American Psycho is having a moment. The cult classic, adapted from Bret Easton Ellis’s 1991 novel about a homicidal Wall Street banker with impeccable taste, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. A Luca Guadagnino remake is in the works, a Manhattan bar named Bateman’s has opened its doors, and even a perfume inspired by the film has just launched. The fascination with Patrick Bateman’s world of power, privilege, and polished interiors shows no signs of fading.

For designer Michael Ellison, Bateman’s aesthetic was the unlikely muse behind his latest project: a moody New York loft designed for a longtime client. But instead of cold chrome and icy white minimalism, Ellison reimagined the spirit of American Psycho in a way that feels fresh, sophisticated, and provocative.

Images: Nicole Franzen for ELLE

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A Loft That Dares You to Look Twice

“This project was meant to spark conversation,” Ellison explains. His client, a businessman from Connecticut, gave him complete creative freedom. The brief? Something unapologetically bold.

Where the pair’s last collaboration—a traditional Nantucket retreat—was drenched in shades of white, cream, and soft coastal blues, this Manhattan pied-à-terre swings in the opposite direction. Think: shadowy palettes, daring contrasts, and details that flirt with danger.

• Dining Drama: A Wayne Pate artwork, hung from chains, takes center stage in the dining area—equal parts edgy and elegant.
• Tactile Layers: Rich, dark woods and moody textiles replace the sterile glass-and-chrome aesthetic of Bateman’s fictional apartment.
• Provocative Atmosphere: Lighting is intentionally dimmed to highlight textures and create moments of intrigue.

Ellison admits that even the design presentation carried a streak of mischief: “To be honest, it was a little devious.”

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Urban loft inspiration & raw industrial materials

White modern loft accented with color

Industrial Soho loft authenticity

Minimalist loft with luxurious textures

From Nantucket Calm to Manhattan Edge

Ellison launched his own firm three years ago after serving as design director at Workshop/APD. The Nantucket project for the same client reflected an entirely different design vocabulary—serene, classic, and restrained.

This loft, however, showcases Ellison’s range and his willingness to embrace narrative-driven design. By leaning into cultural references like American Psycho, he created a space that’s not just beautiful but also layered with meaning.

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Why It Works

What makes this loft compelling is its balance between sophistication and subversion. While inspired by a notorious character, it avoids veering into parody or gimmick. Instead, Ellison distills the essence of Bateman’s world—power, allure, and just a hint of menace—into a space that’s livable, refined, and modern.

It’s proof that design can tell a story, even one with a sinister edge.

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Final Thoughts

Hudson Loft in NY by Schappacher White

Dramatic Interiors with Dark Walls

Modern Sophisticated Interiors

Neutral Palette Interiors by Ando Design Studio

Michael Ellison’s New York loft is a reminder that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places—even a satirical thriller about a Wall Street psychopath. The result is a pied-à-terre that pushes boundaries while remaining impeccably chic.

And in a cultural moment where Patrick Bateman is once again haunting New York, perhaps this loft is the perfect backdrop.

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What do you think—would you live in a space inspired by American Psycho?