A few surgical interventions dramatically changed the use of this Upper East Side apartment. The rear windows of this landmarked building overlook a gorgeously landscaped inner courtyard. But the small kitchen was hidden down a long hall by the servants’ quarters. Moreover, the unit had no laundry room, no central air, and a floor of mismatched types and levels.
First, we connected the kitchen directly to the dining room, doubling its size with new charcoal gray concrete countertops and backsplashes. Adding a new island and a second window, the kitchen is now big enough for a whole family. Our new alignment also created a long view through the whole apartment, from the kitchen clear to the living room windows.
We tucked a laundry room into the service corridor, with a tackboard wall and nine feet of extra countertop. The servants’ quarters became a guest room and a home office. Every room has new bookshelves and narrow oak flooring. And the new central air system is completely hidden behind and above closets.
