Upon entering her TriBeCa apartment—once owned by Thierry Despont—for the first time, Athena Calderone instantly recognized the Art Deco essence permeating the space. Familiar with the movement’s distinctive design principles—geometric forms, opulent materials, and repeated patterns—she embarked on a journey to Paris to immerse herself in its iconic buildings and interiors. From the galleries at Musée des Arts Décoratifs to the architectural masterpiece of Auguste Perret’s Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Calderone absorbed the essence of the period.
Returning to New York and her apartment, Calderone embarked on a modern exploration of Art Deco’s early 20th-century style. She sought to capture the movement’s elegant restraint, balancing sumptuous materials with a sense of quiet sophistication. This concept extended to the flooring, where she collaborated with Beni Rugs on a design inspired by both Art Deco and the Vienna Secession movement. The muted jewel tones, repetitive geometric forms, and images photographed at Perret’s former penthouse in the 16th arrondissement all paid homage to the historical roots of the style.
Calderone’s influence in the interior design world is undeniable. Her previous Cobble Hill townhouse became an Instagram sensation, amassing over a million followers and inspiring countless home decor enthusiasts. With her move to TriBeCa, Calderone is once again poised to shape design trends. Antonio Pacheco, in an article for Architectural Digest, has predicted a resurgence of Art Deco, citing its presence in period dramas, museum exhibitions, and new creative endeavors. Pierce & Ward’s Art Deco-inspired collection for Modern Matter and Sotheby’s upcoming exhibition on Tamara Lempicka further underscore the growing popularity of the style.
As we emerge from the pandemic era, interiors have shifted away from minimalist beige and soft curves towards bolder and more opulent aesthetics. Art Deco, with its geometric patterns, rich materials, and sense of sophistication, seems perfectly positioned to lead this design revival. Calderone’s TriBeCa apartment serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of Art Deco and its ability to inspire modern interpretations that resonate with contemporary sensibilities.
