When The NRP Group, a vertically integrated, best-in-class developer, builder, and manager of multifamily housing, sought to turn a 1,400 square foot space in Manhattan’s hip Union Square into a youthful, modern office, they tapped leading New York-based firm Gala Magriñá Design. Always guided by the principles of holistic design, Gala Magriñá Design transformed the space into a cool, contemporary environment, complete with on-trend mid-century modern and art-deco touches, geared towards the company’s youthful and energetic staff.
When approaching the design for the project, Gala Magriñá, founder and principal of Gala Magriñá Design worked closely with Jonathan Gertman, Vice President of Development at The NRP Group, to define style, needs, and color palette—all while keeping the firm’s holistic interior design principles in mind. Magriñá dove into her research library, rife with thousands of points of inspiration that she used as a resource while defining the design plan. With the knowledge that company consultants and partners would frequent the office, Magriñá ensured the space was fresh, youthful, and modern, while still retaining a hint of elegance. In addition, Magriñá embraced both the corporate identity of NRP Group and the regional location of the office, melding brand-constants with New-York flair. To do so, the design team contrasted rich colors like deep greens, blues, and crimsons with light pastels, abstract art work, and plants to create a juxtaposition of playfulness and sophistication.
All within the limited available square footage, Magriñá designed an open office, meeting room, single personal office, and a reception area, with a multifunctional kitchen encompassing the meeting space and private office. The office’s layout allows for the open section to be viewed from the kitchen/meeting room/private office area. One particular tactic used to counteract the small space was the use of a café style round table in the kitchen area conducive to both meetings and lunch breaks. The table is strategically positioned adjacent to an LED screen that can be used for presentations, as needed. A more traditional conference table for larger team brainstorms or collaborative work, was added to the open office space. An additional multifunction space is the reception area, which doubles as a lounge for company employees. Magriñá ensured stylistic cohesion throughout each area, as all spaces are exposed to one another.
The space is adorned with tall ceilings and large windows, emanating an old New York loft-like feeling. In keeping with her firm’s holistic interior design philosophies, Magriñá embraced these characteristics of the space, maximizing natural light throughout the office. Additionally, Magriñá utilized colors that evoke “yang” energy, as opposed to “yin” energy, promoting focus and activity—perfect for fostering a productive office environment. Finally, plant-life was incorporated into the design, following the tenets of biophilia, where natural elements lead to wellness-supporting environments.
Further incorporating respect for nature and sustainability into the overall design, Magriñá sourced the products and materials for this space with intention. She used the Broom Stacking Chair by Philippe Starck, from Emeco, made entirely of recycled, repurposed materials. She also installed a stunning and sustainable cement terrazzo kitchen counter from Concrete Collaborative, emphasizing the nature of the space as a focal point in the office. Using this material, as well as a single slab for the counter and backsplash created a timeless wow-factor that was also environmentally preferable. Finally, Magriñá used low VOC paint for the space.
Material Used :
RECEPTION
- Sofa, Bloke 60”, Blu Dot
- Throw Pillows, Arc-Com Francesca Wool Fabric, Custom Upholstery
- Coffee Table, Sage Round Coffee Table, EQ3
- Chandelier, Bossa Nova LED Pendant by dweLED, Lumens
- Area Rug, Masland Keystone Hunter Green, Custom
- Bud Vase, Foundations Small Vase, west elm
- Coffee Table Book, New York by New York, Crate & Barrel
- Wall Paint, Antique Jade, Benjamin Moore
OPEN OFFICE
- Desk Chairs, Dark Gray Max Task Chair – Mid-Back, Poppin
- Desks, Series L Adjustable Height Double Desks, Poppin
- Desk Dividers, Arc-Com Hush Fabric, Custom Upholstery
- Trash Cans, Poppin
- Planter, Napa Round Cylinder Planter, Root + Stock
- Linear Lights, Continuum Architectural Lighting, Alcon
- Frame, Black Wood Super Canvas Frame, PictureFrames.com
MEETING ROOM
- Light Fixture, Yolo Pendant by Modern Forms, Lumens
- Table, Odyssey Brass Dining Table, CB2
- Chairs, Cobble Chair, Industry West
- Buffet, Tahoe Buffet, west elm
- Shelving, Black Ash Shelving, Rejuvenation
- Shelf Brackets, Custom Made by UniqueWoodArtwork via Etsy
- Tabletop Planter, Totem Tabletop Planter – Small, west elm
- Pitcher, Burke Decor
- White Planter, Pure White Ceramic Planter, west elm
- Book Ends, Marble Vanity Book Ends, west elm
- Marble Penguin Sculpture, Crate & Barrel
- Area Rug, Masland Keystone Shiraz, Custom
- Standing Planter, Iris Planter + Chevron Stand, west elm
- Frame, Black Wood Super Canvas Frame, PictureFrames.com
PRIVATE OFFICE
- Desk, Parsons L-Shaped Desk, Room & Board
- Chair, Copper Mid-Century Leather Office Chair, west elm
- Pendant Light, Anrey 2-Light Single Dome Pendant, AllModern
- Bench, Custom Made by CandlewoodFurniture via Etsy
- Bench Cushion, Arc-Com Francesca Wool Fabric, Custom Upholstery
- Area Rug, Masland Keystone Nautical Blue, Custom
- Desktop Accessories, Poppin
- Shelving, Black Ash Shelving, Rejuvenation
- Shelf Brackets, Custom Made by UniqueWoodArtwork via Etsy
- Pin Board, Scenery Pinboard, Burke Décor, Customized
- White Planter, Pure White Ceramic Planter, west elm
- Book Ends, Geometry Book Ends, west elm
CONFERENCE AREA
- Table, Custom
- Chairs, Broome Side Chairs, Emeco
- Frame, Black Wood Super Canvas Frame, PictureFrames.com
- Linear Lights, Continuum Architectural Lighting, Alcon
- Vase, west elm
- Planter, Napa Round Cylinder Planter, Root + Stock
- Floor Lamp, Emil 65.5” Tree Floor Lamp, AllModern
KITCHEN
- Table, Fine Mod Imports Flower Table, Houzz
- Chairs, Broome Side Chairs, Emeco
- Linear Light, Continuum Architectural Lighting, Alcon
- Pendant Light, Capitol 3-Light Unique Statement Drum, AllModern
- Countertop + Backsplash, Pacifica Alabaster Large Mixed Chip, Concrete Collaborative
- Cabinets, Hampton Bay Designer Series, Home Depot
- Cabinet Hardware, Square Matte Black Handle – 4”, CB2
- Drawer Hardware, Bin Pull Matte Black – 3”, CB2
- Water Cooler, Drinkpod Pro Series Bottleless Water Purification Dispenser, Drinkpod
- Espresso Machine, Nespresso
- Wall Paint, Antique Jade, Benjamin Moore
