In a stately 1912 building, this 2,800 square foot rambling apartment has classic original features such as high ceilings, complex mouldings, and herringbone floors. A growing family asked Riverside Design to modernize the apartment and preserve its old world character. We reconfigured the master bedroom creating a steam shower, separate bath, and additional built-in storage that met the client’s program of modern amenities and feeling, yet evoking the past.

A spacious living room easily accommodates our introduction of a built-in home office and storage cabinets. At first glance, the new cabinetwork appears to be a set of French mirrored doors commonly found in early twentieth century apartments. Pilasters open to contain the pivoting mirrored doors when the desk is being used. We pulled the wainscot forward into the space to create concealed storage with a counter above.

New light fixtures, lacquered wall surfaces, artisan plaster, hand-blocked wallpaper, and richly textured fabrics give this elegant apartment a fresh look while retaining its pre-war character.