Man Repeller’s Manhattan Offices Are Just as Chic as You’d Expect
It’s not an easy thing to label Man Repeller, which is just the way founder Leandra Medine prefers it. The site started in 2010 as a personal platform for Medine to showcase her bold, quirky ensembles—the name Man Repeller is meant to describe what her outfits actually accomplish—and has since turned into a major voice across fashion and lifestyle. "But the truth still remains that in spite of what we do and who we are (a clown car of curious, interested, and excited creatives), Man Repeller is amorphous," Medine writes.
Last year, Medine teamed up with Decorist designer Chloe Redmond Warner for an office overhaul that captures Man Repeller’s collaborative, stylish, vivacious spirit. The space now contains an open coworking hub, alongside a reception area, conference room, and fashion closet. "Beyond that, the aesthetics were up for grabs—we tried to channel a swanky British apartment: a place that doesn’t necessarily scream ‘office,’ but is hyper-functional and more elevating than your typical office," says Warner. She partnered with select brands, including Bed Bath & Beyond, California Closets, and Cost Plus World Market, to do just that.
The Coworking Space
The open work area offers a variety of work stations. White Donald Desks from Bed Bath & Beyond were lined up back to back, and paired with contrasting black Modway Pyramid Dining Side Chairs, also from Bed Bath & Beyond.
"We are a very collaborative bunch, and there is a lot of cross-team activity—editorial participates in revenue meetings; sales and operations pitch story ideas to edit," says Medine. That meant that the main workspace needed to facilitate that with a variety of seating options, from tables to wall-mounted standing desks to a more lounge area for meetings or lunch breaks.
"The space is long and narrow, and although we wanted an open seating area, we also wanted natural light to make it to the back of the office," says Warner. "We achieved this by separating zones with open shelving and plants, which act as a filter without actually blocking the light." She chose the Safavieh Cecilia Retro Mid-Century 5-Tier Wood Etageres from Bed Bath & Beyond to do so.
A tulip table is joined by the Madison Park Lintel 72-Inch Rectangular Dining Table in Natural and Linon Home Bentwood Stackable Stools in Pink, all from Bed Bath & Beyond.
A Pluto Chandelier from One Kings Lane hovers over the relaxed seating area, complete with leather swivel chairs from Bed Bath & Beyond.
Art by Lindsay Gardner adorns the Farrow and Ball wallpaper.
Shop the Look
Warner names the art as an inspirational starting point. "One of our calling cards is designing offices and stores for founding females—in each one we are so inspired by the founder herself, and this one was major," says Warner. "We wanted to honor Man Repeller by commissioning original artwork by female artists for the space."
Artwork "has the power to elevate space and can be as potent as architecture and design," says Warner.
The Conference Room
The conference room is dubbed the Wiggle Room for the extra space it provides the team, as opposed to their previous quarters.
The conference room sports Farrow and Ball wallpaper, custom artwork from Ana Leovy, and Velvet Vivian Chairs from Cost Plus World Market. The Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Tulum rug and black pendants are both Bed Bath & Beyond finds.
The conference room is Warner’s favorite spot in the scheme. "I’m crazy about the conference rooms," she says. "They look like the perfect place to actually enjoy yourself at a meeting."
The Fashion Closet
California Closets partnered with the team to outfit the fashion closet.
When asked to name her favorite detail in the design, Medine’s answer was decisive: "The! Fashion! Closet!"
Reception Area
Blue rattan chairs and striped wallpaper greet visitors in the reception area. The artwork (on the left wall) is by Amber Vittoria.
We asked Medine for her tips on balancing life and work. "There is only one tip, and it’s the only thing that really works, but it’s very, very challenging to master: leave your work at work and your home at home," she says. "This way, you are where you are when you’re there, no objections."
Related Reading: This Women-Only Coworking Space in Seattle Is Just About Pretty Enough to Live In
Project Credits:
Interior Design: Chloe Redmond Warner / @chloeredmondwarner
Cabinetry Design and Installation: California Closets
Furniture: Bed Bath & Beyond and Cost Plus World Market
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