Interior designer Stephanie Betesh’s journey with a New York City couple began with a heartfelt gesture. A simple watercolor card, painted to express gratitude, blossomed into a creative partnership that would eventually transform a SoHo loft. Betesh, founder of Ember Studio, became the guiding hand behind this 2,800-square-foot project. Drawing inspiration from her card and the couple’s wedding at Amangiri resort, her design seamlessly melds personal expression with sophisticated living.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Interior Designer: Stephanie Betesh
Location: SoHo, New York City
Design Studio: Ember Studio
Inspiration: Watercolor Art and Amangiri Wedding
Primary Design Elements: White Oak Millwork and Vintage Furniture
Betesh, a Tennessee native and a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, honed her skills under the tutelage of noted design firms such as Parts and Labor, Michael Hsu, and Liz Lambert. Despite the physical distance, as she was mainly based in Austin, Texas during the renovation, Betesh managed to remotely orchestrate the loft’s transformation starting in 2022. The challenge of managing a distant project culminated in her eventual relocation to New York for a design residency in late 2023. This flexibility allowed her to infuse a unique charm into the project, as shown by her collaboration with the homeowners at Texas’s Round Top Antiques Fair to select vintage furniture pieces that added character and layers to the design.
The primary bedroom and bathroom reflect Betesh’s expertise in creating tranquil and sensuous environments. The bedroom, positioned away from the bustling street, offers a serene, moody atmosphere through careful selection of hues and textures. In the bathroom, her hospitality industry experience is evident, crafting a spa-like retreat that embodies relaxation. She prioritized cohesion across the loft, employing white oak millwork alongside hand-finished limewash and plaster wall treatments, which together cultivate a warm yet sophisticated ambiance. This design approach cleverly balances the client’s preference for a neutral palette by introducing contrasting elements and varied textures, ensuring the home remains visually engaging.
In designing the communal living spaces, Betesh intricately redefined the layout to foster a sense of openness and connectivity. The loft was reoriented to emphasize these social areas, creating a fluid, inviting environment suitable for entertaining or peaceful relaxation. Her attention to detail is unmistakable: she personally selected each object, from the linens in the bedroom to the soap in the bathroom, ensuring that the space exudes warmth and personal touch. This meticulous approach transformed the loft into a haven that feels both intimate and expansive.
The personal nature of the project permitted Betesh to integrate storytelling into the design. She viewed each design element as a narrative piece, enriching the loft’s atmosphere with history and meaning. By selecting furniture and decorative pieces with unique stories, she juxtaposed the clean architectural framework with objects full of character, adding a sense of depth and intrigue. This balance between simplicity and narrative complexity renders the space both elegant and inviting.
Ultimately, the SoHo loft stands as a testament to Betesh’s ability to transform something as ephemeral as a watercolor card into a tangible expression of comfort and elegance. Her approach demonstrates the power of thoughtful design to cultivate spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also emotionally resonant. Through a blend of personal touch, expert craftsmanship, and detailed attention, Betesh has fashioned a home that is both a sanctuary and a reflection of the client’s journey, ensuring that its beauty and warmth will be timeless.
