This 500-Sq.-Foot Manhattan Condominium Has a Small But Splashy Kitchen

In a small house, each sq. foot counts. When Fanny Abbes, the artistic director of the New Design Venture signed on to assist a thirtysomething nurse rework her dwelling, she knew there have been solely 500 of them to contemplate. It was tight—actually tight—and the constructing additionally got here with the added problem of being a historic landmark. 

“The residence is situated in Manhattan’s Higher East Facet, on a village-esque block,” Fanny says. “I used to be drawn to this challenge as a result of it’s in a phenomenal constructing, stuffed with beautiful interval options.”

Except for its covetable wooden flooring and enormous home windows, the five hundred sq. ft that made up this clean canvas had clearly mattered through the years, just because it was worn down. There was a tarnished chandelier and stains on the partitions, alongside toilet {hardware} caked in limescale and grout that hadn’t been a uniform shade of white in a while. However, the proprietor and Fanny acknowledged potential: It was only a matter of highlighting the previous in a method that didn’t showcase how laborious each sq. inch had already labored. 

“I needed to create a contemporary Scandinavian retreat that will not be afraid of colours,” Fanny continues. “It could supply a sanctuary and [happiness] after coming dwelling from a quite worrying job.”

On the identical time, Fanny hoped to protect as a lot as she may, folding these long-held particulars into this recent perspective. Throughout development, for example, a wall was opened within the dwelling space that exposed a brick wall and steel framing in good situation. She determined to embrace this chance as essentially the most eye-catching facet of the room, however painted them in a impartial shade in order that they might nonetheless mix in. The lavatory was up to date with a classic sink and colourful tub tiles, with the intention to combine new in with the outdated and drained fixtures.