Project

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NEW YORK STUDIO

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Style: Shoko
Photos: Maria Malinowski

On the Upper West Side, housed in one of those townhouses that recall a bygone era of New York, lies the SHOKO.design studio - a space that serves simultaneously as a design office, a showroom, and a personal aesthetic manifesto. This interior makes no attempt to be trendy; it transcends trends entirely. From the moment you step inside, you sense that the space’s history has not been erased - on the contrary, it forms the foundation of the design. The century-old architecture has preserved its most precious assets: the proportions, the plasterwork, and authentic details that would be impossible to recreate today without immense effort and artisanal precision. The interior’s most mesmerizing feature is the ceiling. Painted a rich, off-beat ochre - a hue balancing somewhere between gold and a deep, buttery yellow - it instantly draws the eye and lends the space a distinctive, unexpected character. It is a bold move, yet far removed from mere extravagance. The color accentuates the richly carved historic moldings, highlighting their ornamentation and creating a subtle interplay of light and shadow throughout the day. In this project, the ceiling is not merely a backdrop; it is the room’s jewelry. The studio was designed with profound respect for the building’s original fabric. 

INFO:
Sq. ft.: 500
Number of floors: 1

released: July 2026

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The old wooden flooring has been meticulously restored, preserving its patina, minor imperfections, and the wood’s warm, deep tones. Every scuff mark tells the story of the decades this townhouse has witnessed. The focal point of the studio’s lounge area is an original Victorian fireplace - sculptural, elegant, and almost theatrical. Its decorative form contrasts beautifully with the minimalist selection of contemporary furniture. It is precisely in such combinations that SHOKO.design feels most at home: between history and modernity, between the classic and soft minimalism. The kitchen island also deserves special attention; it is designed as a freestanding piece of furniture rather than a typical built-in kitchen module. Its countertop is crafted from Paonazzo marble, prized for its striking, painterly veining in shades of gray, burgundy, and off-black - patterns that lend the stone an almost artistic quality. The structure rests on turned legs inspired by the Jenny Lind style - a subtle nod to traditional craftsmanship that brings a sense of lightness and timeless elegance to the space. Natural light floods the room through tall windows characteristic of New York brownstones. Light linen curtains gently filter the sunlight, softening the interior’s architectural lines. A neutral palette - cream walls, white woodwork, and light-toned textiles—allows the materials to take center stage: wood, stone, linen, and metal accents. Despite its clear historical references, the interior feels remarkably fresh. There is no sense of museum-like literalism here; instead, there is a deliberate curation of elements that creates a compelling dialogue between eras. This studio perfectly embodies the SHOKO.design philosophy: creating timeless interiors that age gracefully. These are spaces that need not chase trends, for their strength lies in proportion, materials, and emotion. In a world where so many spaces are designed for instant impact, this place serves as a reminder of something fundamental - that true beauty often resides in details preserved with patience.

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S H O K O . D E S I G N
www.shokodesign.com