Behold Big Plants, Beautiful Views, and Bold Brick in This Sleek NYC Loft
Name: Florian Marquardt
Location: SoHo, Manhattan, New York
Size: 700 square feet
Years lived in: 2 months, renting
I live right in the middle of SoHo in a four-story walk-up with a fantastic (furnished) rooftop right on top of me. The apartment is technically a loft (one apartment per floor), though it feels like a true one bedroom. It gets tons of natural light and despite its location is super quiet even during the day. I especially enjoy the views of all the gorgeous cast-iron buildings right outside my windows. The bedroom has north/west exposure and is separated by the living room with one half of a wall and a big sliding door. The living room is basically split up into two sections—TV and seating area, and dining. The kitchen opens up to the living room. I feel like I really lucked out having a washer/dryer in unit. Really, really hard to come by in the city. It’s only me [Florian Marquardt] living in the apartment.
I’m originally from Cologne (Germany). After finishing high school I pretty much right away started working in TV for one of Europe’s biggest stations as an Art Director. I left my hometown when I was 20 and moved to Berlin to go to ad school. After a year of living in Germany’s capital I went on to intern at agencies in New York City, Brussels/Antwerp, and Hamburg. I stayed in Hamburg for another year working for Germany’s leading agency then to London for another few years until finally making it to the US of A. After staying in NYC for a little bit over two years I moved out to San Francisco for close to three years—but now I am finally back in the Big Apple. There’s just no other city like it.
Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Minimalistic, Scandinavian, classic, contemporary.
What is your favorite room and why? Tough question. I’d say I like my living as much as my bedroom.
If you could magically change something about your home, what would it be? I’d triple the size of my bathroom and add a walk-in shower. And maybe add an elevator to the building. I wouldn’t hate that.
What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I’ve always wanted Arne Norell’s “Safari Chairs” and recently found them on 1stDibs. Someone in Stockholm was selling a pair. I had to get them. Moving across the country was a great excuse to update and replace some of the furniture I didn’t want to take with me. I’ve found this amazing dining table at Lichen (Williamsburg). The top is made out of green marble. The owners of the store actually designed the table—it’s a one-of-a-kind piece. I picked Hans Wegner’s “Wishbone Chairs” to go with it. I’ve also picked up the Prouve Potence Lamp as well the Taccia lamp by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni. I was also needing a rug for the living room that I found at Hem, as well as a Dieter Rams “Vitsoe” shelving unit.
Any advice for creating a home you love? Be selective with the furniture and things you put in your home. If you don’t really love it, toss it. And even though it may sound cliche—less is more.