A Cramped NYC Apartment Becomes a Light-Filled Loft

CHUA were hired to transform the 800-square-foot Level Apartment from a cramped, post-war apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan into a light-filled loft that felt more spacious. The first step was to gut the small, two bedroom, which began with removing the existing bedroom walls and swapping them out with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors. The new doors allow the client to change the space as needed from a one-bedroom suite to a more intimate, two bedroom for a growing family.

Keeping the color palette simple with materials in matte black, warm walnut, white, and a deep blue, the consistency creates a cohesive feel throughout. The kitchen appliances are all disguised behind custom oil-rubbed walnut millwork. The countertops, backsplash, and upper cabinets are made of a 100% recycled black paperstone, while the floors are made of a Brushed Pearl bamboo.

In order to open the interior up, the kitchen now flows to the living room maximizing the natural light.

For additional storage, custom blackened steel shelves were designed to flank the door to the terrace.

All-black fixtures were used in the bathroom to create a spa-like retreat.

Photos by Matthew Chua and Vincent Chin Photography.