Designing the Textured, Sophisticated Atmosphere of Moss Members' Club

Perched on the second floor of Moss, a recently opened members’ club spanning five stories of 520 Fifth Avenue, one of the most dazzling bars in New York City offers a vantage point through arched glass windows. This double-height corner room, named Bar Babette, transfixes with interiors defined by elevated materials and lush textures. Designed by Vicky Charles and Charles & Co., all of the spaces throughout Moss, as well as its physical culture floors named Bedrock Aquatics and Athletics, conjure classic elegance—with an inviting touch.

“Design was top of mind when envisioning Moss,” Hailey Brooks, the co-founder and creative director of Moss, tells Surface. “The club’s interiors are meant to both comfort and captivate our members, striking that balance of new and familiar. From the wall finishings to our carefully curated art collection, to the books on our shelves, to the custom piano key matchbooks, we wanted to offer something new to keep discovering every time.”

Community acted as a conceptual design inspiration. Within Moss, Bar Babette is joined by a formal dining space, a piano lounge, library bar, and The Symposium, which is dedicated to performances and programming. These social spaces are complemented by four private dining rooms, a podcast recording studio, and a vinyl listening room.

Though categorically ambitious and visually impressive, Moss channels a sense of comfort. “Whether you live in the building, commute in, or are a local member, our goal was to create a space that feels like an extension of home, familiar yet elevated,” Katie Miller, creative director at Charles & Co., says. “Here, layered wallpapers and richly textured fabrics appear in ways you might not have in your own home, but that you’d love and feel proud to entertain in.”

This is reinforced by tonal warmth. “We envisioned a rich, nuanced palette that’s ‘not quite color.’ Rather than relying on true primaries, each hue is an earthier, more sophisticated interpretation,” Miller adds. “Deep eggplant, powdery blue, hunter teal, and burnished gold define the palette. Layered upholstery patterns and textured wall coverings weave throughout the space, adding depth, softness, and a sense of lived-in elegance.”

Though the design features an Art Deco inflection, no era defines the aesthetic direction. “We never wanted someone to walk in and say, ‘Oh, this feels mid-century.’ Instead, we drew inspiration from the location to create spaces that feel authentic to their setting and timeless in spirit,” says Miller. Further, Moss (thankfully) restricts photography. “We were never interested in creating Instagrammable spaces but rather places you can return to again and again,” Miller adds. “This location, in particular, is special because it draws energy from the city itself. Our job was to harness that energy to create spaces where people can gather, relax, learn, and enjoy.”

Charles & Co. developed many custom pieces for Moss—from the towering bar itself to the hand-printed wallpaper. Even the antique piano is a rarity. For Bedrock, the work was equally as extensive. According to Miller, that includes “custom stone mosaics and full stone slabs throughout, reinforcing a sense of heritage, craftsmanship, and permanence, as well as marble and tile detailing that elevates the pool environment beyond a traditional wellness facility.”

Bedrock encompasses two levels—and 20,000 square feet. Here, a hot plunge, cold plunge, and vitality pool are joined by a hammam, sauna, and restorative spa. Premium fitness equipment is coupled with classes and personal training. Ultimately, the atmosphere and programming have been plotted to meet wellness and fitness goals, as well as appease a desire for recreation. Charles & Co. integrated “soft plasters and nuanced finishes that introduce warmth and tactility in typically utilitarian spaces,” Miller notes.

Aligned with its purposeful design, Moss imbues its floors with what the team refers to as intelligent leisure. Events, performances, and experiences (as well as art programming from New York’s own Palo Gallery) aim to spark thought and conversation. With its proximity to Grand Central Terminal, it also acts as a convenient hub for inspiration before jetting off throughout the city.