King Street Townhouse

This 1840’s Manhattan brownstone was renovated for a couple with two children and a dog, requiring meticulous planning to relocate the kitchen and dining area to the parlor level while transforming the garden level into a primary suite and kids' bedroom. Unique to this townhouse is its expansive double-lot exterior yard, providing ample outdoor space for the family’s enjoyment.

Awards

KBDY 2024 SILVER / Best Kitchen under $100K

KBDN 2024 SILVER / Best Master Bathroom $75K-$125K

SQUARE FOOTAGE

2100 SF on two floors and Exterior 1700 SF Garden, 150 SF Terrace

Parlor: Kitchen/Dining, Living Room, Primary Entry and Foyer, Playroom, Guest Bathroom, Exterior Terrace and Backyard Entry

Garden: Primary Bedroom, Primary Closet, Secondary Entry, Laundry, Kids Bathroom, Kids Bedroom, Exterior Patio and Backyard Entry

Both floors were reinforced, and new wood flooring was installed. A wider, modern staircase was added between the parlor and garden levels, along with custom wood built-ins throughout. Upgrades included new lighting and plumbing fixtures, and the garden level was enhanced with a spacious primary suite featuring a walk-in closet and a large primary bathroom.

Blackened metal French doors were installed on the South facing back facade, and a new kitchen was added, complete with a small island. The island features a stunning fluted solid walnut wood facade. Natural marble stone was used for both the backsplash and countertops, adding a touch of sophistication to this urban kitchen. Given the small footprint of the kitchen, the number of accessible cabinets was limited. We meticulously designed each cabinet to maximize storage. Dedicated spots were created for trays and baking sheets above the refrigerator, while pull-out drawers in a narrow pantry were allocated for kids' snacks. Additionally, a small microwave is cleverly concealed within the right pantry cabinet.

The newly added primary bathroom is a tranquil retreat within their home. Crafted as a luxurious “hideaway,” it offers a spa-like experience and a relaxing sanctuary. The design showcases warm marble tones on the walls, complemented by a fluted marble accent behind the freestanding bathtub. Elegant brass fixtures and a walnut vanity add sophistication, while a spacious shower enhances both functionality and comfort. These elements come together to create a serene and inviting haven.

The layout posed a significant challenge. The renovation involved transforming an existing kitchen and dining area into a primary bathroom. The new design needed to accommodate a double vanity, a separate toilet room, a large shower, and the freestanding bathtub, all while integrating a walk-in closet adjacent to the primary bedroom. Balancing these requirements within the existing space required careful planning and precise execution to create a cohesive and functional layout.

The primary bathroom design presented several other challenges due to the client’s desire for durability and functionality. The chosen solid surface bathtub, rather than acrylic, weighed nearly 400 pounds. This required a team of five men to transport it from the sidewalk delivery to the primary suite, ensuring it was safely maneuvered into place.

Additionally, the structural floor needed reinforcement to support the substantial weight of both the bathtub and over 60 gallons of water. This upgrade was essential to ensure the floor could handle the load without compromising safety.

To ensure comfort during the winter months, new floor radiant heating was installed throughout the entire floor space, including the shower area. This upgrade was made to meet the clients' desire for a warm and cozy environment.

GREEN ELEMENTS

  • FSC-certified plywood was used for kitchen cabinet interiors, sourced from sustainably managed forests to protect against deforestation and illegal harvesting.
  • Natural marble countertops and backsplash were chosen for their eco-friendly properties and low embodied energy.
  • Zero VOC paints were applied to both walls and cabinets to minimize environmental impact.
  • LED light bulbs replaced traditional lighting, including recessed cans, for greater energy efficiency.
  • A kitchen ceiling fan was installed to enhance energy efficiency by redistributing warmer air in winter and circulating cooler air in summer.
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