Across the street, the New York Stock Exchange is buzzing; the iconic statue of George Washington attracts a gaggle of tourists, and the architecture of the surrounding Wall Street buildings tell a story dating back far beyond present day. In this slice of the city, history is abundant. The same is true for the building that sits on the corner of Broad and Wall Streets, where Cosabella Creative Director Guido Campello lives with his family. The building, once the JP Morgan Chase building as well as the bankers’ private office, is now a residential complex equipped with a pool, gym, yoga room, roof deck, and bowling alley. Remnants of the building’s previous existence — the vault door by the pool deck, for example, or the low ceilings of the children’s play room in the former the Chase family safe – are still evident.
The Campello home itself is bright and open. The designer expanded and renovated two apartments to create the family home. “Downtown commercial buildings are the best for residential conversions. And we can take advantage of the 12.5foot ceilings,” he says. “It’s been fun to watch the massive development of the area over the years.”
Central to the main room is a giant fish tank that divides the dining table from the couches and living space. It’s a pieces in the home that Campello couldn’t live without. “It takes [my wife andme] back to our youth growing up in Florida,” he says. Also on that list of essential pieces: “The bar. Work hard, party hard.” Campello adds that it functions as his makeshift office as well, evident from the laptop and briefcase on its surface. “And the master bathroom shower and bath,” he notes. “We call it the Campello car wash.”
Although these three pieces are considered essentials, the standout feature in the apartment is “the girls room,” referring to his two young daughters. “It’s where all the imagination and princess magic happens.” The room is indeed a magical setting. A bunk bed in the shape of the Taj Mahal is the standout centerpiece. “There is not a single nail or any glue holding it together,” Campello explains of the custom piece.
Indeed, the home is full of artistic corners and interesting trinkets. Each piece of art seems thoughtful and unique. Campello describes his style as modern and eclectic with an Eastern influence. “We buy one piece of art on each of our travels.” The art has a way of making the open space feel warm. “It’s minimal,” Guido says of the furniture (particularly the bedroom where there is only a bed, a nightstand, and a stationary exercise bike) but he adds that he wants guests to feel “welcomed and cozy.”
Although the public roof deck boasts views into the Stock Exchange trading floor, the designer is dreaming of a different vista: “Floor to ceiling windows overlooking the city, mountains and ocean. We’d love to live on our very own winery in Northern Sardinia, Italy. We’re working hard towards that right now.” And with that, let’s all cheers to the future home of our dreams, wherever that may be.
