Interior Design
New York City: Helena Clunies-Ross Design
Helena Clunies-Ross Design is a New York and London-based international design studio specialising in luxury residential, hospitality and commercial design.
This studio’s latest projects range from gut-renovations and re-designs of townhouses, apartments and stores in Manhattan, to new-builds in Long Island and The Hamptons, as well as remodels and historic restorations in London, the south of France and the Hollywood Hills.
With a portfolio that encompasses a multitude of styles and genres, Helena’s design ethos of understated luxury is an unmistakeable thread that runs through all her work. With clean lines and framed views, to the placement of screens, bespoke pieces and the layering of textures, her studio’s projects are universally beautiful and timeless in their execution; exuding warmth and sophistication.
Townhouse One (West Village, New York)
Helena Clunies-Ross Design was commissioned to work on the full interior design and gut-renovation of this unique 19th century townhouse, built by Stephen B. Peet in 1845.
Situated on a beautiful landmark West Village block, it is one of three remaining
Greek Revival homes in the area.
The property was developed as a luxury, high-end single family home and comprises an elevator, health spa with steam and infra-red sauna, movie theatre and a 32’ garden with south-facing terrace.
Loft (Tribeca, New York)
Helena’s latest project—a 2000 sq/ft loft in Tribeca—features an impressive 20ft patina bronze bookcase, designed specifically to accentuate the double-height volume of the space, and made by a local metal worker in Brooklyn. Helena likes to support local crafts people wherever possible, utilising their talents over mass-production.
The loft is adorned with Japanese antiques, sourced from Galerie Was—a curators of furniture, objects and art based in New York—and a 16ft black olive tree that inhabits the living space, which had to be craned in through a fifth storey window.
Helena’s entrepreneur client dreamt of a space that not only told a story of who he was—encapsulating his individuality—but of where he is now; “…we brought in part of Tribeca’s past into the interior spaces, displaying its industrial heritage through the materials and colour schemes, and achieved a dash of edginess that sets it apart from other spaces.”
The study showcases two pieces of artwork by Oregon artist and woodworker Julian Watts, one of which was commissioned to compliment ‘Crack’; a chiselled India Ink-stained maple masterpiece framed in Walnut.
Other pieces include a sleek metal coffee table adapted in collaboration with ROOM; a Tribeca and Greenwich-based store presenting some of the world’s most renowned furniture and lighting designers, with whom Helena will be launching her own line in the coming months.
Lobby & Apartments (Tribeca, New York)
A boutique building on one of Tribeca's most peaceful residential streets, consisting of nine residences.
Formally an oil cloth factory, the lobby has been designed to respect the original architecture whilst adding natural materials to complement and enhance. By combining original elements with contemporary counterparts, this lobby has been transformed into a serene and calm space.
The residences were designed with sensitivity and sophistication, combining natural fabrics, linens and reclaimed oak.
Helena’s bespoke product line—The Tribeca Collection (currently only available to private clients)—was created whilst designing these apartments and features a dining pendant, bookcases, armchairs and screens.
WEB: www.helenacluniesross.com
IG: @helenacluniesross