This article advocates for prioritizing your experience when doing a gut renovation. We demonstrate that when you elevate your pleasure, you increase value.
Background:
In New York City, real estate is precious, and this 450-square-foot studio apartment takes advantage of its valuable space, which is bathed in morning light in the fashionable Gramercy Park neighborhood. Located just south of the Upper East Side.
The term “Pied à terre,” literally meaning “foot on the ground” in French, refers to a secondary home, used less frequently than a vacation home.
Our client saw her apartment as an investment in her own pleasure and as an asset. She achieved her goals by enhancing her visits to NYC with a beautiful environment and elevating the coop’s market value to the top tier of comparable apartments in this neighborhood of similar size.
The Story:
The Challenge: Located south of the Upper East Side, the apartment presented several challenges – limited space, a charming but obstructed casement window, insufficient closet space, and outdated finishes. Our mission was clear: create a functional, eco-friendly, and cost-sensitive design that maximizes the use of available space.
The Client: Our client, a chic bi-coastal businesswoman passionate about art, desired a stylish sanctuary for her frequent visits to Manhattan. The goal was to transform this compact studio into a modern and welcoming space where she could feel at home and entertain.
The Transformation: We removed unnecessary elements to enhance light penetration and create a more spacious feel. We reused existing cabinetry, refinished the floors, and kept the bathroom fittings and configuration. We designed built-ins and carefully selected furnishing to optimize storage, flexibility, and entertainment possibilities. We made the large East-facing window the focal point the moment you enter the apartment.
The result is a 450-square-foot studio that feels expansive.
The apartment opens before you, with more storage hiding in plain sight: in the headboard and under the mattress.The apartment opens before you, with more storage hiding in plain sight: in the headboard and under the mattress.A full kitchen with a refrigerator and freezer below the counter keeps the studio open and airy. The table is now folded to seat two.
The Results:
We used the following key design elements to achieve our client’s desire to invest in her experience and the asset value of the apartment.
Strategic Storage Solutions: Custom closets were designed, and furniture was selected to maximize storage, ensuring ample room for the client’s wardrobe and possessions while keeping the floor open and available.
Multipurpose Furniture: Dual-functionality was vital. A dining table that doubled in size, a daybed transforming into a peaceful sleeping nook, and double-sided curtains for privacy allowed for easy transformations based on the client’s needs.
Bright and Airy Aesthetics: Unnecessary elements were removed for more light penetration, creating a bright and airy ambiance. The kitchen integrates into the main entertaining space with full amenity appliances.
Art: The client’s art collection found its place in the studio, illuminated by museum-quality lighting, turning the apartment into a gallery of her collection.
Bathroom Upgrade: Marble wall tiles, accessories, and a utility closet accessing hard-to-reach storage areas added a touch of luxury to the upgraded bathroom.
To make the apartment feel more extensive, we removed an extraneous partition, soffit, and cabinet to make the space more expansive.This minimalist kitchen integrates into the main entertaining space with full amenity appliances below the counter.
Takeaways:
This studio showcases maximizing storage, embracing eco-friendly practices, and creating a spaciousness uncommon for its size. The transformed apartment now perfectly aligns with our client’s lifestyle. Takeaways for Small Space Dwellers:
Strategic Furniture Choices: Opt for furniture that serves multiple purposes to make the most of your space.
Lighting Matters: Enhance natural light whenever possible to create a brighter, more open atmosphere.
Personal Touch: Incorporate elements that reflect your personality, like a curated art collection, to make your space uniquely yours.
Storage Optimization: Invest in custom storage solutions to keep your belongings organized and easily accessible.
Flexibility is Key: Embrace designs that allow for easy transformations, adapting your space to different needs.
The apartment starts narrow as it passes the bathroom. Customized storage defines the dressing and sleeping area.A quiet wall hides a large closet.The second layer of doors reveals 15 linear feet of multilevel hanging and over 30 linear feet of shoe storage!The bathroom was “re-skinned” with new tile over the bright-red mosaic to create a calm experience. We retained All other elements with the combined intention of saving money and reducing construction waste.
Moving Forward:
Focus on the experience of a space to create value. Unlock the potential of a small space with clever creativity and increased investment in solutions with more than one function. When turning a compact area into a stylish retreat, remember it’s not just about size—it’s about blending beauty functionality and maximizing your space. The effort and investment will expand small spaces.
Did you find this article helpful? Leave comments for us below.
Do you have questions about Gramercy Pied à Terre? Contact us, and we may address your query in a future article!
About Us:
We are architects specializing in transforming homes to increase light views and experience – we focus on our clients’ delight! contact@akainsight.com
Drawing on her education from Dartmouth College (BA with Honors) and Columbia University (Master of Architecture), Allegra guides clients through the complexities of home transformation with straightforward, practical advice. Her approach combines professional expertise with accessible solutions to help people create spaces they love.
2 replies on “Living Large In A Tiny Footprint – A Gramercy Pied à Terre Case Study”
Simply amazing what you were able to do with this space!! I especially like the treatment you were able to give the larger window. It makes the living area seem a lot larger.
Also, the storage/closet problem was solved brilliantly, and the shoe wall was a nice touch.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment! We are delighted that you enjoyed the design elements highlighted in our post. Our mission is to share ideas that elevate both style and functionality in home design. Please share this post with your network!
Did you find this article helpful?
Leave comments for us below Cancel reply
Schedule Your Complimentary
20-Minute Discovery Call
2 replies on “Living Large In A Tiny Footprint – A Gramercy Pied à Terre Case Study”
Simply amazing what you were able to do with this space!! I especially like the treatment you were able to give the larger window. It makes the living area seem a lot larger.
Also, the storage/closet problem was solved brilliantly, and the shoe wall was a nice touch.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment! We are delighted that you enjoyed the design elements highlighted in our post. Our mission is to share ideas that elevate both style and functionality in home design. Please share this post with your network!