New York City’s East Village thrums with a vibrant energy, a kaleidoscope of creativity echoing through its cobblestone streets and graffiti-laced walls.
Nestled amidst this artistic pulse sits The Standard, East Village, a hotel that isn’t just a place to stay, but an immersive experience where bold design collides with social conscience, and every corner whispers a story.
Stepping into the newly redesigned guest rooms is like stepping into a living art gallery. Bauhaus shapes dance across the room, splashed with tangerine furniture textiles by Maharam and classic blue checker patterns from Alexander Girard. Playful skateboard wall installations juxtapose panoramic cityscapes, while the iconic “lips” pillows have received a vibrant update courtesy of artist Alex Proba. It’s a feast for the senses, a celebration of color and texture that sets the tone for a stay that’s anything but ordinary.
Imagine pushing open your door at The Standard and being greeted by this East Village masterpiece. Sunlight floods through expansive windows, showcasing cityscapes that stretch endlessly beyond. Sink into plush beds adorned with crisp linens, the hum of the city a gentle lullaby outside your window. Luxurious bathrooms, complete with oversized showers and sleek fixtures, beckon you to unwind.
The friendly staff are always at your beck and call, ready to weave magic into your stay. And when the city rings, those expansive windows offer front-row seats to the vibrant East Village symphony. Your room at The Standard isn’t just a place to sleep; it’s a canvas for unforgettable memories, comfort, art, and the soul of the East Village itself.
Art, in particular, at The Standard takes a focal point, but it isn’t merely decorative; it’s a conversation starter, a platform for amplifying diverse voices and engaging with pressing social issues.
Take the striking mural by Rahm Bowen, “Beyond the Horizon of Time;” a piece of art named for its representation of transcribing the dream of “what a black future will be” using visual language. Seven figures, each adorned in a color of the rainbow flag, stand tall, their vibrant hues celebrating the multifaceted beauty and spectrum of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“I take pride in the fact that this mural can directly engage with my community, and prioritizes accessibility,” Bowen shares. Their use of the “ROYGBIV” color spectrum imbues the figures with a symbolic depth, while the placement, gracing the wall outside of the inclusive NO BAR cocktail bar, creates a seamless interplay between art and reality.
Bowen, a Parsons alum, delves deeper into the mural’s creation: “I choose to be very intentional with the shades of colors I mix because it also plays a huge role in the way the skin reads. There is a science behind how to depict black skin in a tasteful way that doesn’t appear muddy or ashy and I take a lot of pride in being able to do so while using high saturated colors.
“I know the piece is welcoming and I think it also helps to illuminate a level of taste that The Standard holds,” Bowen exclusively tells GRAZIA USA. “It is an expression that communicates to multiple communities that there is space made for them there.”
Across the garden, another powerful mural unfurls on the property’s exterior wall. WAONE’s “From Legend to Discovery” is a testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian spirit, a vibrant tapestry woven with influences from the artist’s childhood memories and Orthodox iconography.
“My father’s collection of antique Orthodox icons, art, and art-books inspired me to become an artist,” WAONE explains to GRAZIA. “The childhood images imprint in one’s mind. Many residents of the Ukrainian Village in NYC would be familiar with the images that inspired me.”
The mural’s title, “From Legend to Discovery,” hints at a journey, a continuous exploration of identity and cultural heritage. Its non-linear narrative, infused with themes of duality and cosmology, invites viewers to engage in their own exploration, to find echoes of their own stories within its brushstrokes.
“Before the pandemic and before the war I traveled all over the world to paint large mural works,” adds WAONE. “Most of the murals I created fit to the place/surroundings and were inspired by the local cultural specificities. This time I don’t need to make cultural research because I am working on a piece that aims to represent the Ukrainian spirit. It is also so significant for me that this work will be shown in the East Village, near the heart of Ukrainian American culture.”
The Standard’s commitment to art extends beyond just these murals. Through partnerships with local galleries and artists, the hotel has become a living canvas where creativity takes center stage at all intersects.
In addition to the artistic playground that is the hotel itself, The Standard’s culinary offerings also ignite their own creative spark.
Café Standard, a breezy indoor-outdoor haven, serves American classics with a modern twist, alongside fresh-baked pastries and a killer cocktail menu.
And for a dose of late-night revelry, NO BAR pulsates with weekend DJ sets and an ever-evolving menu of small plates and creative cocktails.
With each bite and sip, The Standard’s dining scene celebrates bold flavors and artistic spirit, ensuring that every meal is an extension of the immersive East Village experience.
A stay at The Standard, East Village, is more than just a comfortable bed and a trendy bar. It’s an immersion into a world where art isn’t just admired, but experienced, where every corner sparks dialogue and ignites the imagination.
It’s a reminder that amidst the concrete jungle, beauty thrives, stories unfold, and a vibrant community pulsates with the rhythm of artistic expression.
