Upper East Side Residence

This renovation reimages two adjacent apartment units, haphazardly merged by a previous owner, creating a contemporary, functional home that flows across the integrated spaces without any residual feel of their original separation.

Designed for a young couple, the residence is located in a pre-war building designed by Emory Roth in 1932. The labyrinthine combination unit boasted a generous living space and large bedrooms along with a series of compact spaces - the kitchen, bathrooms, foyer, and hallway. The design balances these different types of spaces by creating a layout that flows naturally from grand spaces to intimate spaces, emphasizing their difference. The grand spaces, mainly the living room and bedrooms, are straightforward renovations of the original architectural detailing and are outfitted with crisp white lacquer cabinetry that recedes into the background.

The intimate spaces are accentuated through lowered ceilings, strategically placed lighting, and bespoke cabinetry finished in rich walnut and stone, ensuring efficient use of the smaller areas. This includes an unexpected sliding bookshelf that conceals a secret wet bar in the living room.

Abundant light filters through simple sheer solar shades, enhancing the modern yet understated finishes. The limited color palette features a classic range of whites, contrasting beautifully with the warm, renovated red oak floors in a light pickled finish, bronze hardware, and dark walnut cabinetry with floating shelves strategically placed throughout the apartment. Altogether, this renovation provides an elegant home that serves as a unified context for the couple's expanding art collection.

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