This project is for the common areas of a self-functioning co-housing community in new York City’s Upper East Side, composed of 10 friends who met at a book club 40 years ago, and who share a love of reading. In the common area space, they conduct bi-weekly book club meetings, partake in group social activities, and do laundry and cook.

The community members are drawn to warm, meaningful spaces that feel personal, thoughtful, and quietly luxurious. They want their shared home to reflect the stories of their individual lives while fostering a sense of collective belonging. Their vision of the apartment is storied, layered, and elegant, combining rich materials, curated objects, and varied atmospheres to create a space that is both expressive and refined. The design is storied, with artifacts from each member’s life coming together to form a cohesive narrative. An extensive shared library brings together their books, while the entry and hallway feature book-themed wallpaper that honors their origin as a book club. The living room blends an eclectic mix of furniture, artwork, and fabrics, each unique yet unified through a shared palette, representing their group. Aged patina copper and brass finishes add depth and reference the passage of time, further rooting the design in memory and meaning. The space is also layered, reflecting decades of life experiences integrated into one collective whole. The lounge spaces are warm and neutral (beige, brown, rust), while the dining and kitchen area introduces contrast with cooler toned blue and black hues, and green patinated copper. Objects from each member’s life are thoughtfully displayed within the space, creating visual and emotional depth. Framed openings between spaces offer subtle separation and spatial layering while maintaining a sense of openness. Finally, the space is elegant, with rich materials, refined finishes, and a balance of modern and traditional elements. Soft textures, warm woods, and carefully curated furnishings bring a sense of quiet luxury, making the space feel both elevated and deeply lived-in. The integration of these concepts results in a home that is expressive and intentional, creating an environment that honors their pasts while embracing their shared present.