A bold interior designer has transformed a SoHo loft in New York City using the controversial cult film "American Psycho" as his creative inspiration. Designer Michael Ellison took on the unusual project for a Connecticut businessman who specifically requested an interior that would provoke strong reactions and generate conversation.
The inspiration stems from Bret Easton Ellis's novel "American Psycho," published in 1991 and adapted into film in 2000, which follows Patrick Bateman, a wealth management advisor working on Wall Street. The story's universe continues to fascinate audiences, with a new film adaptation currently in development. However, Ellison didn't simply copy Bateman's all-white apartment from the movie.
"The presentation we prepared for the client was almost perverse," Ellison said with a laugh, according to Elle Decoration. The client, a Connecticut businessman who uses the space as a pied-à-terre, was completely fascinated by the elegance portrayed in "American Psycho" and had one specific demand: he wanted his interior to provoke vivid reactions. "I wanted something that would make people talk," the client explained.
After working for years on much more subdued projects for other clients, including a traditional house in Nantucket, Ellison found this loft project to be an outlet for his creativity. The apartment is located in a former artists' building and features impressive 12-foot-high ceilings. Original steel columns add an inimitable character to the space.
The loft's interior design is truly striking and unconventional. A metal mesh screen separates the entrance hall from the main living area. The living room embraces a dark aesthetic with black walls and burgundy curtains that create a sophisticated yet ominous atmosphere. Ellison furnished the space with carefully selected pieces including a vintage sofa, a suspended daybed, and artwork by renowned artists Vik Muniz and Wayne Pate adorning the walls.
The renovation was comprehensive, involving complete floor refinishing, modernized lighting systems, and a kitchen upgrade featuring a central island made of Arabescato Orobico marble. The lighter marble creates a striking contrast against the predominantly black furniture and fixtures throughout the space. To successfully create an interior reminiscent of Patrick Bateman's world, Ellison had to demonstrate considerable boldness and creative audacity in his design choices.
