A New York Loft Apartment

Design Showcase
Constantly Evolving

When Pol Theis gave up a successful career as an international lawyer to become an interior designer in New York, one of his first projects was to transform his own spacious loft apartment into a fabulous showpiece.

Despite an approach that can only be described as eclectic, interior designer Pol Theis has succeeded in creating a living space that is as original as it is surprisingly harmonious. With its iconic views of Manhattan, minimalist design and intriguing objects, his apartment has an edgy industrial theme.

Given the success of the interior design, it is a shock to learn that until recently, Pol was a high-powered international corporate lawyer based in his home country, Luxembourg. 'I was doing some modelling work to get through law school and was sent on an assignment to New York,' explains Pol. 'I fell in love with the city as soon as I arrived. Everything seems possible here and there's such a positive buzz to the place, 24 hours a day.'

In the entrance, standing alongside a heavy steel table, the portrait of a radiant Meryl Streep by Brigitte Lacombe is a recent purchase. Continuing the industrial theme of the rest of the apartment, the graphic propeller wallpaper is by Charlie Haegen-Cases, available from P&T Interiors.

Having decided to make the move to New York, Pol decided on a change of career, too, and his Manhattan loft apartment is now an ideal showcase for his work as an interior designer. A former carpet warehouse in the Flatiron district, the place has uninterrupted views of the city on three sides, and is close to the area's collection of prestigious shops, trendy restaurants and clubs, frequented by other designers. 'It wasn't easy to find the perfect apartment,' says Pol. 'Many of the buildings here are fairly new and they often lack charm and personality, so the market for older, more desirable properties is highly competitive.'