The Maximalist NYC Home of Ryan & Motts
Images by Ethan O'Grady
This week we drop into the Lower East Side condo of Ryan Lobo - a designer, creative director, co-founder of TOME, and more recently, founder of EMOTE an inclusive & sustainable clothing brand. Every surface strikes a balance between Ryan’s high/low tastes and maximalist tendencies; fine art is layered behind souvenirs, trinkets, and a towering wall of ceramics, as varied in form as they are colour. Despite being a tenant in the city that never sleeps, Ryan has been a loyal IN BED supporter from our earliest beginnings, and it’s with great joy we tour his space with you - one he shares with partner, Motts. The pair, due to be wed next month, have created a home that is generous in both proportion and passion; brought to life through a keen eye for collecting, wanderlust, and artistry. A show home it is not: nothing feels staged, but instead a living reflection of the inner-workings of a beautiful, and wildly creative mind.
Ryan & Mott's bed is made with our Organic Cotton Percale Sheet Set in Cloud, and European linen bedding in Kohl
On life in New York…
“We live in a condo on the Lower East Side, right near East River park, with views of the Williamsburg and Manhattan Bridges and the Manhattan skyline. I have lived here for the past 4 years and Motts has just moved in as we are getting married this December! It’s a big apartment by any measure, and definitely by New York City standards.
"I have lived in Manhattan since 2010, mostly in the East Village. I moved to this relatively quiet corner of the Lower East Side because of its proximity to everything I want and need, and so I can try and escape the unrelenting pace of this city."
On the bedroom...
“The bedroom overlooks a green space, has the most amazing southern aspect and gets sunlight all day long, with a spectacular view of the Manhattan skyline, a glimpse of the Manhattan bridge and nearby LES rooftops. I have managed to jam a lot of my art into here, mostly from Australian legends and longtime favorites Fiona Hall and Tracey Moffatt, and newer acquisitions from Suzy Evans, Jessie French and Mia Boe (my current obsession).
“I am lucky to say I have only slept in IN BED since its inception - I also use the towels, linen robes and pyjamas! I like mixing the cotton and linen sets based on mood and season. I generally choose blue, navy, and charcoal color ways to keep things uniform and over the years have accumulated many sets that mix and match very nicely. I’m definitely excited to add the sustainable patchwork range next!”
The bedroom overlooks a green space, has the most amazing southern aspect and gets sunlight all day long, with a spectacular view of the Manhattan skyline.
Our Cloud cotton percale & Kohl European linen bedding in Ryan & Motts' NYC bedroom, complete with views of the Manhattan skyline
On trash and treasures…
“My taste spectrum is eclectic - high and low to say the least. I am as obsessed with ‘junk’ as I am with fine art - one man’s trash, I guess? My art collection is mostly from women who make art and I am very fortunate to have collected pieces from some of my heroes - Jenny Holzer, Shirin Neshat, Alice Neel, Lorna Simpson, Louise Bourgeois, Nan Goldin, Marlene Dumas and Carmen Herrera. Some of the more special furniture pieces are the Karl Springer (esq) tables, Ettore Sottsass chairs and objects, ceramics from legendary Dolores Porras (sexy Mermaids) and Jose Garcia Antonio (the blind potter of Mexico).”
My taste spectrum is eclectic - high and low to say the least.
On restraint…
“I am a chaotic hoarder who desperately wants to be a minimalist. I always dream of Yoko Ono purity but I definitely tend toward “oh-no” I bought another set of decorative vases. I travel a lot and collect and carry (and ship) a lot of beautiful things along the way. I have become very conscious of NOT buying things of late. Who knew it was okay to appreciate and not buy?!”
I am a chaotic hoarder who desperately wants to be a minimalist.
On Ryan's work…
“I am a creative director and consultant, with a focus on a more sustainable and equitable fashion industry. I have worked as a buyer, stylist and occasional journalist. My focus for the last 20 years has been womenswear, and I co-founded a brand TOME here in NYC in 2010 which was well received and awarded right up until the pandemic. My current brand EMOTE was inspired by my post pandemic travels, and speaks directly to a traveller's wardrobe of essential elevated basics - the practical things I want to take with me as I travel for work and pleasure, and the precious things I collect along the way.
“I am increasingly focused upon lifestyle, and for the most essential things TO ME (Tome, pun intended) I don’t think any of us really need any more things, which I understand is a paradox when you're in the fashion business. Instead I think we are searching for community and connection in increasingly isolating times, and as such my new ‘brand’ is about purposefully designed and curated pieces imbued with EMOTion. Everything is gender expansive, sustainable, small batch and thoughtfully sourced from around the globe, and focuses on the life of the wearer. One of my favorite items is EMOTea, a signature blend of herbal tea, made by my longtime friend and face off the brand, Jo Anni Johnson - everyone receives a travel size satchel with each purchase.”
I think we are searching for community and connection in increasingly isolating times, and as such my new ‘brand’ is about purposefully designed and curated pieces imbued with EMOTion.
On Ryan's favourite New York spots...
"Something new is opening in NYC every week and I like to try all the new restaurants and attend shows as much as possible. Despite my proximity I'm not really a Dimes Square acolyte, although nearby Eel Bar (fav burger) and Bar Bianchi (best Italian outside of Italy) are both from Golden Age Hospitality, close to home and my favorite of the newer spots. My go to restaurants are Ella Funt (elegant and fun bistro) and Win Son Bakery (takeaway only) in the East Village, Thai Diner and Mommy Pai's in Nolita, Anton's (broth w Sherry) in the West Village, and for a (very) special occasion The Grill on the Upper East Side. The Nines, Jac's on Bond and Indochine for a drink - all near the Village.
"Ha's Snack Bar is my favorite restaurant from my fav cooking couple on the Lower East Side, and Lev are a couple of guys who cook the most amazing Middle Eastern street food, street side everywhere from Soho to Bedstuy.
"My favorite contemporary art gallery is conveniently located across the road - Kates Ferri Projects, and honestly it's hard to beat The Met & MoMA for interesting shows and of course the collection.
"East River Park is stunning and on our doorstep - Motts spends a lot of time staring at the water!"
On what the remainder of 2025 holds…
"Despite my wanderlust I am done with travel for the year and am so happy to be home for the rest of the year. My home is my sanctuary and I am happy that I now get to build on that with my husband. I emptied three drawers for him - which was a big deal for me!"
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