Huniford Design Studio is a luxury line of home furnishings, with bespoke pieces and character that accentuate interior design. In the following article, James Huniford, Principal Designer of Huniford Design Studio discusses how rustic charm and Feng Shui creates a peaceful space in the heart of a busy city.
Huniford’s client, a heavyweight in the hedge fund industry, decided to remodel his NoHo, New York penthouse. For this task, he enlisted the help of renowned designer and philanthropist James “Ford” Huniford. Together, they turned the 3,067-square-foot space into a tranquil and sustainable haven, a blend of rustic and traditional aesthetics.
What they achieved is the “Zen Den,” an unlikely, peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Its design reflects a keen sense of creativity and practicality – old art and vases were given a new lease of life as lamps and tables. In addition, state-of-the-art air and water filtration systems were installed to align with the theme of sustainability.
Below, Huniford explores the underlying philosophy of this rustic Feng Shui aesthetic and how the Zen Den’s blend of comfort, balance, and eco-conscious elements make it the ultimate mindful living space.
Huniford Design Studio on the Rustic-Feng Shui Aesthetic
What makes the fusion of rustic and Feng Shui elements so enticing? For starters, the use of raw materials, natural textures, and a warm color palette conjure up a sense of comfort and warmth. Melding these design elements with Feng Shui placement helped Huniford promote positive energy throughout the space.
Huniford explains that by positioning furniture and decor according to Feng Shui principles, it brings tranquility and a sense of peace to the penthouse. Together, the rustic charm and ancient design principles result in visually appealing space that provides the family with a sense of harmony and wellness.
Huniford’s Bond Street design has not gone unnoticed by the design world. The studio’s work on the Bond Street design garnered international recognition, winning the “Interior Design Private Residence – New York category at the International Property Awards. It was highlighted as one of the standout design undertakings of 2016.
Repurposing Materials for Natural Beauty
James Huniford focuses on transforming everyday items into functional design pieces helped turn the Bond Street penthouse into a sustainable oasis. For example, he took every day decor, like vases, and repurposed them into lamp bases. Artwork now serves as a decorative headboard for a unique focal point in the bedroom.
Huniford cultivated a sense of serenity by using a blue, brown, and gray to help set the tone. In addition, live-edge concrete countertops were juxtaposed with repurposed metal cabinets to blend the rough and refined and balance the five elements of Feng Shui design: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.
Environmentally conscious materials, such as using goat milk-based paints and reclaimed barnwood helped give the space a rustic touch. Huniford also called on specialists to help create a toxin-free home.
City Penthouse Meets Wellness Retreat
A walk around the exterior of a big city retreat reveals unexpected features such as lush greenery, charming stone paths, and serene water features. Combining these elements with the thoughtful arrangement of outdoor furniture helped James Huniford echo the Feng Shui ideals of harmony, balance, and energy flow that he created indoors.
One of the penthouse’s standout features is the sprawling terrace, conceived in collaboration with landscape designer Roger Miller. This outdoor oasis serves as a tranquil retreat for Pickard, his family, and their guests and an opportunity to connect with nature without ever leaving the city.
James Huniford notes that whether it’s finding solace in the meditation room, gathering for dinner, or unwinding in the glass-paneled family room with a live wall of ferns, wellness is not an afterthought but a core principle integrated into every design aspect of the Zen Den.
The seamless incorporation of Feng Shui principles, emphasizing harmony and energy flow, is pivotal to Huniford’s wellness-oriented approach to design. By arranging furniture and décor in a way that facilitates positive energy flow, each room becomes a sanctuary. Beyond aesthetics, Huniford Design Studio created an intimate bond between the residents and their surroundings.
Summary
Every element of Huniford’s designed Zen Den is thoughtfully curated with health and wellness in mind. From the choice of materials to the layout and the smallest details, the penthouse epitomizes a holistic approach to living. The result is a space that exudes calmness and tranquility and serves as a testament to the transformative power of design and its ability to blend beauty and wellness.
