Uncover a Luxurious Hidden Oasis in Soho
When talented interior designer Stephanie Betesh wanted to express her gratitude to some dear family friends for their kindness, she painted them a beautiful watercolor card. This thoughtful gesture led the couple to approach Betesh for assistance with designing invitations for their special ceremony at the stunning Amangiri resort in Utah, to which she gladly agreed. This marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership.
Years later, when the couple embarked on the hunt for an apartment in New York City, Betesh became the go-to person for the wife, seeking her expert advice. Subsequently, Betesh’s design firm, Ember Studio, was enlisted to transform the 2,800-square-foot loft space in SoHo that the couple had discovered, drawing inspiration from Betesh’s artwork and the elegant styling of the wedding at Amangiri.
The primary bedroom, secluded from the hustle and bustle of the street, boasts a serene and sophisticated color scheme.
Originally from Tennessee, Betesh pursued her interior design education at the University of Texas at Austin before gaining valuable experience working with renowned firms such as Parts and Labor, Michael Hsu, and Liz Lambert’s hospitality company.
In 2022, when the renovation of the apartment commenced, Betesh managed all architectural aspects remotely from her base in Austin, Texas. It wasn’t until late 2023 that she relocated to New York for a design residency at the esteemed Colony gallery. Despite the challenges of remote work, there were unique advantages, like the opportunity to hunt for vintage furniture at the Round Top Antiques Fair alongside the homeowner.
The primary bathroom serves as a showcase of Betesh’s expertise gleaned from her years in the hospitality industry.
Betesh’s design vision for the loft space centered on white oak millwork, hand-finished limewash, and textured plaster walls. The layout was reimagined to emphasize communal living areas, with a luxurious primary suite and nursery situated towards the rear of the home, away from the street. Betesh artfully balanced the client’s preference for a neutral palette with contrasting textures to create a richly layered atmosphere.
The kitchen features an open-plan design with a marble backsplash and custom shelving, while the living and dining area boasts tall windows offering street views. A home office is cleverly partitioned from the dining space by sleek custom wood doors, and the hallway showcases reclaimed wood doors sourced from Hudson, NY. The primary bedroom exudes a cozy, moody ambiance with bespoke furnishings and vintage accents, while the primary bathroom showcases a stunning white oak vanity with a moon grey limestone top.
Betesh’s meticulous attention to detail and thoughtful design choices have transformed this SoHo loft into a luxurious retreat, where elegance and comfort harmoniously blend.
David Mitchell designed the nursery with custom white oak closet doors and a hand-painted mural by Rebecca Major. The entryway, as captured by photo credit David Mitchell, showcases a Floris Wubben mirror above a custom console. A built-in planter serves as an anchor point for a set of steps leading out to the terrace. Moving on to the guest bathroom, photo credit David Mitchell reveals a vibrant pop of color that adds character to the space. Despite the physical distance involved, Betesh’s meticulous attention to detail remains a defining feature of the project. This is evident in her careful selection of items such as the bathroom soap and bedroom linens, highlighting the thoughtful approach she has taken throughout. The home, which originated from a small yet meaningful gesture, embodies a sense of intention and purpose that is unmistakable. For more inspiring content, explore Sarah Jessica Parker’s laid-back Hamptons retreat in the archives, or draw ideas from 75 small yet powerful kitchens to spark inspiration instantly.
