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Published: 17 Feb 2023
Project Tours: 53 West 53
ELLE DECOR’s Luxury 2023 Showcase resides in Manhattan’s newly designed 53 West 53 by acclaimed architect, Jean Nouvel. The 82-story tower twists artistically towards the sky and resides on three new floors of galleries for the Museum of Modern Art. The 6,700+ square foot residence features unparalleled views of Central Park and exquisitely detailed finishings. The contemporary yet timeless building establishes itself as a future landmark, and the ELLE DECOR Penthouse designed by Fox-Nahem follows suit with the same sense of grandeur.
“ELLE DECOR is all about design for a well-lived life. So, working on the ELLE DECOR Penthouse at 53 West 53 with Fox-Nahem, Pontiac Land Group and Hines offered lots of opportunity for alignment—and fun. We’re very proud of the result of this collaboration: an apartment that is as elegant and artful as it is playful and livable.”
- Asad Syrkett, Editor in Chief of ELLE DECOR
Quietly dramatic, playful, and timeless are all the words that come to mind when thinking of Fox-Nahem’s expansive design portfolio. Seemingly at odds, these pillar concepts result in clean, modern spaces that share a common thread of thoughtful curation.
Dabbling in design for family and friends was Joe Nahem’s initial introduction to the industry before meeting his late business partner, Tom Fox. After attending Parsons in Paris and New York City, Nahem embarked on the far more integral design education—training his eye.
Since then, the designer has honed his seamless ability to meld sculptural art and vintage furnishings from different stylistic movements and periods. Nahem also continues this pursuit by collaborating with artisans to create custom pieces with a strong sense of quality through long-standing relationships and newfound talent on social media.
Nahem’s knack for unique, modern design is now on full display at the newly completed ELLE DECOR Penthouse at 53 West 53 in Midtown Manhattan. Join us as we take a behind-the-scenes look at his dynamic style and design process.
Since then, the designer has honed his seamless ability to meld sculptural art and vintage furnishings from different stylistic movements and periods. Nahem also continues this pursuit by collaborating with artisans to create custom pieces with a strong sense of quality through long-standing relationships and newfound talent on social media.
Nahem’s knack for unique, modern design is now on full display at the newly completed ELLE DECOR Penthouse at 53 West 53 in Midtown Manhattan. Join us as we take a behind-the-scenes look at his dynamic style and design process.
Q&A with Joe Nahem
Q: What was your path into the design world?
A: I was non-professionally “designing” for family and friends in my early twenties when I met my late partner, Tom Fox. He encouraged me to go to Parsons and Parsons Paris. We had a project published on the cover of the New York Times just as I was graduating, and the rest is history.
Q: Throughout your projects, playfulness remains a constant. How do you balance design trends with the lasting longevity of design?
A: While we do like to infuse a bit of humour or playfulness into all our projects, we try not to follow current trends. We are always so pleased when visiting a project that is 10, or 20 years old and seeing how our design has stood the test of time.
Q: As a firm, you excel at sourcing and collecting eclectic pieces for your clients. How have you trained your eye?
A: The original training came from seeking unusual, vintage, and antique pieces from around the globe to compliment our clean interiors. It then transitioned to also collaborating with artisans, craftspeople, and artists from around the world (many of whom we met via Instagram) to make bespoke pieces for our clients.
Q: Tell us a bit about your gravitation to the custom design elements in this home.
A: In the living room, the existing fireplace was complimented by the amazing large-scale ceramic piece created by Peter Lane, a New York based ceramic artist. The Rug Company worked hand in hand with us to realise the rug, with its high-low texture and unique pattern. This rug was the basis for all the other pieces in the room.
Q: What initially drew you to Shongololo? How did you go about selecting the colour palette?
A: It was quite by accident that I saw this distinctive rug while working on our orders in The Rug Company showroom. We really wanted the rug in this long, but slightly narrow space. The revised, custom colour palette made for a perfect base for the rest of the furniture and fabric choices. I adore this rug and hope to order one for my own home.
Q: The Rug Company is rooted in traditional Nepalese weaving techniques. What does craftsmanship mean to you?
A: Craftsmanship, quality, and bespoke designs are the hallmark of our brand.
Q: What is the biggest thing you wish you knew when you started your firm?
A: To be firm with clients but make them feel comfortable with the decisions they are unsure of.
Q: What are you currently excited about in design? What makes you say yes to a project?
A: The thrill and challenge of working with different artisans from around the world. This collaboration brings a whole new layer to our work and due to outlets like Instagram, we are constantly meeting new sources.
