Designed by BarlisWedlick Architects with interiors by MK Workshop, this full-floor loft apartment in New York City was renovated for a family of five wanting a home with more warmth and personality. The original apartment had generous space and multiple terraces, but its stark white walls and grey millwork left the interiors feeling flat and uninspiring.
Instead of rebuilding everything, the design focused on introducing richer materials and more texture throughout the home. Custom White Oak became the defining feature, appearing in walls, storage, shelving, and hidden elements that give the loft a warmer and more refined atmosphere.
A Sculptural First Impression in the Foyer
The entry sequence was completely redesigned to create a more defined foyer experience. Limestone flooring in a custom trapezoid pattern introduces texture immediately, while a Ralph Pucci Oval Cumulus chandelier adds a sculptural focal point overhead.
A woven tapestry by Rachel Snack of Weaver House softens the space and adds warmth against the architectural finishes. Strategic wall adjustments also allowed utility spaces like the mudroom and office to remain hidden from view.
An Open Living and Dining Space Filled With Warmth
The living and dining area combines custom millwork, soft textures, and collected furniture pieces to make the open-plan layout feel welcoming. Hidden storage for more than 800 vinyl records and an integrated stereo system reflects the family’s love of music while keeping the room visually clean.
In the dining area, a dropped Venetian plaster ceiling introduces contrast and creates a more intimate atmosphere within the larger space. A custom lacquered dining table by MK Workshop sits beneath the sculptural Prato Pendant by Orphan Work, surrounded by Mario Bellini Cab chairs for Cassina.
A Cozy Breakfast Area for Everyday Living
Next to the kitchen, the breakfast area was designed for casual family meals and quieter moments throughout the day. A custom Verdi Alpi marble table by MK Workshop pairs with built-in banquette seating to create a softer and more relaxed dining setting.
The curved seating helps balance the apartment’s sharper architectural lines while bringing more comfort into the space. Rich stone textures and warm upholstery also connect the breakfast area visually to the rest of the home.
A Moody Navy Kitchen With Strong Contrast
The kitchen carries the apartment’s White Oak and blackened steel palette into a more dramatic setting. Cabinets painted in Blue Note by Benjamin Moore contrast against bright Pental Quartz Concerto countertops and handmade indigo Zellige tiles.
Small layout changes improved functionality while helping the kitchen feel more discreet from the surrounding living spaces. Steel and glass cabinetry, along with pendant lighting above the island, add another layer of texture and contrast.
Casual Seating Designed for Comfort
Soft textures and warm tones were used throughout the apartment to make the large loft feel more inviting for family living. Linen, leather, oak, and textured rugs all help soften the cleaner architectural finishes.
The casual seating areas feel relaxed without losing the apartment’s refined aesthetic. Layered materials and muted colors create spaces that are comfortable for both entertaining and everyday use.
A Flexible Home Office Hidden Within the Loft
The home office forms part of a multi-functional den that can also operate as a TV room and guest space. Walls and ceilings painted in Silver Satin by Benjamin Moore create a lighter atmosphere, while vintage furniture adds character. A Tulip Chair by Preben Fabricius and Jørgen Kastholm pairs with a custom glass-top desk designed by MK Workshop.
A Warm and Textured Primary Bedroom
The primary bedroom continues the apartment’s layered material palette with soft finishes and vintage furnishings. A custom South African mohair rug by MK Workshop anchors the room, while a chandelier from Juniper introduces sculptural lighting overhead.
Vintage pieces, including a Travertine table and a reupholstered Wave Chaise Lounge, bring personality into the space. Natural light highlights the textures and softer tones used throughout the bedroom.
A Guest Bedroom With a Hidden Surprise
The guest bedroom features a hideaway bed concealed behind rift-sawn White Oak paneling. The wall folds downward to reveal the hidden mattress, allowing the room to shift easily between guest space and everyday use.
A framed artwork by Frederic Choisel doubles as the hidden handle mechanism for the fold-down wall. Grasscloth wallpaper by Holly Hunt and a custom rug by MK Workshop add warmth and texture throughout the room.
A Dramatic Guest Bathroom
The guest bathroom introduces darker materials and a moodier atmosphere through blackened steel shower doors and ribbed glass detailing. Venetian plaster walls and ceilings in a custom color add depth and texture to the compact space.
The combination of steel, plaster, and soft lighting creates a bathroom that feels modern and refined. Even in a smaller room, the apartment maintains the same focus on craftsmanship and material richness.
This New York loft renovation shows how texture, materials, and custom detailing can completely transform an uninspiring apartment. Through White Oak millwork, layered finishes, and integrated storage, the home now feels far more inviting and personal.