Live/Work

Michael Ventura, the founder and CEO of the strategy and design practice SubRosa, and his wife Caroline, the jewelry designer of Brvtvs, share their home with their new store in Manhattan’s West Village. Two previously vacant 1800’s buildings literally divide into home and work for the couple. Their new furnishings boutique, Calliope, and their living space remain on he first and third floors. Though connected by stairwells, each space subsists as its own ecosystem. They have a separate entrance for their apartment and when they leave the office…they leave.

Lots of natural light, exposed ochre bricks, industrial sliding doors and well placed shrubbery blend so the entire building has a cohesive, terrarium like ambiance. This duo likes the hunt, and their made and found tastes carry over to Calliope, which stocks vintage, contemporary, and bespoke goods. Customers can also purchase in-store field trips- artisanal classes with local makers- or just hang out and read a magazine. The Venturas really want people to come in and hang out as a community space. They love the interaction with people and feel a house shouldn’t be a chore to decorate, nothing should be so precious and rarified.  www.welcometocalliope.com