This renovation strives to respect the classic features of pre-war New York architecture, while updating them to meet contemporary needs. The entry foyer became a central node, connecting the dining room, living room and bedroom area with a series of large walnut open door frames. The main public spaces create a large and open kitchen adjacent to the dining room, from which one can glance into the living room through a small bookcase slot. Open and staggered book shelves accommodate the owners' vast library, a formal theme which is repeated in the primary bedroom.

All bathrooms were renovated, and a new powder room was created between the study and kitchen. With a new central air system, wood floors and energy-efficient lighting, this apartment is a comfortable family home for the 21st century.

Photography: Bilyana Dimitrova

Client Testimonials: Outcomes that Demonstrate Success
"Our apartment is a second floor apartment that could easily not have lots of light. Esther was able to help us maximize the windows and the natural light to capture it in a way that makes the darker days of winter (and even fall!) feel still light, bright and airy. By removing the old style molding and offering us a clean design aesthetic, she helped us to bring much more light into our space year-round.

She also made it possible for us to use our space wisely and have central air conditioning. We were able to take one oddly shaped closet, break it into three and create a small closet, an AC closet with some storage space, and a built in bookshelf for our son's room, and end up with central air. It was difficult with the permissions secured from the building, but Esther's persistence and patience, and willingness to make it invisible with vents and only barely lowered ceilings helped us to be fantastically comfortable and enjoy maximum space alongside the unit."