REFERENCE LIBRARY
Architectural Digest US|October 2023
Pulling inspiration from all chapters of the decorative arts, designer Ryan Lawson deftly transforms one couple's Manhattan loft into the ultimate crowd-pleaser
SAM COCHRAN
REFERENCE LIBRARY

When people ask James LaForce and Stephen Henderson for the key to a long and happy relationship, the New York power couple of 34 years offer three pieces of advice. "The secret to marriage is a kingsize bed, separate bathrooms, and separate sofas," jokes Henderson, a writer, alluding to the quotidian bliss of parallel play. Space, in other words, can be a salve. But space also poses its challenges, as the duo discovered upon buying their new Manhattan apartment.

Set in a historic Chelsea factory building, the loft spanned some 6,000 square feet, with broad windows and an auxiliary studio apartment incorporated into the generous floor plan. For social butterflies who love to entertain but also delight in their downtime together, the question became how to make sense of that sprawl. "We recognize it's a luxury," says LaForce, a communications and marketing maestro, noting they envisioned the space as a venue for fundraisers and gatherings. "It would be a waste to have it unused." So they called their friend and decorator Fernando Santangelo, who, as fate would have it, wasn't accepting new projects in their timeline. "He said he was too busy but that there was this really nice kid across the hall from him," recalls Henderson. "So we got the kid across the hall-and he was great."

This story is from the October 2023 edition of Architectural Digest US.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the October 2023 edition of Architectural Digest US.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST USView All
Top of the Heap
Architectural Digest US

Top of the Heap

Putting stone scraps to fresh use, Studio Raw Material mines the rich traditions of India’s western plains

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2024
Raising the Bar
Architectural Digest US

Raising the Bar

With Italian homages and glamour galore, The Manner ushers in a new era of high-end hospitality

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024
Green Acres
Architectural Digest US

Green Acres

At Longwood Gardens, a bold update unearths wisdom old and new

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024
Ahead of the Curves
Architectural Digest US

Ahead of the Curves

A sinuous house by Snøhetta and Nicole Hollis dares to be different

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024
Starting From Scratch
Architectural Digest US

Starting From Scratch

At the Manhattan home of designer Shawn Henderson, a blank slate gives way to a masterful mix of marvels, textures, and moods

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2024
ICONS ONLY
Architectural Digest US

ICONS ONLY

In Bridgehampton, artist Daniel Arsham finds his groove within a rectilinear home designed by Jack Ceglic

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024
gaining
Architectural Digest US

gaining

To update an underutilized landscape at Dia Beacon, Sara Zewde is digging into history, championing resiliency, and leaning into beauty

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024
STYLE SUMMIT
Architectural Digest US

STYLE SUMMIT

Lauren Santo Domingo enlists Andre Mellone to help fashion a sophisticated ski retreat that defies tired decorative tropes

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024
LIVING THE DREAM
Architectural Digest US

LIVING THE DREAM

In a historic London house, a stylish couple turn to Veere Grenney to help bring their vision to life

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024
LABOR OF LOVE
Architectural Digest US

LABOR OF LOVE

With heroic help from around the world and an army of outstanding artisans, engineers, and architects, Notre-Dame de Paris prepares to reopen its doors TEXT

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024