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Young Projects Blends Loft Grandeur with Cottage Warmth in Manhattan

architecture-design · 2026-07-02

Young Projects has reimagined a historic loft in downtown Manhattan, creating a warm family residence that merges industrial elements with the charm of an English cottage. Central to the design is a striking bleached walnut millwork that organizes the open living, dining, and kitchen spaces, complete with a banquette, library, and cabinetry. Rounded edges have been designed to accommodate a future dog. An entryway arch showcases mold-cast scagliola, marking the studio's inaugural use of this ancient Italian plaster technique. Slate blue finishes adorn the cast-iron columns. The living area features a ceramic chandelier by Ben & Aja Blanc, vintage Dedar linen chairs, and an art wall displaying works by various artists. The primary bedroom is fitted with House of Hackney Roman shades, while the future nursery boasts a floral mural from Calico Wallpaper. The kitchen island is finished in blue quartzite from BAS Stone. This project was spearheaded by founding principal Bryan Young and interior design lead Barbara Reyes.

Key facts

  • Young Projects renovated a three-bedroom loft in downtown Manhattan for an entrepreneurial couple and their growing family.
  • The brief requested a 'granny sensibility' with botanical motifs, heirloom references, and handcrafted details.
  • A bleached walnut millwork intervention partially encircles the open-plan living, dining, and kitchen areas.
  • The entryway arch is clad in mold-cast scagliola, an ancient Italian plaster technique.
  • Cast-iron columns are painted slate blue to celebrate their sculptural presence.
  • Artwork by Sean Kratzert, Frank Magnotta, Lisa Wright, Moyra Davey, Sarah Becker, and James Wines is displayed salon-style.
  • A ceramic chandelier by Ben & Aja Blanc hangs above a walnut dining table by Jason Miller.
  • The kitchen island is clad in blue quartzite from BAS Stone.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Young Projects
  • Galerie Magazine
  • House of Hackney
  • Calico Wallpaper
  • Dedar
  • Arflex
  • BAS Stone
  • Design Within Reach
  • Soho Home

Locations

  • Downtown Manhattan
  • New York City
  • United States
  • Tribeca
  • Brooklyn

Sources