Soho in NYC. Text by Rosie Popps MY Photography by Design Hotels

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1 Soho in NYC A little bit of London in SoHo. Text by Rosie Popps MY Photography by Design Hotels Reflecting the neighbourhood s love for dogs and at the same time, very English, the figurines are covered with the British comic strip Beano. Can you spot Dennis, the Menace? 90 Dec or atio ions Vol ume 80

2 The Drawing room, a combination of eras and textures with a touch that s undeniably Kit s: contemporary art, oversized sofas upholstered in a patchwork of fabrics, antiques, appliquéd cushions and limed-wood tables. In the heart of New York s vibrant SoHo neighbourhood, the contrast between the downtown grit of the cobbled street outside and the plush sophistication of Crosby Street Hotel s lobby is immediate - striking and unapologetically English. There s something inherently a tad bit decadent in the very idea that it s the only NYC hotel by Firmdale, famous for their 7 hip London hotels, is designed by owner and design director Kit Kemp and it shows, right down to the smallest detail. Kit Kemp Iconic SoHo loft look: vast floor-to-ceiling warehouse windows with bespoke high ceiling with plenty of substance behind these interesting sculptures and finishes... it s eco luxury. Decorations Volume 80 91

3 The bright colours and the decidedly un-minimal eclectic décor make a rare New York boutique hotel. Crosby Street Hotel has nestled its way into the neighbourhood beautifully with jumbling genres, combining 1950s eras and mixing antique pieces with stateof-the-art technology. Each and every one of her spaces is memorable, and no two of the 86 bedrooms and suite look the same. The bedrooms with dominant pinks, beige and black are a favourite. Top: Every bedroom and suite is memorable with its own style: this one is a promise of sweet pea. Bottom: Reflection of the city s strong vibe: a sideboard in juicy orange and three cheeky cows. 92 Decorations Volume 80

4 Take your pick! Bedroom in calming fuchsia... Orange blooms below the flattering teardrop chandelier.... or black in stylistic accents? Decorations Volume 80 93

5 Kit s signature style strikes the perfect balance between classicism and modernity, elegance and comfort. The way she has picked out elements of the area, such as all the residents love of dogs by reflecting that subtly in artworks and photography is her usual touch of genius. Unusual pieces of sculptures and paintings throughout the hotel features original art, predominantly by littleknown British and Irish artists. Attention to detail is beyond the pale bespoke high ceilings but there is plenty of substance behind all this mesmerising, multi-layered styling. Everything is constructed and designed with sustainable materials like the reclaimed wood floors and energyefficient technology green luxury at its best. Crosby Street Hotel is one of the most environmentally responsible hotels in the entire United States, well-poised to receive Gold LEEDS (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification by the US Green Building Council. Left: Staying true to the ethos of the design, the dining room continues to be enchanting with subtly Anglo -Saxon and eclectic details. Right: Mimicking nature s unpolished look, the silver console table resonates a different kind of beauty. 94 Decorations Volume 80

6 A contrast to the interior, the hotel facade has been kept minimalist in keeping with the neighbourhood s industrial history. Eco-conscious construction in brick, steel and glass on the site of a former parking lot in SoHo, pays homage to the surrounding urban landscape. Peeking in through the vast SoHo loft style windows, there s something to look at everywhere beginning with the centrepiece of the Crosby Street Hotel lobby - a stunning work by Scottish paper cut-out artist Jack Milroy. The Crosby Hotel achieves a distinct American flair in the furniture, fabrics and finishes, sourced locally from homebred designers like Philadelphiabased artisans Galbraith & Paul, who created many of the hand-block printed fabrics. Not forgetting its roots are made in Great Britain fixtures and a favourite with almost all the hotel guests is the SUPER shower. Down a flight of steps from the right of the lobby, the conference rooms were especially cold - part of an intelligent green standard practice. The thermostat is adjusted to a low while they are not in use. Guests can make reservations for a private screening for US$35 and enjoy cocktail and and hors doeuvres in the comfy orange seats that demarcate the screening room. There s always popcorn and Voss water if preferred. An afternoon tea in the Crosby Bar typify English tea favourites, snacks and gastro-pub-style meals well-judged and clearly appreciated by SoHo shoppers; and the set breakfasts are something to wake up to! There s plans for a rooftop kitchen garden with space for 10 chickens although the hotel already boasts two articulated outdoor spaces: a sculpture garden for guests; and a shady patio off the bar something unusual in NYC but the SoHo urbanites simply love the slice of Soho Crosby Street Hotel has brought to their neighbourhood. Top: By night, the Crosby Bar where the warm coloured glass globes hang, is a hot night spot with the SoHo urbanites. Bottom: Kit Kemp, renown for her jumbles of colours and eclectic headturning interiors. SAY YOU SAW IT IN DECORATIONS Design Hotels, Decorations Volume 80 95