Paul Wesley is best known for his role in ‘The Vampire Diaries’ and his work across television and film throughout his career. The actor, 44, has established himself as a design enthusiast with a passion for architecture and curated aesthetics. Now, he and his wife Natalie Kuckenburg, 26, have opened the doors to their newly renovated two-story loft in downtown New York City, showcasing their life together just weeks after announcing their recent marriage in an intimate civil ceremony. The home tour highlights the inspiration behind the renovation, from carefully selected vintage pieces to details influenced by Kuckenburg’s Brazilian heritage.
Featuring vintage furnishings, arched windows and a private rooftop deck, the renovated New York City loft reflects the couple’s shared appreciation for thoughtful design.Image credit (Instagram)
According to Architectural Digest, Paul Wesley and Natalie Kuckenburg explained that the real estate purchase was “spontaneous.” They worked with architect Jack Wettling and designer Alan Eckstein to outfit their space with pieces they both loved in this next chapter of their lives.
Paul Wesley and Natalie Kuckenburg’s NYC loft renovation process
Wesley, a New Jersey native who always viewed New York City as his “playground” growing up, is a longtime enthusiast of all things design. In addition to his city abode, the actor also maintains homes in Los Angeles and Austin. The transformation of the home, which boasts arched windows and a private roof deck, begins with a gut renovation that Wettling oversaw, followed by the design makeover led by Eckstein.
Natalie incorporated elements inspired by her Brazilian roots, adding warm textures, natural wood and personal details that give the New York City home its distinctive charm.Image credit (Instagram)
Wesley noted his appreciation for vintage pieces and aged materials throughout the space. “I’ve always appreciated things that are aged and have a story,” he told the outlet during the feature. His design philosophy reflected his desire to incorporate meaningful pieces with historical significance and character into their new home.
Natalie Kuckenburg incorporates Brazilian heritage into apartment design
As for Kuckenburg, having her Brazilian heritage reflected in the walls of her new home is something she leans into during the renovation. “I definitely don’t come from a design background, but I’m half German, half Brazilian. Paul and I did a trip to Brazil and brought a lot of details from there back to the apartment, combining the texture of the white brick with the wood and little pieces that give it life,” she told the outlet.
The couple’s rescue dog Greggy enjoys one of Natalie’s favourite spots in the loft—a comfortable sofa that has become the heart of their home.Image credit (Instagram)
One of her favourite spots in the entire abode is the sofa, as she loves to cuddle up there with the couple’s dog Greggy. The rescue pup even makes a cameo in their wedding photos that Kuckenburg shared earlier in the month following their marriage announcement.
Paul Wesley and Natalie Kuckenburg’s meeting and engagement
While the exact timing of when the two officially started dating remains unclear, they were first linked in November 2022 when spotted together in Italy. Wesley later revealed how the pair first met during an appearance on ‘Live with Kelly and Mark’, noting their first encounter went down the “classic” way at a New York City bar. “That’s rare these days, I guess, because everyone’s meeting online and all these dating apps. It was just like the classic, pretty girl at a bar. There was a little look, and I was like, ‘Okay, I’m gonna go for it.'”The couple got engaged last summer, announcing the news in a July 19 Instagram post at the time alongside a photo of Kuckenburg’s sparkling new ring. The engagement marked a significant milestone in their relationship before they eventually decided to marry in an intimate civil ceremony that they revealed to the public just weeks before opening their home to the media.
