This Far-Out NYC Design Gallery Is Inside a Queens Row House

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Ridgewood, Queens, is a peaceful neighborhood situated not far from Manhattan’s busy streets. Over the past ten years, this primarily residential area, recognized for its multicultural populace, has attracted an increasing number of young professionals seeking to escape the hectic life and rising costs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Since the 2010s, the changing demographic has led to a wave of new businesses, some of which have stirred controversy, such as restaurants like Rolo’s and entertainment venues like Knockdown Center in nearby Maspeth.

Today, longtime friends Erica Sellers and Jeremy Silberberg are getting ready to debut their self-named gallery, Studio S II. However, they’ve opted for an unusual location – a Victorian-era townhouse.

Together, Sellers and Silberberg initiated their collaboration by acquiring a three-story building worth $1.4M USD and refurbishing it. With her extensive experience as the former production head for artist Tavares Strachan, Sellers contributed valuable insights into craft techniques. Meanwhile, Silberberg, who has designed interiors for top architecture firms like Charlap Hyman & Herrero and Sachs Lindores (included in AD100), leveraged his interior design acumen. Over a span of four years, this endeavor served as the foundation for their unique design studio, focusing on custom furniture and interior designs.

Ever since we stepped into this gaming den, it’s been a blend of futuristic minimalism and whimsical fantasy, echoing the stark lines of architectural masters like Carlos Scarpa and Vincent Van Duysen while subtly incorporating the visionary flair of filmmakers such as Stanley Kubrick and Hayao Miyazaki. This 3,200 sq ft sanctuary, though, is camouflaged in plain sight – a monochromatic silhouette against the sky, from its molded iron crown to its concrete stoop, and tucked away in a row of early 1900s brick townhomes, identical save for our secret hideout.

The interior design mirrors the studio’s rebellious spirit, effortlessly transcending genre, time period, and conventional norms, while maintaining a polished aesthetic. Upon entering, guests are welcomed by a radiant staircase of floating steel steps, restored wooden flooring in matte black, and chrome-brushed doors throughout.

In this space, Neogothic pieces inherited from Sellers’ grandmother coexist harmoniously with modern collectible designs. For instance, a zoomorphic floor lamp by Mark Malecki and an engraved stone bench by Caroline Kable are featured. The open layout provides a continuous view from the formal dining area, divided by chainmail curtains, to the kitchen, boasting hand-aged stainless steel cabinetry.

Or, more casually:

Sellers’ late grandmother’s Neogothic furniture and antique heirlooms blend seamlessly with trendy collectible designs like Mark Malecki’s zoomorphic floor lamp and Caroline Kable’s engraved stone bench in this redesigned space. The open layout allows for a smooth visual flow from the formal dining area, sectioned off by chainmail curtains, to the kitchen, featuring hand-aged stainless steel cabinetry.

The breakfast area is designed around an old French church pew from the 19th century, covered in unique Studio S II fabric with designs inspired by an ancient book on demonology. Behind it, there’s a custom-made wall of drawers that resembles a prop from the boiler room scene in Hayao Miyazaki’s movie “Spirited Away.



The two individuals, who openly identify as queer, underscore their goal to defy the constraints of labeling. As Silberberg explained, “Our studio strives to surpass genre boundaries and avoid being pigeonholed.” They focus on showcasing aspects of beauty that are often overlooked or underestimated, such as pain or body modifications related to demonology – because these themes convey a depth of desire.

Although design firms often don’t set up shop in Ridgewood, it shares a strong connection with NYC as both have been part of the local community for nearly a decade. As Silberberg explained, “We’ve always aimed to attract individuals who share our appreciation for beauty, and we find that Bushwick and Ridgewood resonate more with the essence of our design aesthetic.

Scattered throughout Rigewood are various family-owned businesses, such as Eastern European delis and Latin American restaurants, alongside unique establishments like Topos Books and Lichen NYC, an accessible design shop. Moreover, given that the space serves as Sellers’ permanent residence, locating it near popular queer venues including Nowadays and Basement was a logical choice, Sellers mentioned, identifying herself as an ardent techno enthusiast.

As a fellow sci-fi enthusiast, I can’t help but appreciate Studio S II’s innovative approach to storytelling. Just like science fiction, they blend various styles in a way that reflects the essence of the genre – merging historical facts with imaginative creations to form a new, futuristic civilization. It’s about taking aspects from our past and reimagining them for the future, making it relatable, tangible, and deeply rooted in its origins.


The metal staircase bathed in daylight takes visitors on a journey into another realm within Studio S II, concluding at a dimly lit passageway that opens to the master bedroom. Unlike the stern black and chrome vibe downstairs, this room embraces earthy, woodland colors and soft materials such as velvety bedding and plush, woolen carpets.

A warm, golden light emanates from S II’s pendant lights suspended above custom-made nightstands, creating a radiant effect reminiscent of a glowing terrarium filled with moss. Just in front of the bed, steel sliding doors open to reveal an en-suite bathroom adorned with handcrafted indigo tiles that suggest deep ocean depths. A second skylight illuminates the shower with sunlight. The master suite’s centerpiece is a 800lb Bluestone boulder, acting as the sink basin and serving as its striking feature.




Fundamentally, this house isn’t just a structure; it’s a reflection of the two creators’ souls. Each element, whether an inherited treasure or a modern artifact, carries its unique tale. Sellers expressed this idea by saying, “If you invest time and effort into something, some of that energy remains.” Silberberg echoed similar thoughts, stating, “I wouldn’t be truthful if I didn’t acknowledge the spiritual aspect of things, as we are the ones who create them. Through the dedication, time, and care required to make something, you infuse it with a piece of yourself.

Option:

The connection between the rise in demand for unique collectible designs is being emphasized due to the monotony of mass-produced furniture, as stated by Sellers and Sillberberg. In September 2024, they displayed an installation alongside 117 other exhibitors at Collectible New York, the American debut of the Belgian fair. Similarly, Alcova, a design exhibition based in Italy, broadened its scope beyond Milan Design Week in December 2024 by launching its Miami Design Week program. It’s possible that the escalating importance of avant-garde collectibles and handcrafted designs stems from a desire for individuality and authenticity in an era characterized by algorithmic aesthetics, AI-generated design, and quick furniture production.

As a devotee, I find myself captivated by House of Studio S II’s unique blend of supernatural symbols, ancient treasures, animal-shaped ornaments, and bizarre interior decorations. This enchanting abode mirrors the shared passion for mysterious and obscure art that Sellers and Silberberg harbor. Their predilection for unconventional design, I believe, stems from their identities as part of the LGBTQ+ community, a group that has often been marginalized and pushed to the fringes of society.

Reflecting on the evening we crossed paths at the Rhode Island School of Design, I can’t help but remember the moment I felt truly understood – it was when I met Sellers, a fellow artist with a shared passion for the overlooked and the mysterious.

He mentioned that desire is something we frequently ponder, with its most intriguing aspects being the mysterious or shadowy ones. It seems many prefer to ignore these darker elements, but he wants to emphasize and acknowledge them instead.

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At this moment while I’m typing, Studio S II is accessible only by prior arrangement. If you wish to arrange a visit, feel free to send an email to either studio@studiosii.com or malaika@studiosii.com.

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2025-02-25 02:26