Featured in the March 2008 issue of Metropolitan Home magazine was an example of a city apartment with great bones which was renovated efficiently and beautifully. The great bones were there, natural light, outdoor space and tall ceilings on a high floor.
Jeffrey Povero, an architect in NYC, renovated the space for himself and his partner in a 1914 hospital buiding which had been converted to apartments in the 80s. The space was a bland box when he found it, but he saw promise in the 11 foot ceilings and views of the brooklyn bridge. I'm sure the huge terrace and three exposures didn't hurt either!
What started out as plans for minimal renovations turned into a gut job, as these types of jobs often do. Why do anything half way? While not a small apartment by New York standards at 860 SF, it still had to operate efficiently for the two.
I would buy a rat filled shoebox of an apartment for that terrace. Amazing! I'm in love with the walnut paneling Povero had installed behind the fireplace (top image) and in the kitchen below and with the acres of white marble. I would have used a beefier countertop at the island though I think.....it looks fragile and skimpy.
Povero wanted to create a modern men's club, which I think reads very strongly. While a bit minimal for my personal tastes, I think the apartment is stunning.
One thing Povero and I share is a love of organization, although he takes it further than I; his books, seen above, are arranged in Dewey Decimal order! He worked for years at Robert Stern designing libraries: I suppose that will do it for you!
Mirrors were used in the apartment advantageously to reflect the light and views and make small rooms feel bigger. The photo below looks like 2 rooms almost!
The closet is also a work of supreme organization. How many closets get published in magazines? I drooled over this.....
The closet is also a work of supreme organization. How many closets get published in magazines? I drooled over this..... Even if it's not your style, I think everyone can appreciate the work that went into this space!
photographs by Peter Murdock
Terrific job, I agree. The high ceilings really make such a huge difference - creating the illusion of a much larger space. Having a terrace too, with that great view, (only spoiled, in my opinion by the tacky lights trailing above).
ReplyDeleteI saw the article too and was really impressed especially by the fireplace and the bookshelves. It is the kind of place as one gets older, not that the owner is, that appeals because of its simplicity, comfort and ease of maintenance. Excellent, chic, and masculine.
ReplyDeleteWow - it really appears to live large despite a small footprint. I'm with you on that terrace, the walnut panelling and the tidy floating bookshelves - wonderful. The whole effect is very tight with lots of impact. A stunner.
ReplyDeleteChic and modern, I think it's gorgeous. Not only is the terrace wonderful, but the doors leading to it are as well. I bet they're open like that anytime the weather allows.
ReplyDeleteLove the placement of the wall-mounted TV in the LR. It's still there for daily viewing but not the star of the show. And, yes, that closet is worth whatever it cost!
ReplyDeletePeggy
I have some of those tear sheets saved including the bookshelves and closet so it was nice to see the rest of the apartment! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt rocks, mirror in the closet, end unit with 2 corners, 1 and 1/2 baths. Who has a bathroom with a window in the big city? It would be amazing in any style.
ReplyDeleteI love the size of the windows in the living room and the indoor-outdoor feeling they encourage. The space would be a bit less WOW without windows like that.
ReplyDeleteI think the 2 most important aspects of any apartment are ceiling height and windows!
ReplyDeleteAAL, you're right -I think the whole apartment feels larger because of those beautiful french doors to the terrace.
Its that terrace that wins me and I really agree with "columnist" -- ditch the stupid fairy lights - tacky! LOL
ReplyDelete* I want to wish you a Happy New Year as I am a little ahead of the timezone to you. Its 85f this morning and it will get to 100f today - if we are lucky we may get a cool change with rain and thunder which will sadly stop some of the fireworks IF the rain happens.
Hows that snow of yours going??? Love some right now! LOL
loved this story! miss met home too! happy new year!
ReplyDeleteEddie + Jaithan
I looked at that floor plan and OMG! it was the exact layout as my penthouse apartment. When
ReplyDeleteI was in the muck and mire of my divorce. I loved that apt.
The best to you for the coming year. You are such a wonderfully talented Lady.
Looking forward to a friendship this year. Yvonne
The terrace is the best! I also love the corner shelves too.
ReplyDeletesensational, just sensational...and I'm with you about the rat filled shoebox..
ReplyDeleteThis certainly could be my style. Terrific, particularly the walnut panelling. I note the use of regularly placed cardboard boxes (almost Hermes coloured) as bookends on the shelves. It could work for a more obsessive person than me!
ReplyDelete