Madison Avenue Apartment Renovation
Architect Brian Billings and interior designer Karen Gorman turned a classic 3-bedroom apartment in estate condition into a refined, yet comfortable and kid-friendly modern home. The project is located in New York City.
Description
The design team combined the original dining and living rooms into a flexible, bright and cozy living space grounded by a fireplace flanked with built-in bookshelves. Furnishings upholstered in inviting materials like leather and soft fabrics increase the homey feel.
The large master bedroom was re-configured into an intimately scaled bedroom and a separate, millwork dressing room. Bathrooms were finished with a combination of slab marble and ceramic tile to provide elegant yet functional spaces.
Utilized throughout the apartment, transitional detailing—custom millwork, Oak flooring and plaster and wood moldings—links the modern rooms with the traditional feel of the building, “The challenge was to restore and preserve the integrity of the detailing while updating the apartment for the lifestyle of a young family,” says Brian Billings.
In the Kitchen, a series of staff and service spaces were incorporated into a large, open space with separate zones for cooking, dining and storage. A small office was maintained directly off the kitchen as a dedicated homework space for the children. In the children’s rooms walk-in closets and built-in cabinetry provide ample storage.
The team also remodeled the kids’ bathroom. To increase usage, they created a separate vanity area from the tub/WC allowing the family’s three children to use the bath simultaneously.
Photography by Molly Schlachter
- by Matt Watts
