The potential of this uptown condo was obvious…soaring ceiling heights, windows and a giant mirror to scale.  

My starting point and inspiration came from the building itself.  This is a historic building and I wanted to give it the life that it may have once had.  The client wanted brick and I agreed.  The proper installation of the brick was important.  It needed to seem as if a wall was torn down and old brick was discovered behind it.  The fireplace wall was removed and reframed.  Brick was then applied to the fireplace wall and the adjoining dining room wall to give the authentic feeling that was needed.  New electrical was installed to highlight the brick and a pair of vintage, 1920’s lanterns completed the look of old, discovered brick.

A rustic mantle was set in place and a geometric layout of limestone tile completed the fireplace surround.  Classic soapstone was laid for the hearth.  A good mix of stone and wood created a nice balance for this focal wall.

White walls allowed the brick to be center stage,  but the cathedral-style windows were painted black to highlight their unique shape.

The large mirror frame was refinished in a natural-aged wood finish to balance out all of the modern touches and finishes in the space.

Furnishings were kept simple and timeless in style and functional to the needs of the client.  Contemporary lighting completed the desired mix of a historic and modern aesthetic.

The kitchen went through a complete renovation…

It was rearranged and rebuilt to be functional and symmetrical.  Its open, upper shelves create and continue the feeling of space and height to a room that might have felt dwarfed with its dropped ceiling.

Also adding visual height to this space, is the custom range hood and upper corner cabinet.  This corner cabinet also provides the storage and functionality of a pantry.

The base cabinets were painted a dark finish to give a nice anchor to the space while the upper cabinets and shelves kept everything light and open.  The cabinets were finished with streamlined door and drawer pulls to keep this kitchen feeling modern and clean.

Since balance and function had been achieved, it was time to add character.  Behind the stove top and range hood, brick was laid in a herringbone pattern.  This was done to tie the kitchen and the main space together.  In keeping with the main space, I wanted the brick to look original.  The idea was that an old fireplace might have once lived in that spot.

To counter the old character of the brick, marble counters were installed and a waterfall edge was applied to give a modern feel.  The massive three-sided island lends itself to quick and casual dining while providing plenty of space for food prep and serving.  It also houses the deep, oversized sink and vintage faucet.

The front entrance welcomes you in…

The coved ceiling and a pair of matching lanterns gives a true feeling of an outdoor courtyard entrance.  Picture moulding was applied to the front door and custom painted to give it more of an architectural presence.

Matching custom cabinets, one on either side of the front door, fill the space and provide storage.  The doors of the cabinets once lived life as old windows, and the cabinets were built to showcase these solid wood, beveled-glass, treasures. Glass console tables were added to keep the space feeling roomy, but still allowing display space for art and trinkets.