Located in the Sky Lofts building in Tribeca (once home to the most expensive apartment sale in NYC), our clients were ready to renovate and modernize their centerpiece kitchen. Due to the unique nature of loft renovations (high ceilings, columns, creative and skillful lighting applications, among other factors), Gallery’s expertise in loft spaces was vital to our clients. In addition to the loft particularities, it’s important in a kitchen of this size to ensure that all the elements have been laid out with purpose from a functional perspective and a design perspective. CENTERPIECE KITCHEN Color was an important design element in this kitchen. This is evident in the striking blues and grays of the marble countertops and backsplash, as well as the dark navy hue of the built-in cabinets. White lower cabinets create two-tone contrast, while glass cabinets and a long wood open shelf make the most of the available height. The built-in cabinets also include built-in appliances: an espresso maker, coffee machine, two side-by-side wine fridges, and even an integrated refrigerator paneled to match the cabinetry for an essentially seamless look. The cabinets are all push-to-open, eliminating knobs to complete the overall sleek, contemporary style. The marble backsplash is also book-matched, meaning the slabs of stone have been cut and polished to match each other, creating a mirroring effect that further contributes to the cohesive, contemporary aesthetic of this apartment. BUILDING CONSIDERATIONS Functional factors are another vital component to New York City apartment building renovations. In this particular project, we had to consider how to get large slabs of stone into the loft without having to cut them up. When working with slabs, and especially when the design is as sleek and contemporary as this one, it’s vital to eliminate seams as much as possible. Elevators and stairs are often not large enough to handle large slabs of stone, which means there are only two other options: cutting the stone and putting it back together on site (but this will create a seam, so it’s not always an option) or using a crane to bring it in through a window. Higher-end buildings tend to have more restrictions and management companies with stricter renovation guidelines – with good reason. A good relationship with the super and staff of the building is absolutely essential; effective communication with everyone involved will result in an ideal outcome for all parties. ARTFUL LOGISTICS Seemingly minor elements such as apartment protections are also just as crucial. While every renovation will require protections in hallways, common spaces, zip walls, and perhaps the floors, those protections are doubled when renovating in an apartment that’s currently occupied. In the case of this particular client, who owned a great deal of valuable artwork in addition to their furniture and other belongings, Gallery exacted their own form of art when putting the protections in place and maneuvering around them with skill. SOME HIGHLIGHTS - Unique marble slabs (Azul Macauba quartzite and Calacatta Diamond quartzite) for the countertops and backsplash - Book-matched backsplash - Gaggenau appliances - Glass cabinets with built-in lighting - Custom millwork for the cabinets