West Village Pied-à-Terre Renovation
550 Sq. Ft. Apartment | West Village, NYC
Our client approached us with a unique vision: to transform a timeworn, 550-square-foot apartment in a historic West Village walk-up into a charming pied-à-terre reminiscent of Montmartre, Paris. The apartment hadn’t been renovated in nearly two decades, yet the client was steadfast about preserving its original architectural character—moldings, trim, and historic quirks included. The space needed to be fully turnkey and elegantly furnished, whether for personal use or as a high-end short-term vacation rental.
The scope of the project called for thoughtful creativity over structural overhaul. We were asked to retain the existing floor plan but dramatically enhance functionality, flow, and style—economically and on a tight timeline. Working alongside Raven Builds of New York, we successfully brought the design to life on budget and ahead of schedule.
Kitchen Transformation
The original kitchen was dominated by a clunky peninsula and an outdated washing machine. We removed both, reclaiming the heart of the home. In their place, we installed a louvered closet that discreetly houses a full-size washer/dryer combo, supplemental hanger storage, a fold-out drying rack, and ample storage for cleaning essentials. We retained the existing range and dishwasher, integrating them seamlessly with a new turquoise SMEG refrigerator and a bold Cuban concrete tile backsplash. Antique brass shelf brackets, a farmhouse sink, and warm marble accents added a timeless and eclectic boho charm. A prefabricated island now offers added storage and casual seating, making the kitchen more social and functional.
Bathroom & Architectural Enhancements
An untended water leak before the renovation necessitated us completely stripping the bathroom walls down to the old lath and framing, but this extensive work had an upside: we were able to optimize every square inch of the space and squeeze in a compact vanity cabinet for storage. The bathroom entrance was also widened by converting the door to a pocket style, improving spatial flow and allowing for much-needed wall space for towel hooks. A graphic yet monochromatic wallcovering creates a focal point without overwhelming the small room. Throughout the apartment, we feathered in new boards to seamlessly patch the existing wood floors, replicated the style from the original wall trim for the new reverse-crown molding, repaired cracked ceilings and walls with skim coating, and upgraded to a sleek, efficient wall AC unit.
Living & Sleeping Areas
In the bedroom, original built-ins were refreshed with new hardware and topped with elegant marble remnants. The window hardware was mounted higher on the wall to elongate the windows and introduce a subtle Parisian elegance. A plush, stylish sleeper sofa in the living area provides extra accommodation for guests without sacrificing comfort or aesthetics.
Every detail—down to the final accessory—was curated to celebrate the apartment’s historic charm while infusing it with European flair and modern convenience. The result is a cozy, elegant retreat that feels timeless, turnkey, and entirely transportive.
