In a post-war building, this Upper East Side co-op had a traditional, three-bedroom layout with an enclosed kitchen and separate staff area. The central gallery, which is now articulated by a high, tray ceiling, acts as the nexus of the living room, dining room, and a hall leading to the private quarters. We expanded the entries into the living and dining rooms to better relate the two and to open up vistas in the home. The limestone floor in the foyer, gallery and dining area was retained and oak planks in a similar tone delineate the threshold into the dining area. In the living room, a trio of tall, single-paned windows overlook Central Park’s reservoir. We treated two walls with Venetian plaster to reflect light and paneled the third in oak, with a modern adaptation of a crown molding subtly framing the space.

By combining a separate staff area and removing a wall of cabinetry, we significantly enlarged the kitchen and opened it to the dining room. A center island, clad in a grey Pietra Cardosa stone, features a range and casual eating area with two stools. The stainless-steel hood, appliances and a rectangular column reflect light from the windows, along with the stone countertops and white Corian walls. Oak paneling around the perimeter disguises cabinetry and a full pantry, as well as a door into the laundry room. A sliding, blackened-steel panel with horizontal glass panes can close off the kitchen; the same materials are used for a display shelving unit over a prominent counter and prep area. The floor has a discrete checkerboard pattern created by the end-grain hemlock.

To define the narrow passageway leading into the primary suite, we left a concrete wall exposed and delaminated a column to contrast with the smooth lacquer of the adjacent closet door. The bedroom, which has views of the park, was reconfigured for a better arrangement with an en suite dressing room and bath. The bathroom is clad in porcelain tile with controlled seams for a clean look, along with Danby marble and a white stone sink. Behind the vanity’s mirror and oak paneling are a linen closet, makeup mirror, and storage areas. Discrete direct and indirect lights are adjustable and undercabinet lighting allows a low-level luminosity at night.

The second full bathroom is used by the husband and also serves as the guest bath. Large-format porcelain clads the space that is punctuated by a long, rectilinear niche in Danby marble that extends across the width of the room, forming a shelf that runs through the shower. The niche is brightened by lights tucked beneath the large mirror with an integrated custom medicine cabinet. The base to the custom stone sink has oak cabinetry and pullout drawers. An assemblage of round light fixtures illuminates the room and super-clear panels of low-iron glass protect the tub and shower.

To embellish the powder room off the foyer, we carved into the ceiling to claim additional height and designed a custom sink and vanity in a dark, gradated stone. While the door appears identical to others in the apartment, on the inside it contains a mirrored panel behind the ribbed glass.