BEFORE AND AFTER
Harlem Loft
The Main Space
BEFORE: The wall of windows and its amazing view is the big draw for this high-rise Harlem loft, but pre-renovation, sight lines had been blocked by a closed-off foyer and nighttime reflections on the glass. An unnecessary wall of closets forced furniture into an awkward layout with no good TV position.
AFTER: Tearing down walls opened the whole space up. Removing the closets allowed for a media niche and more balanced furniture placement. Swapping the reflective white kitchen for dark cabinetry effectively eliminated glare and restored the view. Adding a few new accents finished the space but much of the original furniture was reused. A limited palette of black, gray and walnut lets the striking wallpaper and classic Foscarini chandelier take center stage.
The result is an elegant and relaxed home.
The Foyer
Creating a proper foyer was key to making the whole space work: Beyond opening up the small and closed off entrance, other useful changes were made:
- The laundry closet was rotated 90 degrees to face the foyer, rather than the kitchen. Note that the W/D remained in the same location (see floor plan at left).
- Shifting the foyer closet forward allowed for more storage in both the entry and kitchen, and provides privacy for the guest bath, which previously had been in the direct line of sight from the kitchen.
- An awkwardly placed column is fitted with a triangular floating shelf; the perfect drop spot for keys.
- Hidden pocket doors can close off the bedroom suite from the main space -- perfect for overnight guests and reducing air conditioning use in the WFH bedroom office.
Bed and Bath
The remaining rooms just needed cosmetic makeovers and some pretty color.
Continuing the use of walnut cabinetry unifies the palette and a pale shade of the teal used in the foyer is carried over as an accent wall in the bedroom.
We flipped the bedroom layout, installed a patterned window shade and framed the clients' vacation photos. Swapping for a low-profile frame reduces the apparent volume of the king-sized bed, and new linens lighten the space.
In the bathroom, a feature wall of marble tiles and matching hex on the floor mixes with textured porcelain field tile. Framed sepia photos of local hot spots sit above Missoni bath towels.