Studio S II Transforms a Queens Townhouse into a Dual-Purpose Design Showroom
In the ever-evolving world of interior design, some spaces defy traditional definitions, blurring the line between home and gallery. Brooklyn-based Studio S II has done just that with their latest project—a stunning transformation of a Queens townhouse into a residence-meets-collectible design showroom. The space, filled with a mix of antique and contemporary furniture, serves as both a personal home and an artistic showcase.
A Vision of Duality
Co-founders Erica Sellers and Jeremy Silberberg spent four years meticulously reimagining this two-story townhouse in Ridgewood, Queens. The result? A dynamic living space where antique heirlooms meet cutting-edge contemporary design, highlighting the studio’s core philosophy of duality—the mechanical versus the organic, the severe alongside the soft.
The transformation started with structural changes—a double-height entryway, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows at the back, and a striking floating steel staircase that seamlessly connects the levels. These bold architectural updates set the stage for a carefully curated interior that balances tradition and modernity.
A Fusion of Antique and Contemporary Design
Inside, the townhouse is an interplay of jewel-toned tiling, dark surfaces, and stainless steel accents. Visitors step into the parlor, where a cord-like lighting installation by Roll & Hill loops dramatically through the space, threading the ceilings and visually connecting different rooms.
Throughout the lower level, a mixture of antique wooden pieces—such as a hand-carved powder room sink and a repurposed church pew in the kitchen—sit alongside contemporary collectible designs by Studio S II and other independent creators.
Notable pieces include:
✔ Skeletal floor lamp by designer Mark Malecki
✔ Oxblood red leather bar stools by Studio S II, featuring dramatic pointy backrests
✔ Built-in wooden storage drawers inspired by the Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away
✔ Vinyl leather strap pillows by architect Martina Guandalini
✔ Wall sconces made from black Icelandic goat hair, adding a bold textural contrast
The Upper Level: A Softer Respite
Upstairs, the mood shifts slightly, embracing warmer, earth-inspired elements. The primary bedroom—inspired by moss and stone—offers a serene contrast to the darker, moodier tones downstairs. A custom-tinted green pendant light by legendary Italian architect Achille Castiglioni hangs overhead, casting a natural glow.
In the primary bathroom, a 362-kilogram (800-pound) Bluestone boulder from upstate New York serves as a sculptural sink countertop, paired with a richly textured custom blue tile floor.
An office space overlooking the entrance is furnished with seating from designers Ryan Decker and Cecilia Emy, while slim church pews mirror those found on the lower level, reinforcing the design’s recurring themes of heritage and reinvention.
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