Murray Hill Mews Lounge
The room already offered an abundant amount of natural light, streaming through expansive pane-glass windows that offered sweeping views to the north, east, and west. Yet despite this daylight, the space often felt dim, particularly in the evenings when lighting proved insufficient. Residents described the layout as disjointed, noting that it left them feeling cramped or encroaching on one another’s personal space.
Studio IRHA envisioned a versatile environment- one that could seamlessly accommodate working, reading, or hosting gatherings of varying sizes and age groups. To achieve this, we began by opening up the enclosed kitchenette and removing the adjacent closet, transforming it into a recessed entertainment nook. An open kitchen island was introduced to encourage effortless entertaining, while a dining table provided additional seating for larger parties. Thoughtfully designed with concealed outlets, the dining table could double as a collaborative workspace or serve as a communal hub during board meetings.
The entertainment zone featured two modular sofas, easily reconfigured to suit residents’ needs. This flexibility allowed the lounge to be divided into distinct sections, giving individuals a sense of privacy while still fostering community. Along the northern wall, a custom banquette added generous seating. Because drilling into the concrete subfloor was not possible, we integrated additional electrical outlets discreetly into the banquette’s floorboard, ensuring functionality without compromising design. The result is a modern, adaptable space – one that balances comfort, utility, and elegance – designed to meet the evolving needs of residents for years to come.
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