When fashion designer Brian Atwood and emergency-medicine doctor Jake Deutsch set out to find their “real adult forever home,” they imagined a space that could host dinner parties, showcase a personal book collection, and double as a private retreat overlooking the High Line. Their search ended in West Chelsea, where a 4,000-square-foot duplex offered a half-size terrace, lofty ceilings, and the flexibility to blend masculine luxury with a hint of sensuality.
Design concept and structural highlights
Architect Maurizio Bianchi Mattioli of Studio MBM was given almost carte blanche, allowing him to treat the linear layout as a canvas for a series of visual “wow moments.” The centerpiece is a sweeping staircase sheathed in Corvetto marble from Ann Sacks; each slab was meticulously aligned to highlight the stone’s natural veins, creating a flowing, satellite-view effect that spans the length of the stairwell. A custom hand-crafted railing, illuminated from within, doubles as the stair’s light source, turning the ascent into a kinetic sculpture.
Custom zinc wall
To unify the entrance with the living area, Bianchi Mattioli installed a washed zinc wall that ripples with texture. The metal surface catches the sunlight pouring from the terrace, shifting tones throughout the day and providing a reflective backdrop for the large glass-and-metal Alanda coffee tables by B&B Italia.
Curated interiors and personal touches
Atwood’s vintage trove supplied the foundation: a mirror screen, Romeo Rega side chairs, and a Stilnovo tripod lamp found new life beside contemporary pieces such as Prototype’s metal-and-leather chairs and a fourteen-foot sofa from Estudio Persona. Bianchi Mattioli designed a bespoke rug that anchors the living room, while the office—home to Atwood’s expansive fashion-book library—features a stainless-steel shelving system by German designer Frederik Fialin. The shelves, set against lacquered black walls, create a “room within a room” that showcases the colorful spines and a paper sculpture by Li Hong Bo.
Dining and kitchen artistry
The open dining zone revolves around a resin bar, also a Bianchi Mattioli creation, which glows at night, serving as artwork, illumination, and storage. The dining table, sourced from Sanayi 313, is flanked by glass chairs from Germans Ermics and a striking glass-and-metal backsplash by Christopher Von Wangenheim. In the eat-in kitchen, a curved banquette of blond-wood beadboard provides hidden storage, while Mexican-Spanish artist Rafael Uriegas painted a vibrant mural that stretches from wall to ceiling, even extending onto the TV frame for a seamless visual experience.
Bedroom intimacy was achieved with a custom headboard wrapped in woven leather reminiscent of Bottega Veneta’s intrecciato, accompanied by Corvetto marble nightstands, a vintage Serge Mouille lamp, and a hand-woven cashmere rug by Arhaus that “feels insane,” according to Deutsch.
Outdoor terrace and final touches
The 2,200-square-foot terrace is divided into distinct zones—living, dining, and garden—so guests never stare at another dining table while they eat. Landscape designer Manscapers planted boxwoods, evergreen shrubs, and hydrangeas in planters by PureModern, ensuring year-round interest even in winter. Furniture from Arhaus anchors the outdoor lounge, while a motorized pergola by Azenco provides shade and privacy.
Only the dining-chair set survived from their previous homes in SoHo and Hudson Yards; everything else was either newly commissioned or rescued from Atwood’s Milan storage unit. As Atwood put it, “We really wanted to create a space that was versatile and luxurious, masculine and sexy.” Deutsch added, “We could see that this was going to be the ultimate entertaining home.” The result is a meticulously crafted, multi-layered residence that embodies the couple’s desire for harmony, longevity, and unforgettable hospitality.
