From White Box to Luxe Haven: A Look Inside Melanie Morris’s Transformative Interior Design

Transforming a bland “white box” into a luxurious, sophisticated home is no small feat. Yet, designer Melanie Morris effortlessly accomplished this in her recent project. With a keen eye for texture, lighting, and custom design elements, Melanie turned a New York apartment into a chic and inviting pied-à-terre. In this video tour, she walks us through the design decisions that elevated a blank canvas into a space brimming with character, comfort, and understated elegance.

Entryway: Setting the Tone with Texture and Art

The journey begins at the entryway, where Melanie immediately makes a bold statement with contrasting textures and materials. A concrete, resin, and brass console greets visitors, establishing a tone of refined sophistication. The look is completed with a sculptural piece by artist Charlie Patterson and a unique lamp by Incommon With. Lighting, as Melanie emphasizes, plays a significant role throughout the space, and the entryway is no exception—setting the stage for what’s to come.

Main Living Area: Overcoming Design Challenges with Ingenuity

Designing the main living area posed a unique challenge due to the space’s long, narrow dimensions and expansive walls of windows. But Melanie saw this as an opportunity to push the boundaries of traditional design.

“I wanted to maximize seating and make it as comfortable and inviting as possible,” she explains. The centerpiece of the room is a custom-designed Serpentine sofa that cleverly doubles as a dining banquet. Upholstered in a luxurious, stain-resistant cream fabric, the sofa curves gracefully around a rich walnut base, which seamlessly transitions into an integrated dining table.

Above, a sculptural fixture by Apparatus drapes across the ceiling, adding intimacy to the open space. The round dining table and leather chairs create easy circulation, while the green marble accents on the coffee table nod to the client’s love for the color, subtly weaving in personality.

Bedroom: A Luxurious Hotel-Inspired Retreat

The primary suite underwent a complete transformation, becoming a cozy, luxurious retreat that exudes the feel of a five-star hotel room. The walls were paneled in rich walnut, creating a warm, cocoon-like atmosphere. Custom-built millwork seamlessly integrates a dresser and vanity, providing both functionality and visual continuity.

Melanie softened the hard lines of the room by incorporating curves in the custom nightstands and headboard. Brass accents, handmade by Prusin Studio, elevate the millwork, while wall sconces flank the bed, washing the room in a soft, ambient glow. The attention to detail in the bedroom is a testament to Melanie’s skill in combining comfort and style, creating a space that feels both restful and refined.

Lighting: The Unsung Hero of Design

Throughout the apartment, lighting serves as both a functional element and an art form. In the living room, sconces add elegance and balance to the space, while the ambient lighting in the bedroom panels highlights the rich textures and curves of the custom millwork. This meticulous attention to how light interacts with materials and shapes brings the entire project to life.

Final Thoughts: From White Box to Welcoming Home

Melanie’s ability to transform a blank, characterless apartment into a home bursting with texture, warmth, and personalized details speaks to her expertise as an interior designer. The mix of custom furniture, unique lighting choices, and thoughtful use of materials achieves a balance between luxury and comfort that is rare to find.

By bringing in elements like sculptural furniture, eye-catching lighting fixtures, and sophisticated textures, Melanie successfully created a space that feels less like a temporary pied-à-terre and more like a cherished home. The result is a stylish haven that invites you to sink in, stay a while, and savor the art of thoughtful design.

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Discover Luxury Living: Tribeca’s Largest Private Outdoor Space at 450 Washington

For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury living in New York City, Residence 702 at 450 Washington offers an unparalleled opportunity. Listed at $10.995 million, this exquisite residence features the largest private outdoor space currently available on the Tribeca waterfront, along with breathtaking views of the Hudson River. Developed by Related, a renowned name in luxury real estate, 450 Washington has quickly become one of Manhattan’s most sought-after addresses. The building's prime location on Tribeca's historic waterfront and its extensive amenities have made it a top-selling development, with 75% of the units already sold.

Photo Credit to Sam Czvitkovits

The architecture of 450 Washington, designed by Roger Ferris + Partners, showcases fine modern detailing and impeccable craftsmanship. The building features a private landscaped courtyard, a tranquil oasis designed by Hollander Design, offering residents a serene retreat from the bustling city life. Residence 702 is a spacious 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath home that epitomizes luxury and tranquility. As you enter, you are greeted by unobstructed panoramas of the Hudson River, the lush treetops of Hudson River Park, and daily stunning sunsets. The great room, located on the southwest corner, is bathed in natural light throughout the day, creating an inviting and serene ambiance.

Photo Credit to Sam Czvitkovits

The crown jewel of Residence 702 is its expansive 1,926-square-foot wraparound terrace, offering unobstructed sunset views and a perfect setting for al-fresco dining. Complete with an outdoor kitchen, this terrace is ideal for entertaining guests or enjoying a peaceful moment of relaxation while taking in the stunning river views. The interiors of Residence 702 are meticulously detailed with modern touches that exude sophistication and elegance. The home features 7-inch-wide plank white oak flooring, massive bronze-finished windows with Caesarstone window ledges, and a windowed kitchen equipped with Miele appliances and natural warm-toned quartzite countertops. The kitchen also boasts crisp matte white lacquer cabinetry, architectural cove lighting, and Dornbracht faucet fixtures.

Photo Credit to Sam Czvitkovits

The functional layout includes split bedroom suites with en-suite baths, ample closet space, and a large primary bedroom suite with a five-fixture bathroom. The bathrooms are clad in handsome honey-toned European White Oak cabinetry, Calacatta Lincoln marble countertops with undermounted sinks, and showers with Dornbracht fixtures, providing a spa-like experience. Located along the picturesque Hudson River Park, 450 Washington offers residents easy access to Tribeca’s historic cobblestone streets, premier dining, and cultural attractions. The gated entryway leads to an 8,000-square-foot courtyard oasis, enhancing the sense of privacy and exclusivity.

With its unparalleled location, exceptional design, and extensive amenities, Residence 702 at 450 Washington represents a premier real estate opportunity in one of New York City’s most desirable neighborhoods. This residence is not just a home; it’s a statement of luxury and sophistication.

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Inside a 300 square foot apartment

Ever wanted to know what it’s like to live in a 300 square foot apartment? Many of us have had our small apartments, but this takes the cake. Or should we say cupcake. Serhant agent Talia McKinney shows us one on this weeks.Tiny Spaces.

In this episode, Talia takes a look inside Caitlin Widener's gorgeously designed tiny apartment only steps away from Prospect Park. This handcrafted Brooklyn home is intentional with every single design choice. Make sure to take inspiration and let us know in the comments your favorite part of this tiny home!

Elite Brokers Celebrate the Completion of 108 Leonard's Rooftop Retreat

New York's crème de la crème of brokers recently congregated to celebrate the grand unveiling of the rooftop oasis at 108 Leonard. This neoclassical gem, nestled in the heart of TriBeCa, has been meticulously transformed into 167 opulent homes. The completion of this rooftop marks a significant milestone, adding to the property's expansive 20,000 square feet of wellness-driven amenities.

Howard M. Lorber, Executive Chairman of Douglas Elliman, alongside Susan de França, President and CEO of Douglas Elliman Development Marketing, showered accolades on the sales team. Their commendable efforts have led to an impressive sale of over 70% of the building. The duo also drew attention to the limited units available, with a special mention of the two exquisite penthouses that form part of the Crown Collection.

Elena Sarkissan, the Director of Sales at 108 Leonard, couldn't contain her excitement over the rooftop's inauguration. This space, spanning two levels, offers residents unparalleled views of the city skyline, with the iconic Clocktower standing tall as a testament to the building's historic past. But the rooftop is just the tip of the iceberg. Residents can also indulge in a plethora of world-class amenities, including a 75-foot lap pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a chef's demonstration kitchen, and the enchanting Marble Room lounge.

With only nine residences still up for grabs, ranging from $3,715,000 to $24,450,000, 108 Leonard is fast becoming the epitome of luxury living in TriBeCa.

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Inside Savannah Guthrie's NYC Condo Just Listed For Sale

Morning darling and Host of The Today Show Savannah Guthrie has just listed her her gorgeous Tribeca home for $7.1M. Spectacular, turn-key, one-of-a-kind home in Tribeca. This 3,735 square foot, full-floor loft features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a home office and soaring 10’2” ceilings.

No expense was spared in the meticulous and thoughtful renovation of this entire home by AD100 architects Ike Kligerman & Barkley and AD100 designer Monique Gibson. Cortnee Glasser of Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage is the listing agent.

All photo’s courtesy of Travis Mark for Sotheby’s International Realty.

The elevator opens directly into a gracious Foyer which leads to a Great Room with nearly 50 feet of linear frontage. The space, renovated to perfection and with wall-to-wall south-facing windows, is ideal for entertaining with three separate Living Areas and a custom marble and white oak Bar with Julien sink, 30” Sub-Zero refrigerator and ice maker. Other features in the Great Room include a wall of custom oak millwork adding tremendous warmth and character, concrete ceilings with breathtaking light fixtures and a stunning steel and glass wall with doors that lead to a large formal Dining Area with an antiqued mirror and cerused oak backdrop. Off this Dining Area is an Open Chef’s Kitchen outfitted with custom and extensive floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, a honed black Saint Laurent marble center island and a full suite of Gaggenau appliances including a wine refrigerator and vented range hood. Adjacent to the Open Chef’s Kitchen in this extremely flexible family home is an informal Dining Area, fitted with additional cabinetry and ample storage, that can easily be converted to a Den or Playroom.

The Primary Suite boasts a fireplace and massive, dream Dressing Room with custom oak millwork and a wall of antiqued mirror closets. Pass through the Dressing Room into a five-fixture Bathroom with Carrera marble and bluestone finishes, deep soaking tub beneath a flatscreen television, separate shower, double vanity with storage and a wall-hung Toto dual flush water closet. Off the Primary Suite is a chic Home Office with built-in desk and Murphy bed behind custom millwork panels, giving this room the ability to also function as an additional Guest Bedroom.

The second and third grand-scale Bedrooms, currently children's rooms, share a sweet and spacious Bathroom clad with a double vanity, Duravit bathtub, Ann Sacks tile floors and Hansgrohe fixtures in polished chrome. The fourth Bedroom has an ensuite Bathroom with Ann Sacks ceramic penny tiles, glass shower and a Robern mirrored medicine cabinet.

Other high-end upgrades and features include hand painted wall murals by Dean Barger Studios, Austrian white oak flooring, collectible light fixtures, and luxurious drapery throughout, a proper Laundry Room with washer, vented dryer and abundant extra storage, a Lutron shades and lighting system, a high-tech AV system with in-wall and in-ceiling speakers and a private 62 sq ft Storage Unit - the largest in the building - with custom shelving and electricity.

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Related's 450 Washington Launches Sales on the Hudson River Waterfront in Tribeca

Related today launched sales at 450 Washington, offering 176 residences on the Hudson River waterfront in Tribeca. Featuring a renowned design team including exterior and interior architecture by Roger Ferris + Partners, luxurious furnishings in building amenity and common spaces by MAWD and landscape architecture by Hollander Design, 450 Washington offers a new vision of modern living in Tribeca within a stunning redevelopment of a full city block. 

“Related’s commitment to creating incredible residential experiences in the most coveted locations has been a point of pride for many years,” said Robert Bernstein, Senior Vice President at Related. “Joining its next-door neighbors 456 Washington and 70 Vestry, 450 Washington will offer buyers a rare opportunity to own a modern home with protected waterfront views in Tribeca, while having access to the service, lifestyle, and amenities that only Related is known for.”

CONTEMPORARY RESIDENCES WITH A SOPHISTICATED PRESENCE photo credit ColinMiller

450 Washington is the latest residential project in New York City designed by Roger Ferris + Partners, the world-renowned architects behind some of the most significant modern residences in the United States. Roger Ferris + Partners designed both the exterior, featuring a new French limestone plastered façade and oversized bronze-framed picture and casement windows, as well as the interior, a complete reconstruction with contemporary layouts and sophisticated residential interiors. 

“Our design strategy was to expand all the views in an effort to open up vistas, in all directions, towards this incredible waterfront amenity,” said Roger Ferris, Founding Principal of Roger Ferris + Partners.

All residences at 450 Washington feature kitchens with a top-of-the-line Miele appliance package, custom cabinetry in a white lacquer finish, and opalescent Brazilian Naica Quartzite countertops and backsplashes. Primary bathrooms showcase Honed Calacatta Lincoln marble floors and surfaces, custom vanities with European White Oak cabinetry, and rain showers and Zuma bathtubs in select residences. All residences feature brand new windows with high-performance glazing, 7” wide European White Oak advanced flooring in a natural stain throughout, NEST Smart thermostats, shade pockets at each window to accommodate custom shades, and Samsung in-unit washer & dryers.

AN UNFORGETTABLE ENTRANCE photo credit ColinMiller

Entering from Tribeca’s historic cobblestone streets, residents arrive at 450 Washington through a gated entryway into a private courtyard designed by world-renowned landscape architect Hollander Design in collaboration with Roger Ferris + Partners. The nearly 8,000 square-foot garden features lush plantings and a covered walkway path leading to the grand lobby with custom furnishings and lighting by MAWD, where residents are welcomed by a 24-hour doorman.

“From its quietly serene courtyard to its verdant roof deck designed for living, working and play, the landscape at 450 Washington welcomes you home to the best moments of contemporary living,” said Stephen Eich, Urban Studio Director, Hollander Design

COMPREHENSIVE SUITE OF AMENITIES AND SERVICES photo credit: ColinMiller

450 Washington features a comprehensive suite of curated interior and exterior amenities, elegantly furnished by MAWD.  Entertaining amenities include a landscaped 12th floor roof terrace with panoramic views of the Hudson River, and featuring a sundeck, lounge seating and multiple grilling areas, a residents’ lounge with fireplace, and a private dining room with adjacent catering pantry and seating for 14. Health and wellness- amenities include a fitness suite with cardio and weight training equipment by The Wright Fit and a golf simulator lounge with multi-sport capabilities. Residents will be able to work remotely in a business center with two meeting rooms, available for on-demand or private use by reservation. Residents will also have access to a children’s playroom, and an on-site parking with direct elevator access from lower level and private storage for an additional fee. 

“Capturing the intrigue of Manhattan’s most coveted downtown neighborhood, our concept for 450 Washington was to bring the warmth, artistry, and heritage of Tribeca’s cultural hold into this waterfront project, crafting an unparalleled modern experience,” said Elliot March, MAWD Co-Founder  

All amenities are complemented by expert lifestyle programming by RELATED Life, designed to cultivate community and a distinguished lifestyle at the highest standards by leveraging RELATED’s expertise, affiliated brands, and partners.

Tribeca is one of Manhattan’s most beloved areas, unique in its proximity to green space and Hudson River Park, as well as its walkability to some of the city’s best restaurants, shopping, and cultural touchstones. 450 Washington is located within a particularly favored enclave, bookended by two successful buildings also developed by Related; 456 Washington Street, a luxury rental property, and Robert A.M. Stern’s 70 Vestry, one of the most successful condominium projects in the history of Downtown Manhattan.

Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group is exclusively handling the marketing and sales at 450 Washington. For an onsite tour of the model residences, contact 212-570-4500. Residences range from open plan studios to four-bedrooms, priced from approximately $1 million to $12 million.  For more information, please visit 450washington.com and follow the Instagram @450washingtonnyc for project updates.

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