ADROIT ARCHITECTURE & INTERIOR DESIGN
FLORA AND FAUNA
Flora and Fauna is a comprehensive and serene wellness sanctuary. Originally designated as a compact guest bedroom, the modest footprint immediately inspired a shift away from traditional sleeping quarters toward a dedicated space for yoga, meditation, and personal restoration.
The transformation began by addressing the adjacent ensuite bathroom—a surprisingly large yet uninspired space. To align with the room's new purpose, a "room within a room" was constructed to create a luxurious sauna, crafted from rich timber and glowing Himalayan salt blocks. This architectural feature sparked the room's playful title: pairing the "faux sauna" (fauna) with the lush botanical elements (flora) woven throughout the design.
The visual palette originated with the dramatic green drapery fabric, a beloved textile held in reserve for over a year waiting for the perfect canvas. To complement its rich tones and heighten the room’s immersive drama, a collaboration with horticulturalist Kelly Costello of Mosswoman brought the ceiling to life with a sculpted landscape of preserved moss. Beneath this organic canopy, the walls are wrapped in a striking wood and metallic strip wallpaper that reflects ambient light while grounding the space in warm texture.
Every element within the room serves a dual purpose. The custom daybed with built-in side tables serves as an inviting meditation cushion while offering clever storage beneath to keep yoga mats, blocks, and props tucked neatly out of sight. On the opposite wall, sliding doors decorated with a collage installation by local artist Rick Midler serve as a serene focal gaze point during meditation. When opened, the doors reveal a full-length Reflectel mirror TV, allowing practitioners to monitor their form and alignment or stream live classes and private training sessions. The resulting space is a harmonious blend of botanical warmth and functional luxury—a true sanctuary in the city.
Since founding ADROIT Architecture & Interior Design in 2022, Madelaine has earned a reputation for infusing complex New York City residences with boundless joy, innovative problem-solving, and ineffable style. Drawing inspiration from her extensive travels, contemporary art, and architectural history, Madelaine wields a keen eye to create deeply personal and practical interiors alongside fun and memorable client experiences.
Madelaine has been featured in numerous publications, including Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Apartment Therapy, and Real Simple, and was awarded the Apartment Therapy Small/Cool Best Vibe award for her own home in 2023.
With over 20 years of experience in New York City, Madelaine is a licensed architect, certified interior designer, LEED and WELL accredited, and a faculty member at the New York School of Interior Design. She earned her Masters in Architecture from the Georgia Institute of Technology and her Bachelors in Architectural Studies and Art History from Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
@designbyadroit