A Legacy in Color
Interior design invites thoughts of glamorous fabrics, dramatic décor, and luxurious details — aesthetics that are pleasing to the eye. But design is as much a science as it is an art. The discipline of spatial artistry, paired with imaginative expression, shapes how people experience space, telling a story that sparks wonder and stirs emotion.
There is no better example of design’s expressive power than the work of Swedish-born Martin Brudnizki, celebrated worldwide for his bold maximalist aesthetic that blends historical and contemporary styles. With studios in London and New York, Martin Brudnizki Design Studio (MBDS) answered The Fifth’s call by combining a careful study of the building’s history, architectural context, and guest experience with intuitive design choices. The result is a whimsical world within The Fifth Avenue Hotel that feels welcoming and full of unexpected delights.
Behind the Design
It all began when proprietor Alex Ohebshalom and Brudnizki shared a vision of capturing the spirit of the flâneur, an urban wanderer enchanted by life’s unfolding moments. Guided by this creative catalyst, Brudnizki began diving deep into the building’s past: a 1907 Italian Renaissance Revival bank erected on the former site of a Gilded Age mansion. The neighborhood’s history and the building’s heritage called for a union of turn-of-the-century opulence and exotic influences from afar, resulting in a sophisticated, approachable space. When transforming this expansive project into a luxury boutique hotel, Brudnizki communicated his artful approach through richly layered interiors that invite guests to slow down and experience the art of observation.
Attuned to how light and materials interact, Brudnizki designed The Fifth to be experienced through all five senses. His distinctive method reveals his extraordinary use of color, drawing inspiration from nature, art, fashion, and history. Meticulous attention to detail defines every corner, blending heritage and modern luxury to create an understated sense of drama throughout the structure. Soaring ceilings in key areas, with a soft, inviting glow, create a refined elegance. Guestrooms are enhanced with a rich color palette of garden greens, buttercup yellows, and peony pinks, accented with gold, and complemented by a variety of additional vibrant tones. Every corner seems to hold a timeless tale—from the rainbow fruit Murano glass chandeliers to the eclectic collection of artworks—providing guests with intimacy within a retreat of warmth, character, and style.
“It is a truly eclectic and layered project that is intended to feel as though it has been around since the days of The Gilded Age,” the designer stated in a Deezen article. “We worked with the architects to marry the historic narrative with the contemporary tower addition, which reflects New York today and the spirit of the modern traveler.”
A Legacy in Color
This year, MBDS turns 25 years of design into a celebration with Brudnizki’s new book, My Life in Colors, published by Rizzoli New York, a world leader in interior design publishing. Written by Brudnizki himself, the book reflects on a 25-year journey through the studio’s archive, which contains around 40 global projects spanning high-end private clubs, luxurious hotels, and residences.
Each chapter is devoted to a single color, illuminating how Brudnizki leverages its emotional power to enhance the realm he creates. Included in the pages are some of his most celebrated projects: the lavishly extravagant Annabel’s in London, the art deco influence of The Ivy Dawson Street in Dublin, and, of course, the bohemian romantic charm of New York’s The Fifth Avenue Hotel.
The book opens a window into the imagination of one of the world’s most distinctive designers and the creative force behind The Fifth Avenue Hotel. In honor of MBDS’s partnership with The Fifth, a special edition of My Life in Colors was created and printed exclusively for the property, featuring a cover showcasing one of the iconic Mansion Suites. Placed in every room, the book invites guests to take a colorful journey through Brudnizki’s celebrated career.
A Lasting Impression
At The Fifth Avenue Hotel, Brudnizki’s vision has created a luxurious home away from home for guests, empowering them to feel free and inspired. By carefully balancing function, aesthetics, and culture, his design transformed the historic spaces into unfolding experiences that spark curiosity and connection—the essence of the flâneur. With Brudnizki’s imprint, The Fifth Avenue Hotel exemplifies the art of interior design, where every detail offers a captivating encounter.
