How a SoHo Rental Became a Dream Live-Work Studio for Two Creatives

In the heart of SoHo, a neighborhood synonymous with artistic energy and loft living, a 3,500-square-foot rental apartment has been transformed into an inspiring live-work sanctuary. This is not just a home but a thoughtfully designed creative compound for designer Maximilian Eicke and content creator Irina Kro Eicke. Together, they have reimagined the space to perfectly blend lifestyle and work, crafting an environment that supports their artistic endeavors while offering a comfortable city retreat.

A Canvas for Creativity in SoHo

Maximilian, a furniture and product designer known for his Max ID NY brand, and Irina, a stylist and content creator with a keen eye for detail, found their ideal space in a ground-floor SoHo apartment. When the unit was listed for sale, the couple saw potential beyond ownership. They proposed renting on the condition they could make cosmetic upgrades, aiming to tailor the apartment to their unique vision. “We have no shame saying it’s a rental. We’re proud of it,” Maximilian emphasizes, reflecting a fresh perspective on urban living where personalization and functionality coexist.

The apartment’s expansive layout, including a full basement and lofted sleeping areas, suited their dual needs perfectly. The ground floor acts as a vibrant shared zone featuring living, dining, and working spaces, while the basement serves as Maximilian’s workshop and archive. Upstairs, two lofted bedrooms offer privacy and quietude for rest and reflection. It’s a clever separation of life and labor under one roof, designed to support their creative rhythms.

Faux Fur Medium Rug

Soft faux fur rug with dense, velvety fibers and modern look.

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Design Details That Tell a Story

One of the apartment’s standout features is a 3,000-pound marble dining table, a signature piece from Maximilian’s early collection. Its monumental presence anchors the dining area, a hub for dinner parties and product styling alike. The ground-floor location was crucial for installing such a heavy, delicate object without the need for cranes or complicated logistics. Irina's desire to live with this piece helped guide their choice of home, reinforcing how design dreams can shape real estate decisions.

Instead of investing in a single large custom rug to complement the table, the couple ingeniously created an oversized carpet by weaving together a dozen smaller runners purchased from Etsy. This DIY approach adds texture and warmth while reflecting their resourcefulness and eye for detail.

Mini Drum Lamp

3D printed lamp with structured surface and classic silhouette.

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Personalized Spaces with Intimate Touches

Upstairs, the influence of Irina’s styling expertise is evident in more understated, cozy corners. Her makeup nook, tucked into a low-ceilinged alcove, was custom-designed to suit the unique architectural constraints. With a ceiling under six feet, traditional furniture would have felt out of place. Instead, they crafted a low-to-the-ground setup complete with a cushioned window seat and draped fabrics, creating a serene, inviting spot that encourages comfort and creativity.

Meanwhile, the basement workshop is a testament to Maximilian’s inventive spirit. He transformed an ordinary billiard table into a statement piece by wrapping its base in Japanese paper, elevating it from functional to artful. Nearby, furniture prototypes and sculptural lighting crafted from repurposed objects fill the space, illustrating a hands-on approach that blurs the lines between design, craft, and experimentation. The walls display artworks from Maximilian’s parents, seasoned art dealers, adding a layer of familial heritage and artistic appreciation to the environment.

Calabasas Pillow Cover

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Living with Art and Constant Evolution

For Maximilian and Irina, this SoHo apartment is much more than a static residence; it is a dynamic studio where daily life and creative projects intertwine seamlessly. They embrace continual change, rearranging and refreshing the space every few weeks to reflect new ideas and inspirations. This fluidity mirrors their careers and personalities, with the home acting as a living gallery and workshop.

From the spiral staircase leading to lofted bedrooms to the solid teak root sculptures sourced from Bali, every element tells a story of exploration and collaboration. Their journey—from meeting in Bali to renovating homes in Sag Harbor and Southampton—has culminated in this versatile urban haven. It’s a place where design meets lifestyle, and where two creative minds have crafted a rental into a personalized masterpiece.