Tour a Colourful Tribeca Dwelling The place the Children Are Allowed to Climb on the Artwork

Nestled in Tribeca—a mere two blocks from the Hudson River—sits a former 1880s book bindery warehouse that’s been transformed into a coveted residential property. For Edward Yedid, the decision to take on the redesign of one of the building’s apartments was an easy one. For starters, the industrial structure is striking. But of equal interest to the Grade Architecture and Interior Design cofounder and partner was the fact that his clients were committed to including their two young sons in the process. The end result, fittingly, is one suffused with not only sophisticated style, but also a healthy dose of whimsy.

“The boys were integral to the living environments,” Yedid says. “We wanted the space to be climbable and kid-friendly, [and] we wanted to incorporate color and art in a meaningful way that, like the overall scheme, is appropriate and engaging for both the parents and their children.”

From the entry gallery through the open plan dining area and into the primary bedroom, art helps define the mood of each distinct space. “I’ve been working with galleries all over the world for years—collecting myself since I was 20,” Yedid says. “The art selection was based on [the homeowners’] personalities. Color was a major part of that—it’s pop, but the sophistication level is strong.” Yedid, whose own young child is currently learning colors thanks to art-filled surroundings, was the ideal person to relate to his clients on this matter.

The surrounding neighborhood was also a key source of inspiration, particularly when it came to finishes and more detailed elements. In the entryway, plastered wall panels introduce a sophisticated, monochromatic backdrop for more whimsical elements like a Herve Van der Straeten color-blocked console, original art by Sterling Ruby, and a stylish custom Grade bench. Elsewhere, below a Kaws piece, a custom buffet with plastered doors and a textured surface recalls Tribeca’s cobblestone streets.

Nonetheless, it’s the Grade custom bar cabinet that can’t help but catch one’s gaze. “Tribeca is a major aspect of the space—[its] energy, the people, and the factory’s history,” Yedid says. “The bar is a synthesis of all that.” The piece in question mixes strong lines and materiality with the soft curves echoing the apartment’s arched windows.

Focusing on works by contemporary artists whom Yedid believes in, or collects himself, led to the acquisition of an Eva Rothschild block installation, which separates the dining room and the kitchen. The sculpture is as enjoyable to the children as it is for their parents. “I was at the Biennale a few years back and saw a similar piece by Eva, so they customized a piece for this space,” Yedid says. “It feels a bit like the New York streets, and the kids can climb on it.”

At the far end of the main living space is the ultimate family room. Its furnishings create distinct areas which allow the adults to enjoy one side while the kids can have full range over the other. Custom, built-in cabinetry hides homework and toys, while the adult side houses a library and media center. In the middle, a central unifying area allows for physical closeness and a slew of entertainment options. “[The family] wanted to be completely together all the time,” Yedid says. “That was the challenge, but that was also the fun part.”