Tanika And Brian’s Home In The Clouds
Photographs by Patrick Cline
New York City is often touted as one of the nation’s great melting pots - a place where people of all nations come together to create a culture and a city that is like no place else on earth. And while that is undoubtedly true, New York is also a nesting doll, made of cities within cities, all constantly in the act of being built, with more popping up all the time. One of the newest places to explore is Long Island City. Not to be confused with Long Island itself, the city sits on the western edge of Queens, right at the point where the Queensboro bridge ends its trip from Manhattan. There, in a luxurious twenty-third floor apartment with commanding views of both Brooklyn and Manhattan, interior designer Tanika Goudeau Hochhauser makes her home with her husband, Brian, using all of her styling ability to ensure that the view inside her space is every bit as breathtaking as the one outside her window.
The space opens wide into a living room made even larger by the windows that look out to Manhattan. The windows offer bird’s eye views of the river running lazily past their window and the boroughs that lay beyond. The home epitomizes Tanika’s “laid-back luxe stye” combining mid-century modern furnishings with modern accessories for a casual yet sophisticated look. The soft, neutral color palette adds to the relaxed feel while making full use of the light that the room receives. Here, Tanika added the perfect seating for sitting and contemplating the view: the iconic Eames lounge chair which remains the pinnacle of mid-century style.
The living room’s dark gray sofa and the wall art above offer a contrast to the white walls while remaining neutral. The sofa itself is brightened by the wool throw blanket which adds texture as well as color. Meanwhile, a black feature wall is topped with a white Cameroonian Juju hat on festive display. Combined, they provide the perfect backdrop to the sleek, modern fireplace that keeps the couple warm through the colder months of the year. A New York luxury, the bio-fuel burning piece was installed by Tanika and Brian to complete the look of the space.
Storage is key in every home as is a good dose of creativity. This built-in bookshelf was a DIY project by the couple to create an architectural feature in the home. The finished product was painted black to add a touch of sophistication and contrast to the shelves which hold a fun assortment of small accessories and pieces picked up on travels in Paris, the Netherlands and Japan.
The home’s kitchen features modern design complemented by warm, rustic wood elements. A large wicker basket finds new life here as an art installation giving depth as well as texture to the space. For color, an assortment of wine bottles handmade in South Africa add an element of energy as well as global culture.
Inside the kitchen, the window offers another stunning vantage on the view below. On the sill, a combination of beautiful and functional pieces bring together the different uses of this area. Meanwhile bright green bar stools create a pop of color that breaks up the neutral-heavy space while providing seating to what is usually a standing room only space.
This cozy bedroom features layers of textures and pattern all set against a striking black feature wall. The rustic, wooden bed frame stands out against the colorful and varied patterns of the throw pillow. To the right of the bed, a large ampersand, a symbol of connection that was widely featured in Tanika and Brian’s wedding sits by the window. It’s weathered metal a perfect echo of the weathered wood of the headboard - once a room divider that Tanika repurposed for the room.
To the left of the bed, a small astronaut figurine holds another wedding memory, pressed flowers from the wedding table. Incorporating art and accessories from important places and events is the best way to create a space that is full of meaning and connection. And adding unexpected moments like an astronaut on the bedside table helps create a fun and relaxed atmosphere that feels like home.
Opposite the bed, a large art display hangs over the dresser. The paintings - a series created by Tanika’s talented younger cousin - depicts all the members of the household including the couple’s puppy. Artwork that reiterates Tanika’s conviction that art “should be things you love and people you love.”