Elena Colombo and Mark Lavelle, both 61, have recently transformed their industrial-style live-work studio in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, into a stunning Manhattan oasis that reflects their personal style and creativity.
The couple, who own the company FireFeatures, decided to move back to Manhattan as their business expanded and production shifted to Pennsylvania. They purchased a two-bedroom condominium near Penn Station in 2019 and immediately began planning a renovation to make the space their own.
Despite facing delays due to the pandemic, the couple worked with Tacet Creations and STM Interior Construction to bring their vision to life. From uncovering original terrazzo flooring to designing a custom teak kitchen with brass accents, Elena was hands-on every step of the way.
The renovated space now features vintage furniture, custom steel shelving, and unique artwork that Elena has collected over the years. The living room boasts a midcentury-modern armchair and a teak credenza with a salvaged boat pump cover displayed as sculpture.
In the dining area, a vintage rosewood table serves as Elena’s conference table, surrounded by tubular Brno chairs by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Pocket doors lead to her office, where inspirational artworks hang on gold-foil-backed grasscloth walls.
The renovation cost roughly $600,000 and was completed by the summer of 2021, with Elena still fine-tuning the decoration. Despite the ongoing tweaks, the apartment now exudes the right ambiance and creative vibes that Elena desired.
“It’s all about creating the right ambience and sparking creative vibes,” Elena said. “I feel like I’m back home.”
The transformation of Elena and Mark’s Manhattan condominium is a true testament to the power of personal style and creativity in making a house a home.
