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Manhattan Apartment Renovation | 130 E 18th
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About This Renovation
Before we delivered this timeless Gramercy Park renovation, our client was looking for a bigger space to accommodate their family, including two young kids and aging parents. They eventually bought an apartment that was originally four combined units, an extremely rare find in NYC.
With a massive footprint and strong bones, the clients wanted to open up their layout with a unified kitchen, dining room and living room, then refine the space with a more transitional design. That’s when they partnered with Gallery for a full apartment remodel, welcoming our all-inclusive design-build approach. However, with an awkward floor plan, uneven flooring, dated wallpaper, stale cabinets, and overwhelming old built-ins, our work was cut out for us.
Project at a glace
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Less Walls, More Appeal
To achieve the client’s dream layout, we had to rework the floor-plan and refresh the entire space. The main adjustment required knocking down the walls in the living room and between the dining room and kitchen. However, removing the wall sprouted another challenge, as there was different flooring in different parts of the space - one of which was noticeably lower. The solution required removing the floors from the smaller side of the space, then weaving in new flooring to match the existing. The result allows for an optimized layout that achieves our client’s desired flow and sets the foundation for the apartment’s transitional design and evergreen NYC appeal.
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Custom Lighting Solution
One of the client’s specific goals was to add feature lighting in the dining room - which presented a challenge since they didn’t want to drop the ceiling and the building wouldn’t allow us to channel the existing ceiling. To solve for this we had to conceive an out of the box way to get power to the ceiling. Because the ceilings were already only eight feet tall and the client did not want to lose any more height, we instituted a beam that matched the beam in the living room which is where the light fixture over the dining room table is. Our soft touch solution evened out the rooms with a natural separation while still maintaining the open floor concept.
Kitchen Renovation With Seamless Peninsula
The kitchen renovation included significant changes to the layout and floor plan Most noticeably, we rearranged the layout to accommodate an expansive peninsula, offering comfortable seating for four that simply wasn’t available in the prior floor-plan. For the peninsula, our client was adamant about not wanting seams on the Calacatta Miraggio quartz countertop. This posed a problem, because the service elevator could not fit the full slab and the fact they’re on the 14th floor meant manual efforts like lifting up through a window via crane would be quite expensive. We came up with a solution where we hid the seam with another countertop block, creating a sleek transitional ledge that offers an added design accent along with practical use via conveniently-hidden outlets.
Additionally in the expanded kitchen, we implemented custom-paneled appliances, a matching pantry wall, plus a mosaic backsplash made from gorgeous Anne Sacks ceramic tile. The Milaris Providence shaker cabinets feature a two-tone blend of Chantilly Lace on top and a darker Andres Summit on bottom to give the design added depth.
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Added Path To Powder Room
Having a powder room in the main area of the home that opens to the kitchen can pose an awkward layout and privacy concerns. To offer more privacy we rethought the floor plan and created a private hallway to the powder room so that guests are not walking out directly into the open kitchen. Beyond added privacy, the updated powder room features an inviting Zebras wallpaper pattern from Scalamandre, which was famously seen in NYC-based classic, The Royal Tenenbaums.
ADDITIONAL UPDATES
- Updated Electrical, Flooring Throughout
- Refinished Built-ins Throughout Entire apartment
- Repainted Whole Apartment: Including removing wallpaper from the entire and skim coating all areas for proper paint application
- Smart Home Set-Up: Given multiple entrances and the large size of the apartment we incorporated smart home system by Lutron for added convenience. This allows our clients to operate the lights, sound system and automatic shades from various locations of the apartment. In addition to the smart home system we worked with the client’s third-party AV specialist, guiding the complex installation of plaster-in speakers that are inside the wall and invisible to the eye. For more on smart home options, read Renovations & Technology: 10 Smart Home Remodeling Ideas
- Decoration and furniture by @SRFinteriors
Considering an apartment renovation in Manhattan? For timely inspiration, consider these 8 Factors To Consider When Renovating In NYC. View our portfolio of apartment 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 pre-war renovations, apartment combinations, full gut renovations, kitchens, bathrooms, and all that falls in between. Let Gallery bring your dream home to life.
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BEFORE + PROGRESS
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AFTER
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NYC RENOVATION FAQS
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:
- Full gut renovation, pre-war apartment (~1,800 sq ft), upper-mid-level finishes: $500 to $650 per sq ft, or approximately $850,000 to $1,000,000+
- Same scope with luxury finishes, elaborate millwork, and extensive HVAC or window work: $600 to $850 per sq ft, or $1,000,000 to $1,500,000+
- Newer building in good condition, primarily cosmetic renovation: $375 to $500 per sq ft, or approximately $650,000 to $900,000
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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