Studio Zung Designs a Sophisticated Tribeca Apartment With Vintage Accents

Founder and principal of his integrated architecture studio, Tommy Zung practices what he calls “design altruism,” de facto enhancing the well being of his clients through the built environment. Zung’s mantra was certainly pertinent when designing a Manhattan apartment for a client who works as an attorney. Located in a Romanesque Revival pre–war building in Tribeca, which previously served as a whale bone cutting facility, Zung refurbished the historic space to accentuate tranquility throughout the residence. The refined yet warm aesthetic was heavily influenced by the client’s collection of vintage art and furniture, each piece being strong enough to stand alone and relating to each other through the language of Zung’s design. 

To honor the original architectural integrity while simplifying the space’s dated aspects, Zung redid the kitchen with custom millwork and salvaged beams. The red oak herringbone flooring throughout remains unchanged—its many shades become apparent in the light-filled space, emphasizing the warm aesthetic of the home. With such expansive windows, the design team opted to forgo recessed overhead lighting, using  lamps as the primary form of illumination: “Besides the task light in the kitchen, all that you need is mood lighting,” Zung says. 

Blending contemporary finishes with classic accents, Zung custom-built the entryway chaise and bespoke living room cabinetry to inform the flow and dynamics of the space. Staying true to the New York tradition of making the most of each room, he also integrated quiet areas for restful moments into larger open areas.  Sophisticated yet approachable, the mix of forms and textures throughout results in an abode that’s as timeless as the furniture and objects within it.