Sweeping views and a relaxed-meets-refined approach to decorating make for the ultimate urban retreat.
New Yorkers who fancy themselves in-the-know have likely visited Westlight, the fashionable cocktail lounge on the 22nd floor of Brooklyn’s William Vale hotel. But just beneath the rooftop bar is a lesser-known (though equally swank) escape from the urban grind — the hotel’s Vale Garden Residence.
The work of designer Alessandro Munge, the penthouse suite, like the rest of the hotel, is a study in how to decorate with a point of view.
Yes, there are those views — the sweeping panorama of North Brooklyn, the East side of Manhattan and beyond — but for an interior to hold its own against a backdrop that stunning, Munge would have to think outside of the box. Or outside of the hotel’s walls, rather.
“There’s a hole in the building, almost like a recess, and in this recess [the architect] put the presidential suite,” Munge explains. “We started thinking about different ideas… how we could really engage the interior and the exterior.”
Generally speaking, most suites, and homes for that matter, are designed from the inside out, meaning that you’re relying on the interior design for the wow factor. But “we already had the wow factor here before we gave it interior design,” Munge says, calling attention to accessories like the living room rug and a set of chairs that mimic the lines seen in the building’s exterior architecture.
A linear theme actually makes its way throughout the entire 1,632-square-foot space — from the staircase leading up to the second-floor sleeping loft, to the dining area shelving unit, which extends nearly the full height of the room.
"Emotion is a very hard thing to extract out of interior design, but when it happens, it's magical."
Alessandro Munge
To keep the geometry of the furnishings from feeling too rigid, Munge accessorized with floor-to-ceiling drapery, warm gray textiles and an extra dose of personality.
“Emotion is a very hard thing to extract out of interior design, but when it happens, it’s magical,” Munge says, highlighting the suite’s toned-down attitude and emphasizing his goal of creating a presidential suite that makes you feel as though you’re visiting someone’s home. “It feels like a Manhattan rooftop penthouse overlooking the park… like a piece of real estate that you can rent for the night or the week.”
For travelers, this opportunity to own a piece of New York City also comes with some high-end hotel perks like plush robes and slippers, Frette linens and twice daily housekeeping service. The living room’s built-in bar is also fully stocked with top-shelf spirits and drinks. Check out more images below and visit thewilliamvale.com to plan your stay.
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