Designer John Loring, the owner of this loft in Hell's Kitchen, a notorious Irish ghetto in New York City, is fond of savouring contrasts and combining the incompatible. In his living room there is cohabiting a couch in English Regency Style, a couple of Ar-Deco chairs and a table from the workshop of Andre Groult, a famous decorator. The pieces are combined by some internal force, courage and visual authenticity. The main engineering systems of the house have been renovated; an open steel staircase finished with cherry-wood has been built. Moulding, door frames, a wardrobe a-la George II Style, mirror alcoves in the bedrooms and Loring's ceramic collection constitute a unique style and conceal imperfections in the building construction.