Cl-oth Interiors is a full-service interior design studio with a collaborative approach to design and construction. The firm says its philosophy combines a commitment to craft and detail with an openness to new aesthetics. Cl-oth took that approach for The Bowen, a new condo building in downtown Brooklyn, N.Y.

Technically speaking, The Bowen is actually not a new building. The project, developed by Urban Development Partners, involved the transformation of a 1925 brick building into a modern residential space. Urban Development hired GF55 Architects to double the building’s height but preserved the floors fronting the street, while Cl-oth Interiors handled the interiors for the 71-unit condo.

Led by founder Szandra Toth, the firm designed the interiors with a lush vibe, which included walnut millwork cabinetry and lacquered upper cabinets in kitchens, aiming for a soft and clean palette. Toth found inspiration for the interiors from her own personal circles. “She wanted to create homes where she could see her friends and colleagues in the design world living their best Brooklyn life,” the firm says. “A home they would feel proud of.”

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The units are priced from $800,000 up to $3 million. “And these aren’t shoe boxes!” the firm says. “The layouts are generous and intuitive, with massive walk-in closets and designated spaces for pursuing your hobbies or art. Fittingly called ‘bonus rooms,’ it’s the extra space everyone wants.”

Design Vibes recently caught up with Toth to get more information about the design approach, the execution and to hear how this condo building is different from most of the current projects in New York.

Design Vibes: The Bowen is billed as a condominium for real New Yorkers. What kinds of considerations did you make to create interiors and design to reflect this idea?

Szandra Toth: We wanted The Bowen to feel like a home for people who actually live full lives in New York – people who work, host, create, travel, and need their space to do a little bit of everything. A major consideration was ensuring the layouts are sensible and intuitive for today’s Brooklyn buyer.

Many homes in the collection have a dedicated space for creative pursuits that are intentionally left open to interpretation. We like to think of them as “creator spaces” that can be a personal podcast studio, a writing room, a meditation space, an office, a crafting zone, an oversized pantry, a collector’s showcase – whatever inspires and moves you! We wanted the interiors to feel warm and elevated, with layouts that support that everyday, vibrant life.

DV: There are tons of trends happening now, so how did you interpret the definition of “modern city living?”

Sandra: For us, modern city living is really about flexibility and how a building respects its history. Our design statement for the project was “Heritage With an Edge”. We made sure the modern interiors harmonized beautifully with the stately brick building from 1925, which GF55 Architects masterfully transformed by doubling its height.

People want homes that can shift with them, offering the convenience and connectivity of Downtown Brooklyn, but also a true sense of retreat when you step inside. We envisioned an intimate residential enclave where residents are connected through shared appreciation for design, innovation and the city.

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DV: I read somewhere that you found inspiration for the interiors at The Bowen from your own personal circles. Can you explain that a little bit?

Sandra: Yes – the design of The Bowen is uniquely personal to us because we envisioned our friends and creative colleagues living in the building. We pictured them waking up in the morning, cooking a beautiful dinner, hosting friends, and doing whatever they are passionate about in a space that reflects who they really are. That mindset pushed us toward interiors that feel approachable, layered, and livable. We wanted the residences to feel like a beautiful backdrop for real life.

DV: What direction did the developer give you in the design of the spaces?

Sandra: The direction from Urban Development Partners and Douglas Elliman Development Marketing was incredibly clear. Guided by DEDM’s sharp market insights into what today’s buyers truly value, Urban Development Partners challenged us to design housing that is seamlessly connected to the rest of the city, reflecting their belief in deep community engagement.

We wanted to create something high-end that is sensibly scaled like a residential club rather than an anonymous mega‑tower. A big part of that was focusing on tactile details: beautiful hardware, richer finishes, and materials that feel good to live with. The neighborhood already offers so much, so the focus was on making the units themselves feel especially thoughtful and well-designed for today’s buyer.

DV: What was your scope of work, meaning what elements of the interiors were you responsible for selecting? Were you responsible for the public spaces as well as the units?

Sandra: Yes, our scope included the residential interiors as well as the shared amenity spaces. It was important that the public spaces and the units feel connected. That experience begins in an illuminated marquee entry and 24‑hour attended lobby. We paneled the space in warm walnut with hand‑laid marble flooring and a custom stone reception desk that sets a refined, inviting tone. We wanted the whole project to feel cohesive, so the premium experience carries seamlessly from the lobby directly to the residences.

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DV: What were some of the materials you selected and why?

Sandra: We placed a unique emphasis on materiality, aiming for custom cabinetry that has the sensibility of handmade furniture. We selected integrated JennAir appliance suites with induction cooktops, alongside curved islands or peninsulas featuring walnut millwork cabinetry and Taj Mahal natural stone countertops that act as a true centerpiece in the kitchens. For the primary bathrooms, we utilized walls clad in hand‑made Japanese Umi Kyokai tile, and Brizo fixtures in satin pewter, while the secondary baths feature beautiful fluted walnut vanities. The goal was to create interiors with deep texture that will age incredibly well – spaces that feel special without feeling fragile.

DV: What do you think was the boldest choice you made for the project?

Sandra: I think the boldest choice was balancing a very clean white palette with rich, layered details. That contrast could have felt too minimal or too ornate if it wasn’t handled carefully, but it works because the details bring warmth and depth to the simplicity. The curved islands, the wood accents, and the softer edges all help keep the interiors feeling modern while remaining highly tactile and inviting.

DV: What are some of the hotel-inspired amenities in the project?

Sandra: We helped design more than 6,000 square feet of amenities created to elevate wellness, productivity, social connection, and daily life. We included a windowed fitness center and an adjoining yoga loft, as well as The Bowen Lounges, which feature an exhibition kitchen, lounge seating, workstations, private phone rooms, and a library that will feature a curated collection highlighting local Brooklyn narratives. A custom forest-themed Kid’s Playroom brings imagination and fun to life, creating a space where little ones can explore and play. Above it all, there is a landscaped roof deck set up for al fresco dining with incredible city views. 

There’s a deep sense of hospitality in the way these spaces are layered and furnished – like the kinds of places you’d want to spend time in at a luxury boutique hotel, but with a profoundly residential feel.