by Eleanor Gibson dezeen.com
Interior designer Chiara De Rege has focused on fostering a snug ambiance at The Wing's Brooklyn outpost, a female-only coworking club that is rapidly growing throughout New York City.
The Wing was conceived by Lauren Kassan and Audrey Gelman, drawing inspiration from the women's club movement that flourished in New York during the 19th and 20th centuries, creating a supportive community for female professionals.
Following the debut of their first venue in Manhattan's Flatiron district in 2016, the club's rapid success prompted Kassan and Gelman to launch a second location in Soho just half a year later. Now, with a growing membership beyond Manhattan, their third hub opened last week in Brooklyn's Dumbo neighborhood.
"Expanding into Brooklyn was an obvious move for The Wing," Gelman stated. "One-third of our current members reside in Brooklyn, making it one of our most frequently requested spots."
New York-based Chiara De Rege, who designed the initial two locations, was brought back to infuse the brand's cozy aesthetic into an old paper factory in Dumbo—previously occupied by the restaurant chain Bubby's.
Unlike The Wing's other single-floor loft spaces, the Brooklyn site spans two levels, featuring a storefront and an atrium, presenting De Rege with a fresh design challenge.
Throughout the space, walls and concrete floors are bathed in the company's signature "Wing pink," while pale oak flooring is used to "add warmth and coziness." A blend of private and open-plan workspaces are styled like living rooms, boasting an eclectic mix of chairs and sofas in contrasting soft and bold hues.
"The aim was to welcome the Brooklyn community by designing a timeless, engaging, cool, fun yet professional environment," De Rege told Dezeen.
Pendant lights hang above the main open-plan area, designed for meetings and to host the club's series of talks and events.
Seating options include a plush, sunken green sofa and pink tubular chairs. Tall built-in wooden shelves, stocked with color-coordinated books, feature hidden doors that pivot open.
"What remains consistent is the work/lounge-style furniture arrangement," the designer noted. "It supports event programming and networking, as well as daily use by someone bringing their computer to work."
"All elements complement each other, and I hope they create a fun yet chic and inviting atmosphere," she added.
A staircase with a golden handrail leads to the first floor. Here, sofas surround glass tables with angular terrazzo legs, and a long wooden desk adorned with headphones and flowers serves as a communal workspace. Arched windows provide elevated views of the neighborhood.
An on-site cafe named The Perch, pink photo booths, and dressing rooms with individual alcoves are among the additional amenities for members. De Rege also created a private meeting space resembling a dining room, featuring a table and chairs, pink wallpaper with black line drawings, and a thick woven rug.
Two new features for The Wing include a ballet studio with meditation cushions and a radio room for podcast recording, which De Rege describes as "retro without being overly retro."
On the ground floor, a curved, slatted wooden desk serves as the reception area, positioned in front of merchandise displayed on pegboards.
