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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168 Duane Street, Tribeca: Warrington Hudlin’s Triplex

At 168 Duane Street, the most intriguing room cannot be seen from the street. It is a terrace concealed behind the parapet of the building’s great 1887 gable, approximately 400 square feet of private outdoor space facing directly onto Duane Park. Inside, the upper three floors form an approximately 3,500-square-foot triplex with ceilings that rise to approximately 30 feet.

For roughly 30 years, filmmaker Warrington Hudlin used this space primarily as his New York office and studio, living here occasionally as he moved between New York and Los Angeles. It was a remarkable place to do business: above a Tribeca park, inside a nineteenth-century loft building, with enough height to make an ordinary room feel like a set before anyone had dressed it.

Hudlin grew up in East St. Louis and went to Yale. As a student, he made Black at Yale, a documentary that included a conversation with Stokely Carmichael. Melvin Van Peebles and Harry Belafonte later mentored him. In 1978, Hudlin co-founded the Black Filmmaker Foundation, giving Black filmmakers a way to show work that might otherwise never reach an audience. The foundation’s recordings are now held by the Schomburg Center, while reels from Hudlin’s own early films are preserved in university archives. Indiana University Black Film Center & Archive; New York Public Library.

Then came House Party, the joyous 1990 film directed by his brother Reginald and produced by Warrington, followed by Boomerang, starring Eddie Murphy. Broker Larry Carty says Hudlin bought at 168 Duane with his House Party earnings and that part of Boomerang was filmed in the building. Hudlin is also a black belt in kung fu. He brought that passion to the Museum of the Moving Image through a martial-arts film series and served as vice chairman of its board. His work has taken him from a documentary camera at Yale to Hollywood and into the rooms where film culture is shaped. Hudlin’s profile.

Now he is ready for another stage of his life. The triplex is being offered largely as he left it, and its next owner will have substantial work to do. Buyers can see the plans Hudlin commissioned from architect Galia Solomonoff, whose work includes Dia Beacon. They show a graceful way to turn the three levels into a home with two bedrooms and an additional interior bedroom. The square footage is devoted to volume and living space, not to packing the apartment with bedrooms.

Hudlin hopes another creative person will buy it, someone who understands why he chose this building and can imagine what to make of it next. That person may use Solomonoff’s plans or arrive with an architect and a vision of their own. Either way, the terrace, the height, and the direct outlook onto Duane Park give them an extraordinary place to begin.

The building is expected to have a brand-new elevator operating in November. Visitors currently reach the triplex by stairs, and Hudlin has asked Carty to wait for the elevator before its public debut. He wants a buyer to ride to the top, step into the space where he worked for three decades, and see the apartment as a future home.

For now, Carty is showing it to a select few brokers he has worked with for years. Once the elevator is operating, Hudlin plans to bring the triplex to the public market for $8.995 million. Its next owner can then take the ride up with an architect, walk out toward Duane Park, and decide what belongs in the next chapter.

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Wrey Launches Leasing at 222 Broadway, Bringing Office-to-Residential Luxury to Lower Manhattan

Lower Manhattan’s office-to-residential glow-up continues, and Wrey is arriving with serious skyline energy. GFP Development has launched leasing at Wrey, a new luxury rental tower at 222 Broadway, transforming the former office building into 788 residences where Tribeca meets the Financial District. Designed by CetraRuddy, the adaptive reuse project brings condominium-caliber finishes, sweeping city views, and a private residents’ club called Two Two Two to one of Downtown Manhattan’s most connected pockets, just moments from City Hall Park.

The residences range from studios to three bedrooms, including penthouses on the 31st floor, with many homes offering dedicated home offices for the hybrid-work crowd that still wants the apartment to look chic on Zoom. Interiors include Calacatta Quartz countertops and backsplashes, Bertazzoni appliances, Atlas Concorde tile bathrooms, Bosch washers and dryers, blackout window shades, keyless entry, and ceiling heights up to 9 feet 8 inches. The views do a lot of the heavy lifting too, framing City Hall Park, The Woolworth Building, the Hudson River, St. Paul’s Chapel, One World Trade Center, and the Oculus.

Wrey’s amenity program is where the building really leans into the new Downtown luxury rental playbook. Two Two Two spans five floors and includes a rooftop pool, sundeck, lounges, coworking library, private dining room, Park Terrace, fitness club, yoga studio, spa with cold plunge, sauna, steam room, treatment room, and a 75-foot lap pool with hot spa. There is also a sports simulator, game lounge, screening room, karaoke room, children’s playroom, workshop, and music room, because apparently leaving the building is now optional. Leasing begins at $4,500 per month for studios, with Compass Development Marketing Group serving as the exclusive marketing and leasing partner.

Wrey by the Numbers

Wrey has 788 apartments across 32 stories, plus the five-floor Two Two Two amenity club. At launch, studios with home offices started at $4,588 a month, one-bedrooms with home offices at $7,638, two-bedrooms at $11,723 and three-bedrooms at up to $12,088, according to 6sqft. CetraRuddy designed the conversion, and GFP secured a $288 million construction loan for the project in January 2025. For the bigger picture, see our look at New York’s class of 2026 office-to-residential conversions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many apartments are at Wrey, 222 Broadway?

Wrey has 788 rental apartments, ranging from studios to three-bedrooms and penthouses on the 31st floor.

How much is rent at Wrey?

At its May 2026 launch, studios with home offices started at $4,588 a month, one-bedrooms with home offices at $7,638, two-bedrooms at $11,723 and three-bedrooms at up to $12,088. Current asking rents may differ.

What was 222 Broadway before it became Wrey?

222 Broadway was an office building whose past tenants included Bank of America, Santander and American Express. The site was also once home to P.T. Barnum’s American Museum.

Who developed Wrey?

GFP Development converted the building, with CetraRuddy as architect and CDMG as the exclusive marketing and leasing partner.

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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!

Designing and Developing 32-34 Walker Street in Tribeca

By Cedric Abboud, Principal of Urban Capital Group and SOMA Projects

Tribeca remains one of New York’s most architecturally distinct neighborhoods, celebrated for its 19th-century cast-iron buildings, loft style luxury living, and vibrant, close-knit community. For architects and developers, building in a landmarked district like Tribeca means more than creating something new. It means respecting the neighborhood’s industrial legacy while contributing thoughtful, contemporary design.

At 32 Walker Street, we faced a unique challenge, we set out to merge a historic cast-iron building from 1850, once a textile warehouse, with a new structure to create a unified building that is contextual, visually striking, and financially viable. The result is an irreplicable boutique luxury residence in the landmark district, offering ceiling heights ranging from 12 to 16 feet, direct southwest exposure, and rare unobstructed views within the architectural fabric of Tribeca.

By collaborating early with Higgins Quasebart, our historic Consultant, under the oversight of the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), we embraced a design approach that sought dialogue rather than disruption. We began by studying the block’s architectural DNA, repetitive window rhythms, and richly textured façades. Tribeca’s industrial buildings are timeless, defined by generous proportions, large volumes, and oversized windows. Our first move was to follow the window pattern of the original structure and align the floor levels, ensuring the new and historic elements read as a single, cohesive building.

Natural limestone gradually evolved as the right material choice, a subtle nod to the area’s classical heritage and the character of old New York. The design draws inspiration from Judd House, the quintessential cast-iron reference, as well as from Tadao Ando’s 152 Elizabeth and One Kensington Gardens in London by David Chipperfield, with an emphasis on simplicity and elegance. Inside, the architecture is guided by a principle of quiet luxury, with high ceilings, restrained detailing, and robust, natural materials. The interiors feature natural oak, natural stone, and top-tier fixtures sourced from some of the finest vendors and fabricators in the world.

Designing in a landmark district inevitably comes with challenges. A building’s bulk and visibility are closely scrutinized by the LPC. These factors directly impact sellable square footage and the overall feasibility of a project. There was significant skepticism early on about whether the penthouse floor would be approved as proposed. As the project advanced and gained traction as we partnered with Prosper Property Group on the development, and then engaged with The Turett Collaborative (TTC), a New York architecture firm with extensive experience in Tribeca to succeed in the process. The team’s expertise was instrumental in refining the design, addressing regulatory requirements, and navigating the Department of Buildings process.  Through close collaboration, we earned unanimous LPC support. 

Tribeca is not just a neighborhood. It is an archive of New York’s mercantile and architectural history. Every new project should enhance that legacy by being contextual to its neighborhood and a positive addition. At 32 Walker, we are proud to add a quiet, confident new chapter. By honoring the site’s history, simplifying complexity at every stage, and embracing collaboration, we have achieved an optimized design with layouts that support modern living, all while aiming to deliver the project under budget and at record speed for the historic district.

32-34 Walker Street at a Glance

The finished building holds just five condominiums in three- and four-bedroom layouts, with full-floor homes starting at 3,500 square feet, a duplex penthouse and ground-floor retail. Urban Capital and Prosper Property Group are developing the project with SOMA Architecture and interior designer The Turett Collaborative, and completion was anticipated in the second quarter of 2026, according to New York YIMBY. For a look at the residences themselves, see our feature on Tribeca’s luxury condos at 32-34 Walker Street.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many units are at 32-34 Walker Street?

The Tribeca building has five condominium residences in three- and four-bedroom layouts, including a duplex penthouse.

Who developed 32-34 Walker Street?

Urban Capital and Prosper Property Group developed the project, with SOMA Architecture and The Turett Collaborative leading the design.

What was 32 Walker Street originally?

32 Walker Street is an 1850 cast-iron building that was once a textile warehouse. It was merged with a new structure under the oversight of the Landmarks Preservation Commission.

When will 32-34 Walker Street be completed?

Completion was anticipated in the second quarter of 2026.

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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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