Next Stop: Warren Street Hotel

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Step inside Kit Kemp’s latest colorful curation

The yellow-drenched lobby houses sculptures by Tony Cragg, Wendell Castle and Gareth Devonald Smith. The Zig Zag wallpaper is from Kit Kemp’s Echo collection with Christopher Farr and the beaded artwork is from Ugandan artist Sanaa Gateja. Photos by Simon Brown.

“Whether stepping off a bustling New York street or coming in from a rainy London day, entering a vibrant, colorful and layered interior with lovingly crafted details simply brings joy,” says Kit Kemp, iconic designer and cofounder of Firmdale Hotels. “Minimal, monotone spaces can feel stark and characterless to me; therefore I gravitate toward places that make me feel welcome, comfortable, intrigued and inspired.” And her latest creation, Warren Street Hotel, is anything but boring.

“I love the Orangery dining room, which is flooded with natural light from the overhead skylight,” says Kemp. “The space houses pots by Martha Freud, two hand-cast bronze magnolia chandeliers and Robina Jack ceramics that evoke a romantic woodland theme throughout. It’s a great place for a private party or an afternoon tea.” Photos by Simon Brown.

Tucked into a notable yet quiet Tribeca street, the hotel, with its turquoise blue facade, greets guests with glee from the outset. “The hotel has a rather big personality,” Kemp remarks. “This is the first time we’ve built a hotel with a colorful facade; it’s bold without being frantic and has a really joyful feel.” The delightful design accelerates just inside the spirited lobby and the Warren Street Bar & Restaurant, which feels more like a contemporary art and design gallery and features a distinguished collection curated exclusively for the hotel.

The welcoming Drawing Room features textiles designed by Kemp and Rockin’ Robin lamps from Porta Romana.
Photos by Simon Brown.

“Throughout the design process, we commissioned our favorite craftspeople, like Gareth Devonald Smith, Martha Freud and Cristián Mohaded, to create artworks for designated places on the architectural plans and gave them time to discuss, refine and complete the work,” Kemp notes. “We have always championed art and craft, very frequently preferring craft to mainstream art because we feel it often has more integrity. It makes a space much more interesting to mix prominent artists like Wendell Castle and Tony Cragg with emerging artists like Vanessa Jackson and Henry Neville Wood.”

Inside the airy Songbird Suite, which features Andrew Martin’s Songbird wallpaper, the couch fabric is Criss Cross Aqua from the Kit Kemp x Christopher Farr collaboration and the cushions are custom appliqué. Photos by Simon Brown.

Like the other Firmdale Hotel properties, the 69-guest-suite hotel is smaller in size but monumental in personality. Kemp and her team avoided the traditional cookie-cutter approach to hospitality design and gave each room a unique look. “What’s special is that we’ve tried to raise the bar in the level of detail and design within the guest rooms,” Kemp says. “One of the Warren Street Hotel’s defining features are its garden terraces leading from some of the suites that are beautifully landscaped with grass, bulbs, trees and bushes. It’s your own secret garden—in the center of the city.” The charming outdoor spaces offer inspiring views of the abounding skyscrapers and the Hudson River.

The marble-clad, heated-floor bathrooms feature freestanding bathtubs and hidden televisions for ultimate relaxation.
Photos by Simon Brown.

The neighborhood is notably more of a residential enclave than tourist hot spot, so the restaurant and programming play a key role in Warren Street’s community appeal. “The property hosts a plethora of creative workshops related to design and craft,” Kemp says. “Most recently, my daughter Willow—who is our art ambassador and design director—led a private art walk through the hotel, which was a hit within the community. Everyone enjoyed learning more about the art and getting to play a role in the hotel and the neighborhood’s evolving narrative.” In celebration of the family’s British heritage, the restaurant hosts daily high tea and a traditional English roast on Sundays. “It’s a cherished tradition at each of our hotels, and a great excuse to gather over a delicious, comforting meal,” Kemp says. “Our guests and neighbors love the tradition as most restaurants in the city don’t offer anything like it.”

A junior luxury suite with sweeping city views, is doused in bold tones and prints. Photos by Simon Brown.

Since opening its doors, the Warren Street has already received a Michelin One Key award, a true testament to Kemp’s ability to create thoughtful, detailed escapes that immerse you inside her remarkable love of life.