Manhattan Pre-War Apartment Renovation

Design Details

The transitional aesthetic, which pairs classic choices with modern touches, is ideal for pre-war apartment renovations. In this kitchen renovation, in-set Shaker-style cabinets open and close flush with the frame instead of over it, a design feature of pre-war English-style kitchens. The champagne-colored pull handles offer a contemporary sense of contrast, while the matching quartz countertops and backsplash pull the look together. 

For the final touch, we built a breakfast nook into the kitchen area, opting for an open shelf along the sink instead of another hanging cabinet. The openness creates design cohesion between the kitchen and nook, enhancing the usability of both. Many of the upgrades, such as the crown and base moulding, are brand new, but crafted to be visually period-specific.

We also updated two bathrooms in this Manhattan pre-war apartment renovation. subway tiles with a modern twist bring a timeless New York sensibility, while the glass-paned shower and floating double vanity creates a spa-like atmosphere in one bathroom. In the other, large marble tiles visually animate the main floor, while penny tiles offer smaller-scale contrast in the shower.

Forgiving Flooring

The apartment received new floors in the kitchen, new tiles in the bathrooms, and refinished floors throughout the rest of the space. A darker stain was chosen for the refinishing, providing a nice contrast against the overall lighter tones throughout the apartment that’s also accurate for the pre-war period. 

The refinished flooring is one area where we were able to guide our clients toward a smarter use of budget, as refinishing existing floors is a fraction of the cost of putting in brand new ones. The dark stain was specifically selected for its forgiving nature, hiding the scratches and other wear-and-tear of 100 years spent lining an apartment floor.

From Pre-War to Modern Day

Virtually all pre-war renovations which have not been previously remodeled in any way share the need to replace outdated plumbing and electricity. To add to the undertaking, this particular Manhattan pre-war apartment renovation was also in estate condition, necessitating a complete redo of all plumbing and electrical. The original walls were also fairly damaged, requiring a great deal of skim coating. As usual, replacing plaster walls and dealing with the unpredictable effects of inconsistent or nonexistent upkeep were challenges par for the pre-war course in this renovation, allowing our expertise in New York’s pre-war properties to shine.

Some Highlights

• In-set cabinets for a classic pre-war English kitchen look
• Newly built-in areas, including a breakfast nook in the kitchen and custom closets
• Recessed lights throughout the space
• True gut renovation from estate condition, meaning almost everything was completely redone
• The apartment’s amazing views of the Hudson River!

Thinking about a pre-war apartment renovation? Contact us today! We specialize in full renovations of New York spaces, from pre-war brownstones and apartments to condos and lofts. We’re experts in full gut renovations in which every inch of the space is updated and have the knowledge to navigate every step of the process, from filing permits and organizing schedules to sourcing custom pieces and building entirely new rooms. Work with Gallery as your design-and-build firm to benefit from our clear communication and start-to-finish approach.