Nacho Polo and Robert Onuska's New York residence, situated in a distinctive Herzog & de Meuron-designed building in Tribeca, offers a captivating blend of contemporary architecture and curated interior design. Their apartment, located on the 47th floor of a structure reminiscent of a Jenga tower, benefits from abundant natural light and panoramic views of the Hudson River. The couple, who also own the gallery Studiotwentyseven, have meticulously crafted an interior that reflects their evolving taste in art and design, infusing the space with warmth, texture, and a touch of playful creativity.
The Tribeca apartment, a stark contrast to the traditional New York aesthetic Nacho Polo initially sought, is defined by its striking architectural elements. Herzog & de Meuron's design, which extends to the interiors, integrates subtle curves within the building's cube-like forms. This architectural subtlety provided a foundation for Polo and Onuska to layer their personal design choices, emphasizing fluidity and movement. The couple's journey in furnishing the apartment has been organic, evolving gradually as they discovered new designers and artists, allowing the space to authentically grow into their shared vision.
A key aspect of their design philosophy involves infusing the space with artistic elements. Having decided to embark on art collecting, the couple enlisted an advisor to guide their selections. This commitment to art is evident throughout the apartment, where carefully chosen pieces animate the calm and refined aesthetic. For instance, a large Andre Butzer painting with vibrant hues above the bed provides a striking focal point in the bedroom, complementing the warm timber floors and custom French oak nightstand. This deliberate contrast exemplifies their approach to balancing understated elegance with expressive art.
The couple's attention to detail extends to functional yet artistic elements. A round rug, approximately 20 by 20 feet, anchors the living space, while a nearly five-meter-long curved sofa by Pierre Augustin Rose further enhances the apartment's flowing lines. The dining area features a travertine table by Martin Massé, surrounded by stools crafted from a mix of stone and suede, showcasing diverse textures and materials. These pieces, many sourced from designers represented at their gallery, underscore their dedication to quality craftsmanship and distinctive design.
Polo and Onuska have also incorporated unique and unexpected touches that add personality to their home. A bare light bulb plugged into a floor outlet in the bedroom, an experiment that proved successful enough to be replicated in their gallery, reflects their unconventional approach to lighting. In their home office, walls wrapped in jute introduce a tactile dimension and enhance the room's cozy ambiance. This thoughtful creation of varying atmospheres—from the open living room to the more intimate office—contributes to a welcoming environment, often accompanied by the soothing sounds of Bossa Nova music.
This Tribeca residence exemplifies a harmonious blend of architectural innovation, thoughtful interior design, and a burgeoning art collection. The apartment's modern aesthetic, characterized by sweeping curves and an abundance of natural light, provides a serene backdrop for the couple's carefully chosen furnishings and artworks. Their collaborative approach to design, evolving over time and incorporating pieces from their gallery, has resulted in a home that is both sophisticated and deeply personal, reflecting their lifestyle and artistic sensibilities.