Family
In the Heart of Brooklyn, an Eclectic Apartment Celebrating Art and Craftsmanship
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Crina Arghirescu Rogard and Martin Rogard, Jade 10, and James 8 years old
For those intrigued by interior design, the defining trend of our era is hard to miss. Today, private spaces adapt to the varied lives of their occupants, blending professional and personal realms seamlessly week by week. This shift towards enhanced living, accelerated by the post-Covid era, is evident in the interiors of the 2020s, where daily life transitions smoothly between different spheres. In Brooklyn, the home of interior architect and designer Crina Arghirescu Rogard exemplifies this trend. Her apartment functions as a workspace, family home, reception area, and gallery for her art and design collection, all under one roof. The Socialite Family visited this uniquely New York and cosmopolitan space for an exclusive interview.
Location
New York
Author
Elsa Cau
Photos and videos
Constance Gennari
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TSF
Who are you, Crina ?
Crina
I'm an architect and interior designer currently based between New York and Paris. I've been interested in architecture and form ever since I was a child. Furniture and objects are my passion, and I've been lucky enough to devote my professional life to them. I trained in Milan and Paris, and I perfected my art by working with well-known companies before launching my own studio in 2013. My work is characterised by elegance, poetry and a bold approach. I create chic, luxurious environments that balance finesse and comfort harmoniously.
TSF
Tell us about your background.
Crina
I spent my formative years between Bucharest and Milan, which instilled in me a keen taste for artistic diversity and refined aesthetics. I studied at the Faculty of Architecture at the Politecnico di Milano, then I honed my skills by working in fashion, and then continued my architectural career in Paris and New York, having founded my own studio in 2013.
TSF
What did you learn from your time in Milan and Paris?
Crina
Living in Milan is a dream for lovers of fine design, whether of the past or the present. Centuries of magnificent architecture, statues, and artefacts, along with the sense of colour and texture and the avant-garde artistic movements of the 20th and 21st centuries. It's all incredibly rich; it creates an extraordinary contemporary creative universe. I moved from Milan to Paris, to follow my husband, Martin Rogard, and I worked there with one of the great Parisian interior designers, Charles Zana. He taught me about the amazing "French taste" and learned a more Cartesian approach to beauty.
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In Paris, I learned about the amazing "French taste" and learned a more Cartesian approach to beauty.
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TSF
What are your main references and sources of inspiration in your work?
Crina
I find inspiration everywhere: from the vibrant art scene of New York and beyond, to vintage furniture pieces, and iconic designers like Gio Ponti, Carlo Mollino, and Andrea Branzi. These mentors, who have mastered various artistic disciplines from architecture to design, greatly influence me. I love blending unexpected elements to create unique, poetic compositions that truly reflect the personality and lifestyle of each of my clients.
TSF
How do you manage to balance family life with your busy professional life?
Crina
Reconciling family life and a demanding career is certainly challenging, but I'm lucky I have a really supportive family. They understand and appreciate my passion for design, and that makes all the difference. I also encourage my children to be creative, which allows us to share quality time with them while maintaining their interest. Our house doubles up as an office, which has its advantages and disadvantages, but overall, it allows me to be present while pursuing the things I'm passionate about.
TSF
What environment did you grow up in, and how did it influence your tastes and your career?
Crina
Growing up in Bucharest and Milan exposed me to a wide variety of cultural influences and architectural styles, and that shaped my appreciation of beauty and craftsmanship. My education has instilled in me a passion for design and a desire to create spaces that evoke emotions and inspire people.
TSF
Tell us the story of this place: how did you discover it, and what did you like about it?
Crina
This characteristic townhouse in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, is part of the largest intact ensemble of Victorian architecture in the United States. When our former apartment in Brooklyn was taken back by its owner, we began searching for a new space. One of my colleagues came across this apartment online. To my surprise, the owner turned out to be my wedding planner whom I hadn't been in touch with for about ten years, and she was relocating to Los Angeles. What attracted me here was not only the historical charm of the building and apartment but also the vibrant atmosphere of the neighborhood. The distinctive architecture and details of the house, combined with the dynamic energy of the area, made it the perfect place for me to settle and create a space that reflects my style. Additionally, it serves as an office for our team, fostering a creative and inspiring environment for our work.
TSF
Have you had a lot of work done here?
Crina
For my own home, I set out to create a sanctuary that reflects my aesthetic sensibilities and offers a haven of comfort and beauty.
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Dans la chambre de Jade, notre
pare le lit.
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TSF
Did the whole family have a hand in designing this interior?
Crina
Absolutely, the whole family was involved in designing this interior. So many of the pieces that decorate our home are treasures that we have collected over the years. They have come with us through different homes and stages of life, adding layers of history and personal meaning. We also have many pieces of art and design from the people we work with, and that adds a touch of their creativity to our space. Even my children, Jade and James, have shown a keen interest in design, and brought their own unique contributions to our home. It really is a collective effort, which makes our living space even more special and personal.
TSF
Tell us about a work or an object you particularly like here in your home.
Crina
One of my favourite pieces here is our Raku table, which I designed in collaboration with with the French craftswoman Fabienne L'Hostis. The Raku table is inspired by Japanese raku ceramic techniques, and it's characterised by the cracks that run through the material like veins, creating random patterns.
TSF
What does The Socialite Family mean to you?
Crina
The Socialite Family is a celebration of art, design and culture, showcasing the unique stories and people behind beautifully designed living spaces. It's a source of inspiration and connection for design enthusiasts and creative people.
TSF
Do you have a favourite piece in our collection?
Crina
I'm drawn to the timeless elegance and versatility of your whole collection, but if I had to choose, I particularly admire the craftsmanship and attention to detail of the Paparazzi lacquered coffee table.
TSF
Do you have any good local go-to places you'd like to recommend?
Crina
Certainly! In my neighbourhood, I highly recommend The Word is Change for its exquisite selection of vinyl and its art books, Corto Café for its cosy atmosphere and its delicious cuisine, and Sincerely Tommy for its exhibitions and vibrant cultural events.
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