A few surgical interventions dramatically changed the use of this Upper East Side apartment. The windows of this landmarked building overlook a gorgeously landscaped inner courtyard. But the unit had no laundry room and no central AC; the flooring was a mishmash of types and levels; and the small kitchen was hidden down a long hall by the servants’ quarters.
First, we doubled the size of the kitchen, giving it an island and two windows, with countertops and backsplashes in charcoal gray concrete. Sized for a whole family to use, the kitchen is now connected directly to the dining room. With our new alignment, you also get a long view from the kitchen all the way to the living room windows.
We tucked a laundry room into the service corridor, with a tackboard wall and 9′ 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.
