A Design Firm Creates Timeless Spaces
By Michelle Madden
Photographs by Rana Faure
“If you use materials in their authentic state, you will never grow tired of them,” says Sarah Bader, running her hand affectionately over a backsplash of Moroccan Zellige tile. “It’s when they get mass produced and cheapened that they lose their appeal.” Bader and Matt Rink are the wife/husband founders of New Antiquity, a design-build workshop that specializes in architectural millwork, metalwork, and bespoke furniture, serving both commercial and residential clients.
Three years ago, they purchased what had been the Braxton Manufacturing building, founded in the 1960s to make machine parts. Their 3,000-square-feet Woodbury studio, with soaring ceilings and industrial machines, is an ode to their passion for the trade—a passion that runs for generations.
“Both our fathers were in the trades,” explains Bader. Rink’s father was a general contractor and carpenter for more than 50 years; he eventually came to work with them before he retired.
“As a young girl I went to jobs with my father. He was a building manager and jack of all trades.” Their fated paths eventually crossed at art school, where they each pursued a BFA.
Bader and Rink transform spaces so that they are purpose-driven, as well as being magnificent to behold. Their design philosophy is highly influenced by the Craftsman style of letting the materials speak for themselves; as well as Bauhaus, where form follows function. Their emphasis is on clever detailing, such as hidden storage in a coffee table, or beautifully rounded curves on a built-in breakfast nook or a restaurant bar. They incorporate “forgotten techniques” into their work, like wire brushing (using a metal abrasive to remove part of the wood’s grain).
They design without considering trends, in an approach they call “non trend” design. In other words: timeless. There is a reverence to every object they design: A brass door pull becomes an object of sculptural beauty. Marble is used to dramatic effect. Wood is curved into spectacular submission.
Their passion is not only for the material but for educating their audience. On Instagram, it’s not simply the jaw-dropping images that your eyes want to soak in, but their writing that keeps you coming back, as you’re treated to a masterclass on how the brilliant design mind works. “Layer your materials, use multiple shades of tile, or mix metals; this adds warmth and depth to your space.” It will come as no surprise that they built their own couch.
As further testament to Rink’s talent and magic with metal, in tribute to Connecticut residents who died on 9/11, he was commissioned to create a memorial using pieces of the buildings, combined with new material.
Beauty does not come cheap. “Thoughtful design is an investment. When you live in the space and it functions effortlessly, it lowers your stress and just makes you happier,” says Bader. So, “Remove those modern giant closet voids that don’t function for you or your family, and create something that allows you to live a better life.”—Newantiquity.com
