By Andrew Torrey, published by Rizzoli New York
Andrew Torrey‘s debut monograph feels less like a design book and more like a conversation with someone who genuinely gets it. Published by Rizzoli this April, “Private Spaces: Great American Design” features twenty-three projects that tell an unexpectedly compelling story that begins on Kansas farmland, eventually arriving at the penthouses and estates of Manhattan’s most discerning clients.
Here’s what makes this collection stand out: Torrey refuses to pick a side. Instead of choosing between sleek modernism and opulent comfort, he has the pluck to marry them. There’s cool, clean lines living comfortably alongside princely velvets and marble, with contemporary art anchoring spaces that could otherwise feel cold. It’s reminiscent of the best mid-century design work, when architects understood that form and feeling weren’t mutually exclusive.
The projects span from Manhattan to Miami, London, Los Angeles, and beyond—each one rooted in its place, yet unmistakably stamped with Torrey’s imprimatur. What’s particularly striking is how he weaves vintage and historical elements into decidedly modern contexts without it feeling like nostalgia or gimmick. These spaces just work.
Gay Gassmann‘s writing grounds the photography in real context, helping readers understand what’s actually happening in these rooms beyond the gripping pictures. And the photography itself—courtesy of Manolo Yllera, Douglas Friedman, and Tim Lenz among others—captures not just rooms but the aura of living in them.
Even the book’s physical presence matters: Marlboro red wraps across every surface–practically demanding to be touched and explored. It’s an object you’ll actually want on your coffee table. For anyone who cares about how spaces shape daily life, this volume deserves your attention.
TORREY: PRIVATE SPACES $75
Available from Rizzoli Bookstore, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and IndieBound