Expecting? Looking for an intimate, unique spot to host a baby shower? Think there’s a diva (or divo) on the way? Check out The Love Shack, an unconventional, high-glam space that also happens to bill itself as a “life-size dollhouse.”
photo: The Love Shack
Built on Love
The Love Shack was first envisioned in 2009 by Alexander (a photographer, video editor and furniture designer — um, check this out), and Britta Love when the newly-engaged couple decided to move from London to NYC. (Yes, that’s their real surname.) Three years later, a ‘little palace in Brooklyn’, as they like to call it, was born. Working together, this couple transformed an abandoned industrial building in Bushwick into two, life-size dollhouses.
photo: The Love Shack
The “Palace”: Live, Work, Love
Here’s the deal: The Love Shack serves as the Love’s permanent home and studio, but they are happy to rent it out for small, special events such as baby showers. They consider it, “an experiment in the possibilities of loft living, surreality and commercial space.”
The Lovely Perks of the Space
The Love Shack features an outdoor garden with patio umbrellas, a working domestic kitchen, two bedrooms, an intimate library space and an unexpected “indoor balcony” perfect for a toast.
Despite its size, the 1,000-square-foot loft still feels spacious with its white walls and high ceilings. Almost all the furniture or light fixtures are original creations, so the overall aesthetic of the space is playful, funky and elegant. And even though it’s located steps from the streets of Bushwick, The Love Shack feels like a tranquil escape.
How to Plan for a Shower at the Love Shack
The hourly rate for booking The Love Shack depends on when you’d like to host your party. The hourly rate for daytime events is $175/hour, while evening affairs run $200/hour. (The hourly rates apply to set-up and clean-up time, not just festivities, so plan accordingly.) The Loves recommend booking the Love Shack 6-8 weeks ahead of time, although showers have been booked much shorter notice. (Email is the preferred form of contact; get in touch at Britta@LoveTheLoveShack.com)
There is no catering or service staff provided on-site, but you are welcome to hire in catering or use the full kitchen. Champagne flutes, wine glasses and tumblers rental available upon request.
The Love Shack is a relatively small space so the average guest list is 20-30 people with a maximum capacity of 50 people.
photo: The Love Shack
Bells & Whistles & Cats
The Love Shack also includes a full sound system, chandelier and lamp dimmers to adjust for your desired ambiance, and three very friendly (and mostly sleeping) cats. An air purifier runs 24/7 to remove any dander from the air, so allergens have not posed a problem for attendees thus far.
The Love Shack is predominately rented for baby and bridal showers, but occasionally holds first-year birthday parties and other photographic events upon request.
The Love Shack
161 Stockholm St.
Bushwick
Online: lovetheloveshack.tumblr.com
Do you have a favorite spot to host baby showers in NYC? Share in the comments below!
— Liz Kleisner
