After resanding the floors, scrubbing the beams and millwork, updating the heating and cooling system, and redoing the kitchen and bath, Arsham set to decorating and furnishing the space to perfectly suit himself.
The house is now truly an expression of Arsham’s singular vision. In addition to being where he parks, the ground level can also be a home studio when needed. Here, pieces from his collection are displayed on walls and shelves from floor to ceiling. In a back corner, the original cast-iron spiral staircase rises up through the four floors. After layers of red paint were sandblasted off, it is now painted a hue called Arsham Green.
Up a flight is the kitchen and living area, where the artist loves to host dinners, often inviting renowned chefs to take over. Arsham serves guests using his large collection of tableware from Japan. Much of the furniture here and in the other rooms comes from the Arsham Living collection he started a few years ago and sells through Friedman Benda gallery.
On the next floor, a custom wallpaper inspired by an installation Arsham created in Paris envelops the primary bedroom. Even the bathroom sink—sculpted to look like rocks—is his design, made in collaboration with Kohler.
Making the most of the square footage, Arsham transformed the basement into a huge walk-in closet and the roof into a garden for entertaining. And throughout, his own artwork is displayed alongside pieces by friends including KAWS and Josh Sperling.
It has been a busy year for Arsham. To celebrate 20 years of collaborating with Parisian gallerist Emmanuel Perrotin, he created two shows—one in Paris and the other in New York—which he considered one giant exhibition. He also created a limited-edition sculptural bottle case for Moët & Chandon’s Collection Impériale, which was launched during Paris Fashion Week in October. And the list of what’s next—including books, more gallery shows, a first-time exhibition of his photography, and more collaborations—seems endless. But amid all of this creative activity, and what seems like nonstop travel, one thing hasn’t gotten old: this new place.
“Driving back and opening the door—every time, every day—is a moment,” he says, sounding like a kid on Christmas. “I can’t believe I get to live here!”
Daniel Arsham’s Manhattan home appears in AD’s December issue. Never miss an issue when you subscribe to AD.
