A Prewar Manhattan Apartment Becomes a Modern Sanctuary
In Murray Hill, Manhattan, a dated prewar apartment is being transformed into a peaceful, bright haven for a couple awaiting their first child. In all of 1,200 square feet and with an emotional attachment to the area, the challenge was to renovate the space without taking away from its history or warmth.
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
When the couple came to see us, they were trapped between finding more space by moving out of Manhattan or staying in the vicinity of family and familiar streets. Staying would fully commit them to a renovation. Adopting the path to remaining meant a full renovation, and we were excited to facilitate them falling in love with their home yet again.
The apartment has good bones, but it felt closed. The intent was to open it up physically and energetically, ensuring it was suitable for the needs of modern family living.
Creating Flow through Layout and Light
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We started with restructuring the layout to foster openness and connection. The formerly narrow and dark foyer has been opened up and its ceiling has been raised to instantly create volume. The most significant change was to open the closed-off kitchen. A peninsula was added, increasing counter space and connectivity for the kitchen to the living room, allowing light to fill the home.
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This beautiful place was layered with different lights, including recessed lights, sculptural pendants, and a statement copper chandelier. Additionally, it complemented all the natural light pouring through the windows, making it warm and welcoming.
Functional Beauty in Every Corner
Every inch in compact spaces counts. To ensure maximum storage space in the kitchen, we custom-designed our cabinets and added a pantry and state-of-the-art appliances. The light grey cabinetry, brass hardware, and AKDO's herringbone backsplash offered subtle texture and sophistication.
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For better or worse, New York City apartments tend to have modestly sized bathrooms. However, these spaces still offer plenty of room for luxurious design flourishes on a small scale. Here are some ways to transform essential bathrooms into rejuvenating retreats:
Splurge on high-end plumbing fixtures like rain showerheads, smart toilets, and touch-activated faucets. Technology enhances functionality in compact bathrooms.
Choose porcelain, glass, and natural stone tile in large formats to make rooms feel more expansive. Extending tiles vertically also adds height.
Get creative with storage solutions like recessed medicine cabinets, built-in wall niches, and vanities with hidden compartments.
Make wet rooms waterproof down to the studs, then use tile, waterproof laminate, or vinyl floors with contemporary linear drains. Open-concept showers gain usable space.
Incorporate greenery with a succulent wall garden, mini-indoor trees, or fresh flowers and plants. Living elements enliven and soften modern designs.
Look for space-saving bathroom furniture like wall-hung vanities with thin profiles and compact consoles. Even small bathrooms can accommodate dual sinks.
Take advantage of unused vertical real estate with floating shelves, wall-mounted storage cubbies, and extra-long mirrors covering entire walls.
Consider How Professional Interior Design Services Can Help
Many NYC homeowners and renters opt to work with professional interior designers rather than tackle whole-home renovations or intricate decorating projects alone. Experienced designers help transform spaces in many ways:
Custom Solutions: Design pros create tailored interiors based on your aesthetic preferences, lifestyle, spatial challenges, and budget. They handle everything from laying out floor plans to hanging art.
Savvy Procurement: Designers have trade discounts and relationships, making it easier to source furnishings, fixtures, lighting, tiles, and materials at wholesale costs. Their little black books contain the best vendors.
Technical Know-How: From assessing electrical and lighting needs to managing contractors and artisans, designers take care of all technical aspects of interior renovations.
Problem-Solving Skills: Creatively overcoming space limitations and architectural constraints comes naturally to designers. They figure out workarounds, allowing you to achieve your vision.
Style Mastery: Keeping up with trends while avoiding flash-in-the-pan fads is tricky. Designers understand how to read rooms and curate fashionable, enduring interiors tailored to you.
Peace of Mind: Working with a professional designer alleviates stress. They handle the heavy lifting so you can relax and enjoy your refined living space.
Many top designers offer a range of services at different price points. Some specialize in sourcing furnishings and accent pieces or consult on DIY projects. High-end boutique firms oversee global residential and commercial projects from start to finish. Review portfolios and experience when vetting designers for your specific needs.
Summary
The interior design trends, renovation tips, and insights on working with pros inspire you to enhance your NYC space. Always keep functionality, lifestyle, and personal taste top of mind. Though Manhattan apartments may be snug, you can infuse them with style. You can contact us to schedule a meeting to discuss your design needs. With us, you will get the services of an interior designer in NYC, embracing your needs and requirements. Marie Burgos and our team strive to create designs that surpass the boundaries of aesthetics and meet your lifestyle needs. For more information, please feel free to contact us.