home to an extremely social and utterly delightful couple who loves to entertain and their teenage son, this family’s 5th avenue apartment needed to be chic, yet cozy. incorporating the historical aspects of the space in a way that felt fresh and modern was key, as was increasing storage space whenever and wherever possible. we added stylish, subtle and easy to access storage in the entryway, master bedroom, and kitchen.
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in the entry, two identical cabinets house the homeowners’ accessories as well as a myriad of entertaining items. an oversized leaning mirror expands the feel of the space and, combined with a sputnik light fixture, adds an overall sense of glitz and glam.
as the main entertaining space, the living room needed to be multifunctional. we created multiple seating groups to accommodate different types of events and party sizes. in each area, a statement piece sets the tone. a velvet sectional serves as seating in the more formal area, while a creamy, linen-blend sofa with a deliciously nubby weave invites guests to get comfortable in the slightly more casual setting. in between a tête-à-tête allows guests to partake in either party.
other showstoppers in this area include the existing mantle, with working fireplace. pullout stools offer additional seating and identical side tables in each section provide visual continuity.
versatility prevailed in the dining area as well. a custom banquet and bistro tables offer an intimate feel when the couple is on their own and can seat up to 18 when paired with the custom dining table when hosting a formal dinner. we also preserved an existing venetian plaster wall treatment at the homeowners’ request.
after a light facelift the kitchen boasts new flooring, refaced cabinets, updated hardware, countertops, and backsplash. when refinishing an existing ottoman and banquet in the breakfast nook, we took the opportunity to add storage there as well.
the clients wanted to keep the space as a classic new york moment, minus the formality. in an effort to bring additional light into the space while keeping the integrity of the existing architecture, we added overhead lighting with a subtle dropped ceiling. to ensure unobstructed views of park avenue we eschewed elaborate draperies in favor of sleek and simple roller shades.
since the client wanted the master bedroom to have a sanctuary feel, we went with a soothing, neutral color palette and inviting textiles. the existing wall-to-wall built-in was updated with fresh hardware for a more updated look. frosted glass panels add a dash of glamour. additional storage was added in the form of under-bed storage and generously sized side tables. existing draperies were removed to achieve a lighter, brighter, and more modern look. the result was a fresh, well-organized, oasis.
in the end, this freshly renovated — and, dare we say, swanky — apartment was ready for mixing, mingling, and adding a healthy dose of glamour to our clients’ everyday life.
