Upper East Side Apartment Renovation

Reconfiguring this pre-war apartment transformed an antiquated interior layout into a more livable home designed around a modern-day family of four. This early 20th century coop’s kitchen was cramped and isolated, while the combination living room and dining room was too large to furnish and enjoy, and there was nowhere for guests to stay. Redesigning the layout of these key interior spaces made them more comfortable, versatile, and responsive to the clients’ day-to-day needs.

The original kitchen, corridor, and a small study were combined to create an open, eat-in kitchen that’s gracious and daylit from multiple exposures. A custom corner banquette and casual counter seating offer places to perch for informal meals. A generous island and custom cabinetry provide storage solutions that are both efficient and elegant. The large front room was split into two flexible zones that can be combined or closed off, one for relaxing together as a family, and the other for formal entertaining and overnight guests. Even the long, narrow hallway was designed with herringbone flooring and pendant fixtures that help to foreshorten the space.

The renovation process also involved approvals from the co-op board and New York City Department of Buildings, as well as extensive coordination with contractors and fabricators to complete the project despite COVID-19 restrictions.

Photography by Devon Banks