{"id":274355,"date":"2026-06-22T19:43:19","date_gmt":"2026-06-22T19:43:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/274355\/"},"modified":"2026-06-22T19:43:19","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T19:43:19","slug":"a-prewar-apartment-on-new-york-citys-upper-east-side-gets-a-colorful-modern-refresh","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/274355\/","title":{"rendered":"A Prewar Apartment on New York City\u2019s Upper East Side Gets a Colorful, Modern Refresh"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Estimated6 min read<\/p>\n

Strolling down the avenues on Manhattan\u2019s Upper East Side, architecture and design lovers are liable to lapse into a reverie, gazing up at the buildings and the jewel box residences that comprise them, towering just overhead. In the case of this late-1920s apartment project by designers Alexander D. Wilson<\/a> and Ashley Whittaker<\/a>, it would take a full-on renovation to achieve their daydream-worthy vision for a young family of four.<\/p>\n

The brief was to refresh the space for modern living while maintaining the classic feel of a prewar apartment\u2014and in true NYC fashion, time was of the essence. \u201cThe clients had to be moved out of their previous apartment by a specific date, so we were truly working against the clock,\u201d says Wilson. \u201cPlus, there were a few design hurdles along the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Limited square footage was a persistent bugbear that required inventive solutions. The design team contended with finding the right dining set for a compact entertaining area, a primary bedroom with no closet space, and a \u201cfrighteningly\u201d small service elevator that made furniture deliveries harrowing.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I recall correctly, more than one of our sofas was broken on site and reassembled by The Sofa Doctor,\u201d Wilson muses, referring to a local furniture-cutting service.<\/p>\n

Updating an Upper East Side prewar apartment to be fresh and colorful while maintaining the historic integrity of the building is a true accomplishment.<\/p>\n

Thankfully, once the seating was rejoined, the layout reconfigured, and the decades-old paint stripped (revealing layers of original wallpaper underneath), the soul of the home began to shine through. Now clad in beautiful new wallcoverings, soothing colors, and striking yet inviting silhouettes, the space is a modern, family-friendly homage to classic design.<\/p>\n

\u201cAchieving the clients\u2019 directive of updating an Upper East Side, prewar apartment to be fresh and colorful while maintaining the historic integrity of the building is a true accomplishment,\u201d says Wilson.<\/p>\n

FAST FACTS<\/p>\n

Designers: Alexander D. Wilson<\/a> and Ashley Whittaker<\/a><\/p>\n

Location: Manhattan, New York<\/p>\n

The Space: A three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom apartment.<\/p>\n

GALLERY HALLWAYAn airy transitional space designed to be lingered in, not rushed through.\"ElegantMax Burkhalter<\/p>\n

Wallcovering: Iksel Decorative Arts. Sconces: Hudson Valley Lighting. Console: Meg Braff Designs. Lamps: Christopher Spitzmiller. Pendant light: Visual Comfort & Co. Chik blind: Hartmann & Forbes. Drapery: custom, in Dolly Fabrics with Samuel & Sons trim. Door paint: Rifle Green, Fine Paints of Europe.<\/p>\n

The gallery functions as a transitional passage between this family home\u2019s private and social spheres, though the verdant, multitextural design details integrated throughout invite occupants to casually linger and look around, rather than breeze through.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe scenic wallcovering from Iksel brings the outdoors into the apartment, which is crucial during New York\u2019s long winter months,\u201d says Wilson. Adding to the atmosphere is the long window bench, which cleverly hides the radiator and AC in its base.<\/p>\n

DINING ROOMIn this former library, old-world details meet modern form.\"ElegantMax Burkhalter<\/p>\n

Trim paint: Dragonfly, Fine Paints of Europe. Rug: Patterson Flynn. Pendant: Vaughan. Dining table: Meg Braff Designs. Dining chairs: Olivya Stone. Picture lights: Circa Lighting.<\/p>\n

Previously the home\u2019s library, the dining room is a master class in contrast. Traditional, modern, and contemporary motifs commingle around the table, outfitted with mid-century-inspired chairs. Twin built-ins, lined with Indian Kalamkari-style fabric, retain the literary atmosphere of the room\u2019s previous purpose. \u201cDespite this space being designed as a dining room, we kept the bookcases as they are original to the apartment and provided architectural interest,\u201d notes Wilson.<\/p>\n

LIVING ROOMThere\u2019s plenty of room for everyone in this soft pastel social space.\"LivingMax Burkhalter<\/p>\n

Wallcovering: Gracie. Rug: L&M Carpets. Striped sofa: O\u2019Henry House.<\/p>\n

\"ElegantMax Burkhalter<\/p>\n

Tan chairs: custom, in Dedar fabric. Coffee table: The Lacquer Company. Roman shades: Blinds.com. Drapery: custom, in Cowtan & Tout fabric with Schumacher trim.<\/p>\n

No matter what social occasion the family is hosting, the living room provides ample options for accommodating them. \u201cI find that the most successful and most used rooms are those that have multiple seating groups, which we achieved by creating distinct zones,\u201d says Wilson, who attests that the room can comfortably host anywhere from four to 15 people at once.<\/p>\n

Once again proving that opposites attract, the soft lavender wallcovering and traditional curtain fabric find a bit of edge, thanks to the large-scale geometric area rug and the convex mirror gleaming over the fireplace mantel.<\/p>\n

FAMILY ROOMA dynamic gathering area with a window to a more intimate nook.\"CozyMax Burkhalter<\/p>\n

Wallpaper: Nobilis. Trim paint: Salon Drab, Farrow & Ball. Coffee table: Two World Arts Group. Side table: Blu Dot. Table: Whittaker + Wilson. Pendant light: Hudson Valley Lighting Group. Roman shade: Muriel Brandolini. Rug: L&M Carpets.<\/p>\n

The family\u2019s main living area is located right off the kitchen, offering plenty of space for a group to circle the TV. Further back, a sunny alcove houses a small dining nook for a more intimate vibe.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe wood-grain wallpaper is one of my favorites, because it lends a subtle texture and pattern to a space and makes room for bolder colors and patterns,\u201d Wilson notes. \u201cIf you look closely, you\u2019ll notice that we switched the direction of the graining in the nook for more visual interest.\u201d<\/p>\n

KITCHENVibrant blue flooring gives this classic galley kitchen a design-forward edge.\"ModernMax Burkhalter<\/p>\n

Cabinet paint: Seapearl, Benjamin Moore. Roman shades: custom, in China Seas fabric. Cabinet hardware: Rejuvenation.<\/p>\n

\"HomeMax Burkhalter<\/p>\n

Shelving: custom, by Studio NDA. Countertop material: Ranieri Lava Stone. Flooring: Forbo Flooring Systems.<\/p>\n

This galley-style kitchen is a standard layout for NYC apartments, although Wilson says they were lucky to \u201cinherit\u201d a sizable space and a footprint that already worked. Unfortunately, the engineered hardwood flooring that came with the place had to go\u2014they landed on marmoleum as the perfect update.<\/p>\n

\u201cMarmoleum is a thin material made out of linoleum, but with a marbled design in a plethora of fun colors,\u201d Wilson explained. \u201cThis allowed us to keep the timeline and budget on track, while incorporating a fun element into the space.\u201d<\/p>\n

Finding subtle ways to maximize square footage and natural light without too many major alterations was another priority. For this, the designers worked with architect Nicholas Deramo of Studio NDA<\/a> on all-new, classic white cabinetry that sections the space into three distinct zones: a main kitchen, a breakfast nook, and a wet bar.<\/p>\n

Of the latter zone, Wilson says, \u201cWe used the same color paint on the cabinetry throughout the kitchen as a way to unify the spaces, but the bright green lava stone countertop makes the wet bar feel unique from the rest of the kitchen.\u201d The mirrored backsplash also pulls natural light into an otherwise shadowy corner.<\/p>\n

BREAKFAST NOOKMornings start in this casual corner, outfitted in worry-proof material.\"DiningMax Burkhalter<\/p>\n

Wall paint: Seapearl, Benjamin Moore. Table: Bauhaus 2 Your House. Dining chairs: Four Hands. Pendant: Mainly Baskets. Roman shade: custom, in China Seas fabric.<\/p>\n

For everyday breakfasts and quick coffees, this nook\u2019s corner banquette pulls its weight and then some. The team vinylized the zig-zag Soane upholstery to ensure total peace of mind in case of a stray spill, and there\u2019s even hidden functionality just within arm\u2019s reach. \u201cStudio NDA incorporated drawers in the frame of the banquette to allow for additional storage, which is always needed in New York City,\u201d says Wilson.<\/p>\n

POWDER ROOMRich tones and metallics make this half-bath a total gem.\"OrnateMax Burkhalter<\/p>\n

Wallpaper: Schumacher. Sink: Palmer Industries. Sink fixtures: Waterworks. Mirror: Carver\u2019s Guild. Sconces: Urban Electric.<\/p>\n

This powder room is a lesson in puzzle-piecing a space so that it functions and flows exactly how you want. It was carved out of the dining room and scaled down from its original full-bath size, making it more sensible for the entertaining-centric wing of the home. Wilson notes that the peacock-blue wallcovering and polished, unlacquered brass hardware add a \u201cjewel box\u201d atmosphere to this petite W.C.<\/p>\n

GIRL\u2019S ROOMHints of chartreuse make this all-pink bedroom feminine but not childish.\"TwinMax Burkhalter<\/p>\n

Wallpaper: Meg Braff Designs. Rug: Bruvkin Imports. Beds: Tudor House Furniture. Bed hangings: custom, in Galbraith & Paul and Hable Textiles fabric. Bedding: Matouk x Schumacher. Roman shades: custom, in Galbraith & Paul fabric. Sconces: Schoolhouse; Rejuvenation. Nightstand: Williams Sonoma Home. Desk: RH. Chair: Crate & Barrel Kids.<\/p>\n

For the clients\u2019 \u201cgirly girl\u201d daughter, a pink bedroom was a must-have, so the design team looked for ways to temper the sweet motif with a bit of zest.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe used a citrus motif printed fabric from Galbraith + Paul with different shades of pink, chartreuse green, and orange,\u201d Wilson says. The springy green shows up in the upholstered headboard, lampshade, and throw pillows. \u201cIt prevented the room from being one-note,\u201d Wilson adds.<\/p>\n

BOY\u2019S ROOMWith its considered design choices, this sleep space is designed to grow alongside its occupant.\"CozyMax Burkhalter<\/p>\n

Wallpaper: Phillip Jeffries. Trim paint: Van Deusen Blue, Benjamin Moore. Rug: From Jaipur With Love. Bed: LivenUpDesign, in Christopher Farr Cloth fabric. Sconce: Hudson Valley Lighting.<\/p>\n

\"CozyMax Burkhalter<\/p>\n

Desk: RH. Desk chair: Crate & Barrel Kids. Bookcase: IKEA. Pendant light: France & Son. Roman shades: custom, in Schumacher fabric.<\/p>\n

The entertaining-friendly ethos in this home extends to both kids\u2019 areas; while the daughter\u2019s room boasts two twin beds, the trundle bed in the son\u2019s sleep space can easily pull out to host a friend for an overnight jam sesh. The room\u2019s aesthetic needed only to provide a calming backdrop to his creative endeavors.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe did not want the space to feel overly decorated,\u201d notes Wilson. The linen wallcovering and navy trim allow for plenty of design flexibility and freedom as the boy grows up and his style continues to evolve.<\/p>\n

PRIMARY BEDROOMSoft, serene hues balance the bustling cityscape views.\"CozyMax Burkhalter<\/p>\n

Wallpaper: Lewis + Wood. Cabinetry paint: Swiss Coffee, Benjamin Moore. Roman shades: custom, in Holland & Sherry fabric with Samuel & Sons trim. Bed: Tudor House Furniture. Pendant: Currey & Company.<\/p>\n

With its warm morning light and dynamic views over Park Avenue, this primary bedroom didn\u2019t need a heavy hand to bring out its best qualities\u2014just a central stylistic detail.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe \u2018Tree of Life\u2019 wallcovering was our starting point and became the backdrop for all of the other elements,\u201d explains Wilson. Soft blues and creamy whites pervade, extending to the custom closets and millwork, which were also designed by Studio NDA.<\/p>\n

About the Designers<\/p>\n

Alexander D. Wilson<\/a> is a boutique interior design and decoration firm based in New York City. Since beginning his work in design a decade ago, Alex has specialized in sophisticated and comfortable spaces that are characterized by an adept use of color, pattern, and references to the past. Each interior project is infused with a keen attention to modern sensibilities. Originally from North Carolina, Alex studied Historic Preservation & Community Planning at the College of Charleston in South Carolina and completed graduate programs at Parsons School of Design and the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts\u2019 Summer Institute.<\/p>\n

Ashley Whittaker<\/a> is a New York City decorator with a distinctly classic taste, characterized by tailored rooms that incorporate charming detail and engaging play on color and pattern. A Florida native, Ashley received her bachelor\u2019s degree from St. Lawrence University, and she credits her training in the design industry to legendary decorator Markham Roberts.<\/p>\n

Follow House Beautiful on Instagram<\/a> and TikTok<\/a>.<\/p>\n