Christeleny’s Stunning Pre-War Rehab

updated May 4, 2019
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(Image credit: Submitted by Christeleny)

Name: Christeleny
Location: Upper East Side — New York, New York

I bought my 1000 square feet, two bedroom, two bathroom apartment in 2010. The previous owner had lived there for decades and it was quite literally falling apart. It’s in a great pre-war building with an interesting history so I was sure I could make it into something wonderful! Because I had to bring everything up to code the entire apartment had to be gutted. Between the co-op board, the NYC board of buildings etc. it was a painfully long process (4 years) but it turned out better than I imagined.

(Image credit: Submitted by Christeleny)

Biggest Challenge: The kitchen. I love to cook and the “before” kitchen was basically a rabbit warren. I was able to fit a full size refrigerator, stove, dishwasher and washer/dryer in 80 square feet. I also tripled the counter space while maintaining the storage using open shelving.

(Image credit: Submitted by Christeleny)

Finishes and features include:

  • Walnut flooring throughout
  • Marble basketweave in bathrooms
  • Nickel fixtures in bathrooms and kitchen
  • Limestone kitchen countertop
  • Open shelving in kitchen
  • Coffered ceiling in living room
  • Folding french doors
  • Wood burning fireplace
(Image credit: Submitted by Christeleny)

Favorite Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Soot in the 2nd bedroom/office is EVERYTHING

(Image credit: Submitted by Christeleny)

Favorite Belongings: A copper whale that hangs in my kitchen, and all of the artwork in the apartment that my mom painted for me

The entire design of the apartment (layout, finishes, furniture, etc) is my own. I used Apartment Therapy as a reference at every turn and was so grateful for the knowledge and community that you’ve built.

Thanks, Christeleny!

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