Manhattan Apartment Renovation | 61 Jane St

Recessed Lighting, Soffit-Style

The clients’ one major request was recessed lighting, born of a desire to not use floor lamps. New York City buildings, however, have restrictions against penetrating ceilings. 

In that case, one common option is to drop the existing ceiling and install the recessed lighting in that manner. That wasn’t an option in this Manhattan apartment renovation because it would have caused the top of the window to press up against the ceiling. 

Instead, Gallery built soffits along the back wall, above the couch. That way, we were able to install the recessed lighting without losing any ceiling height. A creative and attractive solution for any apartment, but especially so in a space designed for being able to put everything in its right place.

Character and Contrasts

In the kitchen, gray Shaker-style cabinets are made more practical with undercabinet lighting and more aesthetically pleasing with modern pulls for the handles. A subway tile backsplash in a chevron pattern brings personality, while the peninsula island with waterfall edge contributes further to the clean, modern look.

The clean and simple theme continued to reign in the bathroom of this Manhattan apartment renovation. Classic subway tile contrasts against the larger tile in a sandstone color that matches the vanity wood. Another contribution to the overall cleanliness was a glass-paneled shower, removing the need for curtains. A niche in the shower adds both storage space and a touch of character.

Custom Closets

One key feature in this Manhattan apartment renovation is the custom shared walk-in closet Gallery built, with individualized storage based on the needs and even specific clothes of the clients. Every type of item should have a designated storage area, rendering clutter impossible.

The clients chose this specific closet design in part for the open floor space to store shoes and the visual appeal of the floating cabinets, with open areas for hanging clothes. The cherry on top: the light is activated by whether or not the door is open, so it shuts off when the door is closed and vice versa. At Gallery, it really is all in the details.

Some Highlights

• Soffits built to house recessed lighting in order to preserve ceiling height
• Brand new select oak flooring with a natural stain throughout the entire apartment
• Custom closets built to clients’ specifications and needs

Considering an apartment renovation in Manhattan? View our full portfolio of New York City renovation before and afters, learn more about Gallery KBNY, or simply contact us today. Find timely inspiration for your upcoming condo renovation via our latest piece, Condo Renovation Ideas 2023.

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 homes, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, sourcing custom pieces, building entirely new rooms (or even balconies), millwork, and all that falls in between. Let Gallery bring your dream home to life.