Tour a Colorful Tribeca Home Where the Kids Are Allowed to Climb on the Art
Nestled in Tribeca —a mere two blocks from the Hudson River—sits a former 1880s book bindery warehouse that’s been transformed into a coveted residential property. For Edward Yedid , the decision to take on the redesign of one of the building’s apartments was an easy one. For starters, the industrial structure is striking. But of equal interest to the Grade Architecture and Interior Design cofounder and partner was the fact that his clients were committed to including their two young sons in the process. The end result, fittingly, is one suffused with not only sophisticated style, but also a healthy dose of whimsy.
“The boys were integral to the living environments,” Yedid says. “We wanted the space to be climbable and kid-friendly, [and] we wanted to incorporate color and art in a meaningful way that, like the overall scheme, is appropriate and engaging for both the parents and their children.”
From the entry gallery through the open plan dining area and into the primary bedroom, art helps define the mood of each distinct space. “I’ve been working with galleries all over the world for years—collecting myself since I was 20,” Yedid says. “The art selection was based on [the homeowners’] personalities. Color was a major part of that—it’s pop, but the sophistication level is strong.” Yedid, whose own young child is currently learning colors thanks to art-filled surroundings, was the ideal person to relate to his clients on this matter.
Yedid had this sculpture, which the children are allowed to climb on, created by Eva Rothschild.
“The climbing wall was complex,” Yedid says of the structure included in one of the children’s rooms.
The surrounding neighborhood was also a key source of inspiration, particularly when it came to finishes and more detailed elements. In the entryway, plastered wall panels introduce a sophisticated, monochromatic backdrop for more whimsical elements like a Herve Van der Straeten color-blocked console, original art by Sterling Ruby , and a stylish custom Grade bench. Elsewhere, below a Kaws piece, a custom buffet with plastered doors and a textured surface recalls Tribeca’s cobblestone streets.
Nonetheless, it’s the Grade custom bar cabinet that can’t help but catch one’s gaze. “Tribeca is a major aspect of the space—[its] energy, the people, and the factory’s history,” Yedid says. “The bar is a synthesis of all that.” The piece in question mixes strong lines and materiality with the soft curves echoing the apartment’s arched windows.
Focusing on works by contemporary artists whom Yedid believes in, or collects himself, led to the acquisition of an Eva Rothschild block installation, which separates the dining room and the kitchen. The sculpture is as enjoyable to the children as it is for their parents. “I was at the Biennale a few years back and saw a similar piece by Eva, so they customized a piece for this space,” Yedid says. “It feels a bit like the New York streets, and the kids can climb on it.”
At the far end of the main living space is the ultimate family room. Its furnishings create distinct areas which allow the adults to enjoy one side while the kids can have full range over the other. Custom, built-in cabinetry hides homework and toys, while the adult side houses a library and media center. In the middle, a central unifying area allows for physical closeness and a slew of entertainment options. “[The family] wanted to be completely together all the time,” Yedid says. “That was the challenge, but that was also the fun part.”
To help set the tone, the entry features an iridescent lacquered wood console table by Herve Van der Straeten. The neon table lamp and blue glass mirror by Sabine Marcelis pop against a Marmorino Venetian plaster wall.
In another bright spot, WIDW. AM BRATACH SITH by Sterling Ruby hangs on the wall above a custom Grade bench upholstered in a Toyine Sellers textile.
Even the powder room is infused with art thanks to a Cristallo Tiffany marble sink and a custom leather-framed mirror by Grade.
After getting stuck in L.A. during the pandemic, the family didn’t see their home until it was completely finished. “The boys ran and jumped on that double-sided sofa first thing,” says Yedid, who received a video from the happy homeowners when they finally walked into their re-done apartment. The joy-evoking sofa is by Living Divani , the art on the walls is by Pat Steir, the red side table is designed by François Buchet, and the blue slipper chair is by Joseph-Andre Motte.
The paprika-colored arm chair by Pierre Yovanovich pairs perfectly with the custom bookshelf’s panels in a sunshine hue. The small and large coffee tables are by Egg Collective .
On the children’s side of the living room, French Moderne children’s chairs perch on an area rug by Monologue London . The desk space, which includes custom millwork by Grade, can be shut away to hide any toys and messes at the end of the day.
Yedid thought NTY by Kaws was a perfectly kid- and adult-friendly piece to use in the dining area. The buffet is a custom piece created to reference the Tribeca neighborhood.
Designer Edward Yedid, as seen inside the home.
The bar cabinet is one of Yedid’s favorite parts of the home. Made of oak, bronze, fluted glass, and Travertine, the bold piece uses black and white tones to excellent effect. The dining table is custom, while the colorful chairs are by India Mahdavi . The pendant light is designed by John Procario . The sconces are by Richard Meier .
Yedid had this sculpture, which the children are allowed to climb on, created by Eva Rothschild.
The kitchen features some softer elements to contrast the large rock sculpture. The backsplash is composed of Ivory Swell field tiles by Kelly Wearstler for Ann Sacks , while the countertop is Lavastone by Pyrolave . The cabinets are painted in a soothing Par Four by Benjamin Moore .
The art the kids have done is on full display in the breakfast nook, thanks to a Toyine Sellers upholstered pegboard.
The curving corner banquette was upholstered in a bright blue fabric by Jouffre . Nearby, a breakfast table by Dirk Vander Kooij and Eames shell side chairs can be seen. The art on the wall is by Ben Steele , while the double lasso pendant light is by Sklo .
The primary bedroom is toned down a touch thanks to shades of gray. Still, with custom blue nightstands and plenty of graphic and geometric accents, the room is still full of visual interest. The king bed is by Jouffre, the sconces are designed by John Wigmore , and the wall coverings are by Porter Teleo.
The cozy lounge chair is from The Invisible Collection , while the yellow side table is designed by Charlotte Kidger. The drapery and Roman shades are by Glant .
In a study, the adults get a hideaway desk too. The one in question is made with blue sodalite marble. The yellow desk chair was designed by Joseph-Andre Motte.
The primary bathroom features a large tub.
Fun is injected into both of the childrens’ bedrooms. The wall coverings are Marley + Malek .
“The climbing wall was complex,” Yedid says of the structure included in one of the children’s rooms. “The wallpaper had to match up with the climbing handles just so.” The shimmering Calico Wallpaper is the backdrop to the climbing holds, while the gym rings are by Fitwood of Scandinavia . The skate decks are a Damien Hirst wall installation.
Another look around that space.
A colorful bathroom features a kid-friendly step stool.