In the world of design and architecture, certain spaces capture the imagination, becoming iconic in their own right. One such place is the former penthouse of the famed fashion designer Isabel and artist Ruben Toledo, which once graced the pages of a prominent magazine in 2006. This enchanting abode was described as a “little Parnassus in the sky,” a nod to its inspirational aura akin to the dwelling of the Greek muses. Today, this creative haven continues to inspire as the workspace of celebrated interior designer Alfredo Paredes.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Alfred Zucker
Interior Designer: Alfredo Paredes
Original Residents: Isabel and Ruben Toledo
Location: Baudouine Building, Midtown New York City
Furniture Featured: Pink sofa, Navy armchairs by Alfredo Paredes
Located atop the historic Baudouine Building from the late 19th-century in Midtown, this penthouse has seen a seamless transition from the Toledos’ vibrant home to Paredes’s compact yet influential design studio. Paredes, who made a significant mark in the world of interior design after his tenure at a major fashion brand, was enchanted by the space when he first encountered it in print. The opportunity to inhabit it finally arose when he was between lease agreements, making the decision an inevitable step in his career.
Architecturally, the penthouse remains a tribute to its original brilliance. Paredes honored the unique characteristics and layout cultivated by the Toledos, opting to retain its structure. The previously intimate sleeping quarters of the Toledos now serve as a “war room” for brainstorming and designing, testament to the ongoing creativity that flows through these walls. Meanwhile, what once was Ruben Toledo’s primary workspace has been thoughtfully transformed into a comfortable sitting area that displays some of Paredes’s own designs, including a striking pink sofa complemented by navy armchairs.
This homage to continuity emphasizes the philosophy that beautiful rooms gain their charm over time. Paredes’s choice to maintain the artistic spirit of the penthouse underscores a respect for its history, allowing him to build upon the existing foundation rather than alter it dramatically. This approach not only preserves the space’s creative legacy but also breathes new life into it, turning a historical site into a modern-day nexus of innovation.
Paredes’s adaptation of the penthouse highlights his design ethos, one that values the soul of a space as much as its aesthetic potential. His tendency to blend past and present allows each element in the studio to resonate with the timeless energy first established by the Toledos. In doing so, Paredes ensures that the essence of this beloved penthouse remains unaltered, serving as a beacon for those who understand that true beauty lies in spaces rich with stories and layers of inspiration.
In conclusion, the penthouse once belonging to Isabel and Ruben Toledo has successfully transitioned into a vibrant studio under the stewardship of Alfredo Paredes. Through respectful preservation and thoughtful adaptation, Paredes has kept alive the spirit that made the space famous, demonstrating how an iconic location can continue to inspire long after it has changed hands. This narrative of continuity in design celebrates not only the physical space but also the enduring legacy of creativity and artistic freedom.
