In the heart of SoHo, a rental apartment has been transformed into a creative sanctuary for Maximilian Eicke and Irina Kro Eicke, a dynamic duo of designers and artists. This space, far from being a typical rental, is a testament to their unique vision and lifestyle. The couple's journey began in Bali, where they first collaborated on a house design, and has since taken them to Sag Harbor and Southampton, each location serving as a design laboratory. Their latest endeavor in SoHo was a natural fit, with the apartment's layout mirroring their working styles and providing the perfect canvas for their creative endeavors.
What makes this space truly fascinating is the way it seamlessly blends their individual talents and personalities. The ground floor, bathed in natural light and insulated from the bustling city, serves as the shared zone, where they host dinner parties and product shoots. The centerpiece of this area is a 3,000-pound marble dining table designed by Maximilian, a testament to his craftsmanship and attention to detail. The couple's love for unique pieces is evident in the oversized rug, crafted from 15 Etsy runners, and the custom-made window cushion in Irina's makeup nook, which adds a touch of intimacy and comfort.
Maximilian's workshop and archive in the basement are a testament to his passion for design and his ability to transform ordinary objects into extraordinary pieces. An inexpensive billiard table became a couture object after a simple wrap of Japanese paper, and a humble table lamp was transformed into a dramatic pendant light. His furniture prototypes, like the triangular chair and spiky metal table, add a layer of intrigue and innovation to the space.
Irina's influence is evident in the softer, more intimate spaces, such as her makeup nook, which is filled with overstock fashion fabrics and a custom-cut foam mattress. Her fashion-trained eye is evident in the way she tweaks colors and textures, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the space.
The couple's approach to design and living is a refreshing take on the traditional rental experience. They are proud of their rental status and have no shame in saying so, viewing it as an opportunity to upgrade their space and create a home that reflects their values and passions. Their ability to blend their individual talents and create a cohesive, inspiring space is a testament to their creativity and vision.
In my opinion, this SoHo apartment is a microcosm of the couple's dynamic and innovative approach to design and living. It is a space that evolves with them, a living, breathing laboratory where their creativity can flourish. As they continue to settle in and make the space their own, it will be fascinating to see how they continue to push the boundaries of design and create a home that is truly a reflection of their unique personalities and talents.
