This prewar apartment located on Park Avenue in New York City has undergone one of the most stunning transformations! Michael K. Chen Architecture (MKCA) completed both the gut renovation and interior design of the 2,800 ­square­ home which is concentrated on maximizing the already well­ proportioned formal spaces. From the furniture, to the finishes, to the unique art & design objects, MKCA’s selection’s played a large part in maximizing natural light, visual interconnectivity, and playfulness throughout.

A PLACE TO GATHER

Lets start off in the whimsically, yet totally sophisticated living and dining area. What was once a tiny door opening has been substantially enlarged and infilled with a black metal and glass sliding partition creating a generous portal between the two spaces. Facing the doors, a grey onyx and bronze fireplace mantel is flanked by turquoise glass sconces with a vintage Fontana Arte mirror above. A massive circular custom sofa designed by MKCA is upholstered in a bright blue synthetic textile from Maharam. “The round form was so useful,” says Chen. “We intended the sofa to be the centerpiece of the room, and be large enough for the whole family to plop down, and to transition between intimate conversation and full-blown party mode, which is does really well.”

Park Avenue Apartment by MKCAAfter Photo by Brooke Holm

PERSONALIZED INTIMATE SPACE

The master bedroom and bath were touched lightly, with the addition of custom millwork his and hers closets, and new finishes and fixtures in the master bath. A vintage shelving unit by Frederick Weinberg sourced from eBay holds vintage ceramics and books that the couple collect, and the couple’s bed is flanked by vintage nightstands by Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena, sourced from Compasso Gallery; and custom sconces by Allied Maker.

Park Avenue Apartment by MKCAAfter Photo by Brooke Holm

HEART OF THE HOME

To create a light-­filled kitchen where there was only one window facing a courtyard, Chen relied on high­-contrast materials. The lacquer and ebonized oak pantry links the dining room and kitchen, which is lined in glossy three­-dimensional tile from Ann Sacks, and pale iridescent wall covering from Flat Vernacular. “We wanted to catch as much light as we could with the glossy molded tiles,” says Chen, “There is always a play of light and shadow along the wall because of the three dimensional texture”.

Park Avenue Apartment by MKCAAfter Photo by Brooke Holm

POWDER ROOM LUXURY

Off of the gallery, MKCA created a powder room and cloak room duet. The sleek and moody new powder room inhabits a former closet, and is lined from floor to ceiling in handmade metallic black tiles from Heath Ceramics and features a floating custom console of barely pink Rosa Aurora stone, lacquer, and smoke mirror, conjuring images of nightclub naughtiness. In contrast, the generous new cloak room across the gallery boasts powdery pink lacquer built­ins, integrated LED lighting, and puffy flamingo wallpaper, projecting a sunny and playful disposition. The cloak room absorbs baby strollers, shoes, and coats for the family and their guests in crisply detailed millwork compartments.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MKCA CLICK HERE. 

 

September 03, 2019 — Stacy Garcia

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