Wabi-Sabi modesty in wealthy Manhattan

Since the penthouse on top of Robert De Niro’s (and other partners) Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca, New York City, opened its doors last May, American and European newspapers all had to report about this remarkable Wabi-Sabi inspired 6,800-square-foot hotel amenity. On Pinterest, pictures of this project are actively pinned and re-pinned.

Belgian decorator and antiques dealer Axel Vervoordt, who wrote the book Wabi Inspirations, was enlisted to design a penthouse hotel suite based on the principles of wabi-sabi, a philosophy that embraces quietude, simplicity and humility.

Axel used natural materials and time-worn objects that evoke the essence of this Japanese philosophy.

A wabi-sabi inspired interior needs furnishings that look rustic, showing signs of age. The wabi-sabi spirit stands for imperfection and elimination of inessentials. As each piece has to be carefully selected, Axel and his team spent years to find the ‘im-perfect’ penthouse furnishings.

All used materials such as the massive fireplace stones, the weathered wood, the rough plastered and painted walls, evoke the impression staying at a farm house somewhere in the countryside, far away from the city.

Anyone who can afford a few days stay at the wabi-sabi inspired hotel penthouse, is invited to experience the luxury of silence and emptiness.

Wabi atmosphere in the living room. Massive fireplace stone. View towards the kitchen.

Image source Chris Pitanguy Photo credit Andrey Furmanovich