A closed-off prewar kitchen becomes a warm, modern cook's kitchen — soft grey cabinetry, walnut and brass, and a marble island built for gathering.
Our clients loved their prewar Upper East Side apartment, but the kitchen at its center felt closed-off and stuck in another era. They wanted a warm, modern cook's kitchen — one built for real use and gathering — without abandoning the building's classic character.
The room's prewar dimensions were fixed and non-negotiable. Adding the island, storage, and bar our clients wanted meant finding function within existing walls rather than borrowing space from elsewhere in the apartment.
We grounded the kitchen in soft, pale stone-grey cabinetry, then warmed it with walnut slat detailing and brass fixtures throughout. A marble waterfall island anchors the room for both prep and gathering, while a concealed bar with backlit glass shelving adds a quiet moment of drama. Statement pendant lights and light oak floors complete a layered, considered lighting plan.
The finished kitchen is calm and tactile — a hardworking space that feels unmistakably warm despite its restrained grey palette. It is a room our clients now use, and gather in, every day.
“Daria worked tirelessly to increase the functionality, appeal and overall value of our apartment — and was a real pleasure to work with.”Mali M. · Client