Jesse Johnson Transforms Former *Mad* Magazine Office into Serene SoHo Refuge
Jesse Johnson, a multi-talented individual recognized for his acting and musical endeavors, has embarked on a new professional journey as an interior designer. His latest venture involves transforming a Manhattan apartment, located within a historic Beaux Arts tower in SoHo, which famously once served as the offices for *Mad* magazine. Johnson's design approach for this 2,063-square-foot residence aimed to create a tranquil and sophisticated urban haven, seamlessly blending diverse design elements to craft a truly distinctive and personalized living space.
Johnson's design philosophy for the SoHo apartment was heavily influenced by the client's desire for a calm and plush refuge amidst the bustling city. Having previously worked on projects in Southern California with a "beachy-bungalow" aesthetic, Johnson recognized the need for a more structured and urban approach for his first New York project since establishing Jesse Johnson Creative in 2022. The 12-foot ceilings and expansive north and west-facing views of the apartment provided a dramatic canvas for his vision. Johnson embraced the existing architectural challenges, such as an L-shaped floor plan, irregular niches, and a prominent steel column in the main bathroom. Rather than concealing these industrial elements, he chose to integrate them into the design, mirroring the column's materiality with other fixtures to create a cohesive, New York-inspired aesthetic.
The transformation of the compact south-facing studio exemplifies Johnson's innovative problem-solving. A unique stepped-up floor plate was reinterpreted as a ceremonial, almost temple-like feature. The room was enveloped in wood paneling from floor to ceiling, featuring a raw yet meticulously textured finish. This creative solution turned an otherwise awkward architectural detail into a subtly theatrical focal point within the home.
The main living area, encompassing the living room, dining space, and kitchen, showcases a refined blend of design influences. Johnson combined streamlined prewar, modernist postwar, and Asian-contemporary furnishings to cultivate a sophisticated and harmonious environment tailored for downtown New York living. He noted that while he associates New York with Art Deco, he also incorporated elements of Japandi style, reflecting a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics. This thoughtful combination of styles results in a space that feels both elegant and uniquely urban.
Johnson's deep connection to New York, having spent parts of his upbringing there due to his family's apartment on the Upper West Side, further enriched his approach to the project. Despite his ongoing career in film and television, Johnson finds immense satisfaction in the tangible results of his design work. He cherishes the ability to create physical artifacts that are real and enduring, a sentiment evident in the meticulously curated details of the SoHo apartment.
From a custom banquette designed to gracefully wrap around an unusual wall protrusion in the dining area, to the merlot-colored cabinetry and matching tiles in the kitchen, each element was carefully chosen to contribute to the apartment's overall ambiance. The long north-south corridor, adorned with green-tinged tones and European white oak floors, serves as a gallery for art and design, leading to a wood-lined workspace that emphasizes natural grain and smooth finishes. The guest room, a romantic boudoir, features custom upholstery and thoughtful touches, including a queen-size Dutch cupboard and vintage lighting, all contributing to a sense of cozy luxury. Even the bathrooms reflect this attention to detail, with vintage Parisian mirrors and lighting, along with high-end fixtures that complement the apartment's sophisticated character.