theatre patrons’ pied-à-terre, upper west side, nyc
as frequent theatergoers who live in new jersey, our clients found themselves constantly checking in to upscale hotel rooms all over manhattan. tired of the transient lifestyle, these city-lovers decided there was only one thing to do — build the perfect pied-à-terre on the upper west side.
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we started by adding depth and history — in a very modernized way — by stripping the doorframes down to the raw metal and then clear-coating them. since the windows and radiators were all original, we were able to use this same technique — which has become a dhny signature — on those as well. the existing hardwood floors were sanded and refinished in a slightly darker stain to amp up the drama.
in the entryway we installed a wallcovering with an allover large-scale damask pattern and a slightly metallic sheen behind the desk. it’s an updated rendition of a traditional pattern and it sets the tone for the rest of the space. just beyond that, we created a small dining area with two fluted-back chairs and a custom-made table, the base of which was designed after the prongs of a ring (talk about jewelry for the home!).
in the bedroom area, we ripped out one of two existing closets and recessed the bed into the space, adding upholstered raw silk panels and custom millwork in place of a headboard. we lowered the ceiling over the bed to create cove lighting and designed bespoke millwork to make the bed appear as though it was floating. custom asymmetrical nightstands furnished with bronze drawer handles and accents — another dhny signature — completed the look.
we gutted the bathroom and started fresh with all white marble to make it light and bright. for the walk-in shower we went with a marble field tile and selected a floral pattern for the inset — both from artistic tile — which is delineated by a fluted pewter border. exposed shower hardware and an open pedestal sink add to the updated, yet classic prewar feel.
located conveniently off of the bath is an alluring dressing room fit for a modern day zelda fitzgerald. new sconces from circa lighting and a whimsical wallcovering adorned with shimmering silver birds could be equally at home in a glamorous apartment from the 1920s. whether perched upon the settee sipping champagne or tending to her beauty routine in front of her gorgeous art deco mirrored vanity — which, like many of the pieces for this project, was purchased at high style deco — there’s surely no better place to relax while getting ready for a night on the town.
every inch of this space was tailored to the needs of our clients, but nowhere was it more apparent than the kitchen. since they don’t cook when they are in town (who needs an oven when you can enjoy a second helping of leftovers from the latest five star restaurant?), we turned the kitchen into a full-service bar. we left the sink, but removed the stove and added a convection microwave oven and a small fridge. an antiqued mirrored backsplash from ann sacks and a stunning custom designed polished chrome and glass open shelving unit from urban archeology effortlessly accomplished that timeless look we were going for throughout.
our team took great pride in blending brand new pieces with updated classic elements. we interspersed touches of glamour with an overall feeling of comfortable elegance to create a space that is sophisticated and livable. if a night out on the town in nyc were an apartment, we’re certain that this would be it.
