These New York design creatives shape fresh spaces to explore the full potential of their practices.
THE HUNTRESS
What better way to express the joy of feeling at home than with a historic dwelling-turned-storefront filled with furnishing and accessories? Jenny Wolf was on a mission to formulate what a retail extension of her successful interior design practice might look like when she happened upon the centuries-old building in Pound Ridge that would become The Huntress. Fashioned like a home with thematic vignettes, the boutique serves as a holistic experience.
“The Huntress has a soul, and everything we are doing here has intention, from candles to custom upholstery,” Wolf says. Establishing this platform allowed her to create a world all her own, complete with objects found and acquired over time, as well as collections she’s developed independently or with partners. It’s also a means by which to guide others in their quest to curate abodes that truly reflect their inhabitants.
“We believe that home is a feeling and that creating that space within yourself opens you to a world of beauty,” she shares. A belief that is artfully reflected and celebrated by her expansion into retail.
J.M. SZYMANSKI
In the Bronx’s Mott Haven neighborhood, a five-story building that once served as a metal factory is now home to designer J.M. Szymanski. The area’s rich industrial history was opportune given his prowess in crafting bespoke iron and steel furniture.
“Having moved into a historically marginalized yet culturally vibrant neighborhood, it’s important that we give back and make a deep commitment to the community around us,” Szymanski says. A commitment he stays true to by relying on a close-knit network of tradespeople operating nearby to help support local design initiatives. Within this space, Szymanski is able to house a gallery, gym, informal lounges and, most importantly, a sprawling workshop.
“For a small team of five people, 4,000 feet feels like luxury,” he adds. “This is not your typical New York studio. It’s open, bright and fluid.”
