When it comes to finding a home that truly inspires and fuels creativity, Maximilian Eicke and Irina Kro Eicke have hit the jackpot. Their SoHo rental, a 3,500-square-foot ground-floor apartment with a basement and lofted bedrooms, is more than just a living space; it's a testament to their unique vision and collaborative spirit.
Creative Fusion: A Home That Reflects Their Journey
The couple's journey began in Bali, where they met and embarked on their first joint project - designing a house. Irina, a stylist and content creator, brought her fashion-trained eye to the table, offering a fresh perspective that Maximilian describes as "the best kind of input." From there, they moved to Sag Harbor and Southampton, treating each space as a design laboratory.
What's fascinating is how their SoHo apartment perfectly aligns with their creative process. The ground floor, insulated from street noise, serves as the heart of their home - a shared zone for living, dining, and Irina's content creation. Meanwhile, the basement becomes Maximilian's workshop and archive, a space to nurture his furniture and product designs.
Unconventional Design Choices: A Story in Every Corner
One of the most intriguing aspects of their home is the unconventional design choices. Take, for instance, the 3,000-pound marble dining table designed by Maximilian. It's a centerpiece that would require a crane to move into a typical New York City apartment, but in their ground-floor unit, it effortlessly becomes the focal point.
Another unique feature is the custom-made carpet in the living area. Maximilian and Irina opted for a creative solution, weaving together 15 smaller runners from Etsy to create an oversized floor covering. It's a testament to their resourcefulness and a story that adds character to the space.
Intimate Spaces: Where Soft Sensibilities Meet
Upstairs, Irina's touch is evident in softer, more intimate spaces. Her makeup nook, a low-ceilinged annex, is a perfect example. With a custom-cut foam mattress and fabrics, it's a space that invites comfort and creativity. "I really like to do makeup when I’m sitting on the floor. It’s very comforting for me," Irina shares.
A Basement of Artistic Treasures
The basement is a treasure trove of artistic inspiration. From Maximilian's furniture prototypes to the unique billiard table transformed with Japanese paper, every corner tells a story. The dramatic pendant light, crafted from everyday objects, is a testament to their resourcefulness and eye for design.
A Home in Flux: The Beauty of Evolution
What makes their home truly special is its ever-evolving nature. "The apartment never looks the same," Maximilian notes. "Every two or three weeks, the space has a different change to it." This constant evolution is a reflection of their creative process, a reminder that home is not just a static space but a living, breathing entity that grows and adapts with its inhabitants.
In my opinion, Maximilian and Irina's SoHo rental is a dream come true for any creative. It's a space that encourages collaboration, inspires innovation, and tells a story with every detail. Their journey and the unique features of their home serve as a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary living spaces are those that are tailored to our unique creative visions.
