

For this co-op gut renovation on the Upper West Side, the client wasn't looking to completely change their pre-war apartment from modern to contemporary, or go fully classic. What they did know was being less than a block away from Central Park meant a total overhaul of their recently-purchased space would make the most of their property value. So, we worked with the client to find a design middle ground that tastefully married various styles to create a more open, functional, and overly pristine lay-out. To achieve the look, we did a full gut renovation of the space, including opening up the living room, new closets in the hallway, a total overhaul of two bathrooms and the kitchen, and updated oak flooring throughout.
Because this pre-war co-op renovation was so large, part of our challenge was making sure we stayed within budget. We always want the best for our clients, even if that means getting creative with our design, in order to maximize the final output. In this case, the wood floors weren't in fantastic shape and could have been replaced. However, to conserve our budget, we refinished them instead and used a dark stain to the hide any imperfections. In turn, the flooring choice grounded the home's whole design, allowing us to juxtapose the dark tone with fresh white walls and bold furniture choices.


As you can see from the before images below, this walk-up kitchen needed some serious TLC when we arrived. To modernize the space, we added flat-panel cabinetry, which isn't often associated with pre-war renovations. However, with the seamless, veined quartz countertops and backsplash, the cabinets blend well, trying everything together for a blended contemporary-classic look that makes the cooking space immediately more manageable.
Considering a condo or co-op renovation in NYC? Find timely inspiration for your upcoming condo reno via our latest article, Condo Renovation Ideas 2026. View our portfolio of co-op & condo renovation before and afters, learn more about Gallery, or simply contact us today.
We are an award-winning design-build firm in New York City with a full-service approach to residential renovations in Manhattan and Brooklyn that includes everything from interior design and architectural services to facilitating building management and board approval, to construction and construction management. We’re experts in renovating pre-war spaces, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, millwork, and all that falls in between. Let us bring your dream home to life.















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Yes. We handle the entire process start to finish, from architectural services, permits, and board approval to interior design, material procurement, project management and construction.
Consider The Details: Benefits Of Combined Design & Architecture Planning For Your Apartment Renovation
Yes. Our project minimum is $400,000.
Renovation costs vary significantly based on apartment size, scope, finish level, existing conditions, and building type. As a general benchmark in Manhattan:
Pre-war buildings typically cost more due to older infrastructure and additional labor requirements.
To better understand renovation pricing in 2026, start with our cost-per-square-foot analysis, then review our planning guide for budgeting insights and strategic considerations:
Gallery KBNY focuses exclusively on co-ops, condos, and pre-war apartments in Manhattan and Brooklyn. The firm's differentiators are rigorous pre-construction due diligence, a fully integrated design-build model, and deep experience navigating the board, DOB, and building-specific complexities that define NYC renovation. Architecture, interior design, project management, and construction operate under one coordinated team, reducing risk and keeping accountability clear from concept through completion.
Learn more about what separates us from other general contractors and so-called design-build firms.
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