Charlap Hyman & Herrero, an American architectural firm, has recently completed the interior design for Mouthwash Studio's new office in New York City. This project is a striking example of integrating classic Persian rug artistry with sleek, contemporary furniture and fixtures. Located in Lower Manhattan, this 237-square-foot space, overlooking the city and the Brooklyn Bridge, serves as a dynamic blend of historical elegance and modern industrial aesthetics, creating an environment that is both visually captivating and highly functional.
Integrating Tradition and Modernity
Charlap Hyman & Herrero's design for Mouthwash Studio's New York office masterfully combines the ornate beauty of antique Persian rugs with the minimalist precision of modern design elements. The entire floor is covered in richly patterned Persian rugs, which boldly extend upwards to envelop a structural column, transforming it into a central artistic feature. This unexpected use of traditional textiles imbues the compact office with a unique character, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The deep burgundy, navy, and sand hues of the rugs, with their intricate patterns and decorative borders, provide a stark yet harmonious contrast to the surrounding urban landscape, visible through the office windows.
Beyond their primary placement, remnants of these exquisite rugs have been ingeniously repurposed to adorn a sofa, scatter cushions, and floor pillows, further enhancing the tactile richness and visual depth of the casual seating area. This thoughtful application of textiles adds a layer of surrealism and comfort, making the space feel both luxurious and lived-in. The careful selection and arrangement of these antique pieces demonstrate a profound appreciation for historical craftsmanship, seamlessly woven into a contemporary office setting, establishing a dialogue between different eras and design philosophies.
Industrial Elegance Meets Artistic Flourish
In sharp contrast to the soft, ornate textures of the Persian rugs, the office features custom stainless-steel desk systems and industrial shelving along its back and window walls. Fabricated by Riley Duncan, these elements introduce a clean, sharp, and reflective quality that provides a balanced modern counterpoint to the traditional textiles. The stainless-steel surfaces, with their precise lines and gleaming finish, create a sense of order and contemporary sophistication, preventing the historical rugs from overwhelming the small space. This strategic juxtaposition highlights the unique beauty of each element, emphasizing the deliberate fusion of antiquity and industrial design that defines the office.
The industrial shelves serve as display areas for an eclectic collection of items, including antique frames, handmade ceramics, and a distinctive Clam Shell Lamp designed by CH&H and Green River Project, along with other curiosities. These curated objects, alongside a precious Victorian mirror and a 17th-century Venetian Baroque landscape painting, further enrich the office's aesthetic, adding layers of artistic and historical narrative. This thoughtful curation of diverse pieces, from a Josef Hoffman Fledermaus chair to a sculpture by CH&H in collaboration with Shun Kinoshita, reinforces the studio's commitment to blending varied artistic expressions within a coherent and inspiring workspace.