At the time of this Sutton Place co-op renovation, our clients were expecting their first child. Weighing the choice between relocating or renovating their current home in The Brevard—a modern post-war co-op in Midtown East—they decided to stay and transform their existing space. Enter Gallery. Upon consultation, we found their renovation goals focused on modernizing the kitchen, two bathrooms, and choice details throughout the home, including custom millwork around PTAC units. Our design leaned toward a mid-century modern style, with primary focus on functionality and modernization. A fresh start, from the comfort of home.
As described in our article Common Surprises When Renovating A NYC Apartment, very few renovations conclude without a few challenges. In this case, our clients wanted to open up their kitchen to create a more modern and spacious layout, but an existing gas branch line running through the ceiling posed a significant roadblock. Because this was a top-floor apartment, the issue was even more complex—gas risers typically do not extend beyond the highest unit, making modifications more complicated.
To accommodate, the team developed two potential plans: either work around the existing gas line or remove entirely—pending building approval. Once demolition began, full removal appeared easier than expected and proved to be the clear choice. From there, the Gallery team coordinated closely with our client’s building engineer, manager, and superintendent, to secure the necessary approvals. By adapting plans, we secured seamless approval, relocating the gas line to the back wall as the client envisioned. With that obstacle resolved, the kitchen was fully opened up without any structural obstructions. Let’s cook.
Because only a portion of the floor had excessive wear, our clients didn’t want to replace all flooring throughout the apartment. To strike a balance, new wood flooring was installed in the kitchen and seamlessly integrated with the existing floors to maintain visual consistency.
More space in the bathroom? Sure thing. A full gut renovation of the primary bathroom offered an opportunity for a full reconfiguration, maximizing functionality and flow. The entrance was relocated to create a more efficient layout, while the existing bathtub was replaced with a spacious walk-in shower, which included a custom glass enclosure. Additionally, a new walk-in closet was introduced, replacing the previous dresser-based storage setup.
While no structural reconfiguration was required, the guest bathroom received a full cosmetic refresh, with all finishes updated to create a fresh, modern feel. We worked with the clients to carefully select every surface, from tiles to fixtures, enhancing the space in every way. Additionally, the existing P-TECH covers were replaced with custom millwork, elevating their appeal and seamlessly blending them into the overall design for a more polished look.
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We are an award-winning design-build firm in New York City with a full-service approach to residential renovations 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.