstered in velvet, offers deep comfort.

Nearby, an India Mahdavi Fish coffee table and a Wegner Flag Halyard chair complete the ensemble.

Zones for Every Pursuit: From Kitchen to Music

The loft’s zoning supports various family activities.

The Culinary Hub and Elegant Dining

The kitchen combines vintage charm with modern function. Vintage Métaphores stools add character, and a Doris Leslie Blau hemp rug brings a natural feel.

The dining area is set for family meals. A Chinese silk Dimoremilano pendant lights the space, while a 19th-century Oushak rug adds warmth.

Rozy armchairs by Pierre Yovanovitch surround a walnut Silver table from House of Finn Juhl, creating a refined setting.

A Haven for Melodies and Relaxation

A music corner encourages creativity. A 1923 Steinway Model O grand piano is the centerpiece, paired with a Soundlux Audio and Ojas system in a walnut Symbol console.

Seating includes a T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings chaise and a Percival Lafer MP-81 armchair for comfortable listening.

The Cozy Den Nook

A den nook is arranged for TV viewing and reading. A custom sectional in Pierre Frey’s Le Jardin du Palais Velours offers plush comfort.

Deep green Boffi kitchen cabinet fronts, built into the millwork, create a visual link to pale sage finishes by Douglas C. Wright Architects.

The Primacy of the Primary Suite and Welcoming Entry

The primary suite and entryway highlight Galli’s design expertise.

A Tranquil Retreat

In the primary suite, an upholstered wall with a Dedar botanical tapestry creates a serene atmosphere. A Holland & Sherry mohair headboard adds tactile luxury.

India Mahdavi oak Scott nightstands offer bedside elegance. A vintage Jean Prouvé desk, repurposed as a work-from-home setup, includes a custom two-sided Zoom screen.

An Inviting First Impression

The entry and powder room feature bold midnight-blue Calico wallpaper. A Benjamin Moore Downpour Blue ceiling adds to the mood.

Throughout, Galli layers tactile finishes, crafting an “Old World” cozy interior that contrasts with typical loft conversions.

Conclusion: Intimacy, Functionality, and Layered Luxury

Fawn Galli’s redesign of this SoHo loft prioritizes flexibility. She embraces historical textiles and uses sculptural lighting.

These elements transform an industrial space into an intimate and functional family home. The residence honors its architectural heritage and provides a warm, personal sanctuary.
 
Here is the source article for this story: In This Historic SoHo Loft, a Feather Ceiling Sculpture Takes Flight